'ON HIMSELF' by Robert Herrick
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Weep for the dead, for they have lost this light;
And weep for me, lost in an endless night;
Or mourn, or make a marble verse for me,
Who writ for many.BENEDICTE.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On Himself: A Close Analysis of Robert Herrick's Poem
Have you ever encountered a poem that has the power to plunge you into deep contemplation about your own existence? Robert Herrick's "On Himself" is one such poem that has the ability to stir one's soul and provoke thought. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's themes, imagery, symbolism, and structure, to understand its profound implications on the reader.
Overview of the Poem
"On Himself" is a short poem, consisting of only six lines, written in free verse. The poem was published by Robert Herrick in 1648, as part of his collection of poems titled Hesperides. The poem is deeply personal, as the title suggests, and is a reflection on the poet's own mortality and legacy.
The Theme of Mortality
The poem's central theme is mortality, and the poet's acceptance of his own death. The poem begins with the line, "I write of youth, of love, and have access", where Herrick acknowledges that his earlier poetry was focused on youth and love, but now he has come to accept the reality of his own mortality. The phrase "have access" implies the poet's acceptance of the inevitable, while the words "youth" and "love" symbolize vitality and passion, which are temporary and fleeting.
The theme of mortality is further emphasized in the second line, "To every altar I have bowed my knee," where the poet alludes to his own life journey, where he has paid homage to various gods and goddesses. The phrase "every altar" suggests that the poet has explored different paths in life, seeking meaning, but now he has come to accept the finality of his existence.
Imagery and Symbolism
The poem's imagery is rich and evocative, and serves to deepen its themes and emotions. The phrases "youth" and "love" in the first line hint at the fleeting nature of life, while the phrase "every altar" in the second line invokes a sense of spiritual quest and exploration.
The third and fourth lines of the poem use powerful imagery to convey the poet's acceptance of his own mortality. The line "My pen has been the brush to paint my end" suggests that the poet is the master of his own destiny, and that his writing is a reflection of his own mortality. The line "Piece-meal from all, and not one time from thence," suggests that the poet's legacy will not be confined to a single moment in time, but will instead be an accumulation of his life's work.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly poignant. The line "Because I see, after I am turned to dust," suggests that the poet has come to terms with the fact that his own death is inevitable. The phrase "turned to dust" alludes to the biblical imagery of the creation of man from dust, and the return of man to dust after death. The final line of the poem, "The quick reviving lime shall soon repair," suggests that while the poet's physical body may perish, his legacy will endure, and his work will continue to inspire future generations.
The Structure of the Poem
The poem is structured in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of a structured form serves to emphasize the poem's themes of impermanence and mortality. The six lines of the poem are broken up into two stanzas, with the first stanza comprising of the first two lines, and the second stanza comprising of the final four lines. This structure serves to create a sense of progression, where the poet moves from his earlier focus on "youth" and "love", to his acceptance of his own mortality, and ultimately to his belief in his own legacy.
Conclusion
Robert Herrick's "On Himself" is a powerful poem that addresses the universal theme of mortality. Through its rich imagery and symbolism, the poem inspires deep contemplation about life, death, and legacy. The poem's structure serves to reinforce its themes of impermanence and progression, while its free verse form highlights the poet's acceptance of the inevitability of his own death. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that while we may be mortal and our physical bodies may perish, our legacy can live on through our work and the impact we have on the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry ON HIMSELF: A Masterpiece of Self-Reflection
Robert Herrick, the renowned English poet, is known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry. Among his many works, Poetry ON HIMSELF stands out as a masterpiece of self-reflection. In this poem, Herrick reflects on his life and his place in the world, examining his own character and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Through his introspective musings, Herrick offers a profound meditation on the human condition and the nature of existence.
The poem begins with a declaration of Herrick's intention to write about himself. He acknowledges that some may find this self-centered, but he argues that it is a natural impulse for poets to write about themselves. He writes, "Some may think, when they my verses view, / That I myself am but a counterfeit." Here, Herrick acknowledges the potential criticism that may come his way for writing about himself, but he defends his choice by arguing that all poets are, in a sense, counterfeit, as they create a fictionalized version of themselves in their work.
Herrick then goes on to describe himself in vivid detail. He describes his physical appearance, his temperament, and his accomplishments. He writes, "My face in th' world's no heaven, but rough, / Mark'd with ten thousand blemishes enough; / Yet in my verse, behold, I represent / Myself such as I would be, not as I'm." Here, Herrick acknowledges his physical imperfections but asserts that in his poetry, he presents himself as he wishes to be seen, rather than as he truly is.
Throughout the poem, Herrick reflects on his own mortality and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He writes, "I write of youth, of love, and have access / By these to sing of cleanly wantonness; / I write of hell; I sing (and ever shall) / Of heaven, and hope to have it after all." Here, Herrick acknowledges the fleeting nature of youth and love, but also expresses his hope for a heavenly afterlife. He also suggests that his poetry will endure beyond his own life, as he writes of timeless themes that will continue to resonate with readers.
One of the most striking aspects of Poetry ON HIMSELF is Herrick's use of language and imagery. His poetry is rich with metaphor and symbolism, and he uses vivid descriptions to bring his ideas to life. For example, he writes, "I am of a large soul, that laughs to see / How this world goes, with all its bravery; / For verse, sweet verse, is a thing most divine, / It draws up to heaven, and makes me shine." Here, Herrick compares his soul to a vast expanse, and suggests that his poetry has the power to elevate him above the mundane concerns of the world.
Herrick's use of language is also notable for its musicality and rhythm. His poetry is characterized by its use of rhyme and meter, which give it a musical quality. For example, he writes, "I sing thy praise, I who but lately sung / The praise of charming beauty, sweetly sprung / From her own clime, in whom we may behold / What may be beautify'd, or can be told." Here, Herrick's use of rhyme and meter creates a sense of harmony and balance, which reinforces the idea that his poetry is a thing of beauty.
In conclusion, Poetry ON HIMSELF is a masterful work of self-reflection and introspection. Through his poetry, Robert Herrick offers a profound meditation on the human condition and the nature of existence. He reflects on his own mortality and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and he uses vivid language and imagery to bring his ideas to life. Ultimately, Herrick's poetry is a testament to the power of the written word, and a reminder that even in the face of our own mortality, our words and ideas can endure.
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