'HIS RETURN TO LONDON' by Robert Herrick
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From the dull confines of the drooping west,
To see the day spring from the pregnant east,
Ravish'd in spirit, I come, nay more, I fly
To thee, blest place of my nativity!
Thus, thus with hallow'd foot I touch the ground,
With thousand blessings by thy fortune crown'd.
O fruitful Genius!that bestowest here
An everlasting plenty year by year;
O place!O people!manners!framed to please
All nations, customs, kindreds, languages!
I am a free-born Roman; suffer then
That I amongst you live a citizen.
London my home is; though by hard fate sent
Into a long and irksome banishment;
Yet since call'd back, henceforward let me be,
O native country, repossess'd by thee!
For, rather than I'll to the west return,
I'll beg of thee first here to have mine urn.
Weak I am grown, and must in short time fall;
Give thou my sacred reliques burial.
Editor 1 Interpretation
HIS RETURN TO LONDON: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a delight it is to dive deep into the world of Robert Herrick's poetry! The sun-kissed rhymes and lyrical lines that flow seamlessly from his pen transport us to a whimsical world, rich with love, nature, and spirituality. And speaking of Herrick's poetry, one cannot help but swoon over his poem, "His Return to London." Let's take a closer look at this classic piece of literature and dissect its every inch.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a quick look at the context and background of the poem. "His Return to London" was written by Robert Herrick in the seventeenth century, during a time when the English society was undergoing significant changes. The poem was part of Herrick's collection, Hesperides, which was published in 1648. The collection contained over 1200 poems, making it one of the largest collections of poetry in the seventeenth century. "His Return to London" was among the few poems in the collection that are more personal in nature.
Form and Structure
The poem follows a relatively simple structure, with three stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. This simple structure allows the poem to flow smoothly, adding to the overall whimsical and light-hearted tone.
Interpretation
Now that we have an understanding of the poem's background and structure, let's dive into the interpretation of "His Return to London." The poem begins with the speaker expressing his joy and excitement at returning to his beloved city, London. The speaker describes how the countryside was lovely, but there is nothing quite like the bustling city. He describes the city as a place where he can find comfort and familiarity, where he can be himself.
But the joy of returning to London is not just about the speaker's personal feelings. The poem also touches upon the larger societal changes happening during the seventeenth century. The city of London was undergoing significant changes during this time, with urbanization and industrialization taking place. The poem can be seen as a celebration of these changes as well, as the speaker is excited to be part of this evolving city.
The second stanza of the poem is where we see the speaker's appreciation for the city of London. He describes how the city is full of life, with its bustling streets and diverse people. He also mentions how the city is home to many artists, writers, and musicians, who inspire him with their creativity. This stanza is a great example of Herrick's skillful use of imagery. He paints a vivid picture of the city, making the reader feel like they are walking alongside the speaker in the busy streets of London.
The final stanza of the poem is where we see the speaker's gratitude towards the city. He thanks the city for being such a welcoming and comforting place, where he can find solace from the chaos of life. He also mentions how the city has been a source of inspiration for him, helping him grow and evolve as a person.
Themes
There are several themes present in "His Return to London." One of the most prominent themes is the idea of home. The speaker sees London as his home, a place where he can truly be himself. This theme is especially prominent in the final stanza, where the speaker expresses his gratitude towards the city for being such a welcoming and comforting place.
Another theme present in the poem is the idea of change. The poem can be seen as a celebration of the changes happening in London during the seventeenth century. The speaker is excited to be part of this evolving city and appreciates the diversity and creativity that comes with it.
Finally, the poem also touches upon the theme of inspiration. The speaker is inspired by the city of London and the people who inhabit it. This theme is especially prominent in the second stanza, where the speaker mentions the artists, writers, and musicians who inspire him with their creativity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "His Return to London" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the city of London and the changes happening during the seventeenth century. Herrick's skillful use of imagery and simple structure make the poem enjoyable to read, while the themes of home, change, and inspiration make it a thought-provoking piece of literature. It's no wonder that this poem has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Herrick's "His Return to London" is a classic poem that captures the essence of the city of London in the 17th century. The poem is a celebration of the city's vibrancy, its people, and its culture. Herrick's use of vivid imagery and poetic devices such as alliteration, personification, and metaphor, make this poem a masterpiece of English literature.
The poem begins with the speaker's arrival in London after a long absence. He is immediately struck by the city's energy and vitality. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:
"From the dull confines of the drooping west, To see the day spring from the pregnant east, Ravish'd in spirit, I come, nay more, I fly To thee, blest place of my nativity!"
The speaker's excitement is palpable as he describes his journey from the west to the east, where the sun rises. He is "ravished in spirit" and cannot wait to be reunited with his beloved city.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the sights and sounds of London. He marvels at the "stately structures" and "proud towers" that dominate the skyline. He is also struck by the "multitude of people" who throng the streets, each with their own story to tell.
Herrick's use of alliteration in these lines ("stately structures," "proud towers," "multitude of people") adds to the poem's musicality and helps to create a sense of excitement and energy.
The speaker's love for London is evident in every line of the poem. He describes the city as a place of "pleasure, mirth, and wit," where "every street and market-place is full." He revels in the city's diversity, noting that "here's all the world in one city's breast."
Herrick's use of personification in these lines ("every street and market-place is full") helps to bring the city to life and make it seem like a living, breathing entity.
The poem also contains several metaphors that help to convey the speaker's feelings about London. For example, he describes the city as a "fair mother" who welcomes her children back with open arms. He also compares London to a "great sea" that is constantly in motion.
These metaphors help to create a sense of warmth and familiarity, as if the speaker is returning to a place that he knows intimately.
As the poem draws to a close, the speaker reflects on the many pleasures that London has to offer. He notes that there are "plays, masks, feasts, and revels" to be enjoyed, as well as "all sorts of music." He also mentions the city's famous "ordinaries," or public eating houses, where one can enjoy a good meal and lively conversation.
The poem ends with a final burst of enthusiasm as the speaker declares that London is "the only place beneath the heaven's high cope, where all the bliss and beauty doth abide." This final line is a testament to the speaker's love for the city and his belief that it is truly a special place.
In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "His Return to London" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of the city in the 17th century. Through his use of vivid imagery, alliteration, personification, and metaphor, Herrick brings the city to life and conveys the speaker's deep love for it. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of London and its ability to captivate and inspire people from all walks of life.
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