'TO ROBIN RED-BREAST' by Robert Herrick

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Laid out for dead, let thy last kindness be
With leaves and moss-work for to cover me;
And while the wood-nymphs my cold corpse inter,
Sing thou my dirge, sweet-warbling chorister!
For epitaph, in foliage, next write this:
HERE, HERE THE TOMB OF ROBIN HERRICK IS!

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Robin Red-Breast: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, how delightful it is to read Robert Herrick's "To Robin Red-Breast"! This poem is a gem of English literature, and it deserves every bit of attention that it has garnered over the centuries. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, motifs, tone, and structure, and how they all work together to create a memorable piece of poetry.

The Poem

Before we delve into the analysis, let us read the poem in its entirety:

Sweet Robin, 
thou art a pretty bird,
And hither hast thou flown;
But why dost thou make sad 
The room where thou art known?

For hands unseen 
do lop thy wings,
And time doth creep 
in every room;
Mines eyes are dimm'd 
by needless tears,
And I am made 
a mourner too.

And therefore, pretty Robin,
Go hence, go hence 
away;
For if I here 
should longer stay,
And see thee 
still in mourning,
I fear 
will be 
for ever 
paining.

As we can see, the poem is addressed to a robin, who has flown into the room of the speaker. The robin's presence seems to have a sad effect on the speaker, and they ask the bird why it is making the room sad. The speaker then reflects on the passing of time and how it affects everyone's lives. The poem ends with the speaker asking the bird to leave, as they fear that the sadness will become too much to bear.

Theme and Motifs

At its core, "To Robin Red-Breast" is a meditation on the transience of life and how it affects us all. The robin serves as a symbol of the passing of time, as it is a migratory bird that comes and goes with the seasons. The speaker's sadness at the robin's presence is not due to any ill will towards the bird, but rather a recognition of the fleeting nature of life.

In addition to the robin, the poem also employs other motifs that emphasize the theme of transience. The line "For hands unseen do lop thy wings" suggests that life's changes are often beyond our control, and that we must learn to accept them as they come. The phrase "time doth creep in every room" further emphasizes the slow, steady march of time that affects us all.

Tone and Structure

The tone of "To Robin Red-Breast" is melancholic, but not despairing. The speaker recognizes the sadness of life's changes, but they do not give in to hopelessness. Instead, they choose to reflect on the beauty and fragility of life, as represented by the robin.

The poem's structure is relatively simple, with four stanzas consisting of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with each stanza ending in a rhyming couplet. This structure gives the poem a musical quality that emphasizes the beauty of the language.

Interpretation

Interpreting a poem like "To Robin Red-Breast" is always somewhat subjective, as everyone brings their own experiences and perspectives to the text. However, there are a few ways that we can approach the poem that may shed light on its meaning and significance.

One way to read the poem is as a reflection on the inevitability of change and loss. The robin serves as a symbol of the passing of time, and the speaker's sadness at its presence suggests a deep understanding of the fleeting nature of life. The line "Mines eyes are dimm'd by needless tears" suggests that the speaker recognizes the futility of resisting change, and that they are mourning not just the robin's presence, but also the impermanence of all things.

Another way to interpret the poem is as a meditation on the beauty of life, even in the face of its transience. The robin is described as a "pretty bird," and the language throughout the poem is rich and musical. The fact that the speaker is able to appreciate the robin's beauty despite their sadness suggests a deep appreciation for the preciousness of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "To Robin Red-Breast" is a beautiful and moving poem that explores themes of transience, loss, and the beauty of life. Through its use of symbols, motifs, and language, the poem encourages the reader to reflect on the fleeting nature of existence and to appreciate the beauty of life even in the face of its impermanence. Reading this poem is a true pleasure, and I hope that this literary criticism and interpretation has helped you appreciate it even more.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express a wide range of emotions and ideas. One of the most famous poets of all time is Robert Herrick, who was born in 1591 and died in 1674. Herrick was known for his lyrical poetry, which was often set to music and sung by his contemporaries. One of his most famous poems is "To Robin Red-Breast," which is a beautiful and poignant ode to the little bird that is a symbol of hope and renewal.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the robin, asking him why he is so cheerful and happy. The robin is a symbol of spring and renewal, and his cheerful song is a reminder that life goes on, even in the darkest of times. The speaker marvels at the robin's ability to sing in the midst of winter, when everything else is cold and dead. He asks the robin to teach him how to be as cheerful and optimistic as he is.

The second stanza of the poem is a tribute to the robin's bravery and resilience. The speaker notes that the robin is not afraid of the cold or the snow, and he continues to sing even when the weather is at its worst. The robin is a symbol of hope and perseverance, and his song is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to keep going.

The third stanza of the poem is a tribute to the robin's beauty. The speaker notes that the robin's red breast is a symbol of love and passion, and his song is a reminder that there is beauty in the world, even in the midst of hardship and suffering. The robin's song is a reminder that life is precious, and that we should cherish every moment that we have.

The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to the robin's role as a messenger of hope. The speaker notes that the robin is a symbol of spring, and his song is a reminder that new life is always just around the corner. The robin's song is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

Overall, "To Robin Red-Breast" is a beautiful and poignant ode to the little bird that is a symbol of hope and renewal. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to keep going, and that there is beauty and hope in the world, even in the midst of hardship and suffering. Robert Herrick's lyrical poetry is a testament to the power of words to inspire and uplift, and his ode to the robin is a timeless reminder of the resilience and beauty of nature.

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