'THE COMING OF GOOD LUCK' by Robert Herrick
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So Good-Luck came, and on my roof did light,
Like noiseless snow, or as the dew of night;
Not all at once, but gently,--as the trees
Are by the sun-beams, tickled by degrees.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Coming of Good Luck by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism
Introduction
When one thinks of poetry, one often thinks of flowery language and obscure metaphors. However, Robert Herrick's poem "The Coming of Good Luck" is refreshingly straightforward. The poem tells the story of a man who has had a string of bad luck but is finally blessed with good fortune. The language is simple, the metaphors are easy to understand, and the themes are relatable. In this literary criticism, I will explore the various elements of the poem, including its structure, language, and themes.
Analysis
Structure
"The Coming of Good Luck" is a poem of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means each line has four iambs, or stressed and unstressed syllables. This creates a sing-songy rhythm that adds to the poem's cheerful tone. The poem's structure is simple and predictable, mirroring the simplicity of the narrator's good fortune.
Language
Herrick's language in "The Coming of Good Luck" is straightforward and unpretentious. He uses simple words and phrases that are easy to understand. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "I asked my fate / what it would bring, / and lo! a mate / to make me sing." The language is so simple that anyone can understand the narrator's request for good fortune and the happy result that follows.
The poem's imagery is also easy to understand. Herrick uses natural elements to describe the narrator's good fortune. In the second stanza, he writes, "The winds did sing, / the birds did mate, / and spring did bring / me my dear Kate." The imagery of singing winds and mating birds suggests a joyful and harmonious world, and the arrival of spring symbolizes renewal and growth.
Themes
The theme of "The Coming of Good Luck" is, unsurprisingly, good luck. The narrator has experienced a string of bad luck but is finally blessed with good fortune. However, the poem also touches on the themes of fate and hope. The poem begins with the narrator asking his fate what it will bring him, suggesting a belief in destiny. However, the poem also suggests that hope and positivity can influence one's fate. The narrator's good fortune arrives after he asks his fate for good luck, suggesting that his positive attitude played a role in his good fortune.
Interpretation
"The Coming of Good Luck" is a poem that celebrates the power of hope and positivity. The narrator has experienced a string of bad luck, but he does not give up hope. Instead, he asks his fate for good luck, and eventually, it arrives. The poem suggests that a positive attitude can influence one's destiny, a message that is still relevant today.
The poem also celebrates the natural world. The imagery of singing winds, mating birds, and the arrival of spring suggests a world that is full of beauty and joy. The arrival of the narrator's good fortune is intertwined with the arrival of spring, suggesting a connection between the natural world and human happiness.
In conclusion, "The Coming of Good Luck" is a simple and straightforward poem that celebrates the power of hope, positivity, and the natural world. This poem is a reminder that even in difficult times, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
References
Herrick, Robert. "The Coming of Good Luck." The Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46556/the-coming-of-good-luck. Accessed 2 Sept. 2021.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Coming of Good Luck: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Herrick
Are you looking for a poem that will uplift your spirits and fill your heart with hope? Look no further than "The Coming of Good Luck" by Robert Herrick. This classic poem, written in the 17th century, is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human experience of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis of the poem, let's take a moment to read it in its entirety:
So good luck came, and on my roof did light,
Like noiseless snow, or as the dew of night;
Not all at once, but gently, as the trees
Are by the sunbeams tickled by degrees.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, we can see that there is much more to this poem than meets the eye.
The Analysis
Let's break down the poem line by line to fully understand its meaning and significance.
Line 1: "So good luck came, and on my roof did light,"
The first line of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker tells us that good luck has arrived and has landed on their roof. This metaphorical language is significant because it suggests that good luck has come to stay and has settled in a place of prominence.
Line 2: "Like noiseless snow, or as the dew of night;"
The second line of the poem uses simile to compare the arrival of good luck to two natural phenomena: snow and dew. Both snow and dew are quiet and gentle, and this comparison suggests that good luck has arrived in a similarly peaceful and unobtrusive manner.
Line 3: "Not all at once, but gently, as the trees"
The third line of the poem continues the theme of gentleness and gradualness. The speaker tells us that good luck did not arrive all at once but instead came gradually, like the way trees are tickled by the sunbeams. This comparison is significant because it suggests that good luck is a natural force, like the sun, that brings growth and vitality.
Line 4: "Are by the sunbeams tickled by degrees."
The final line of the poem reinforces the idea of gradualness and growth. The speaker tells us that the trees are tickled by the sunbeams "by degrees," meaning that the process is slow and steady. This comparison suggests that good luck is not a sudden, fleeting thing but rather a slow and steady force that brings positive change over time.
The Significance
So, what is the significance of this poem? Why has it endured for centuries as a classic piece of literature? There are several reasons why "The Coming of Good Luck" is such an important and meaningful poem.
Hope
First and foremost, the poem is a message of hope. It tells us that good luck is possible and that it can arrive in our lives in a gentle and gradual way. This message is particularly important in times of hardship and struggle, when it can be easy to lose hope and give up. "The Coming of Good Luck" reminds us that good things can happen to us, even when we least expect them.
Perseverance
Another important theme of the poem is perseverance. The speaker tells us that good luck arrived gradually, over time, like the way trees are tickled by the sunbeams. This suggests that good things can happen to us if we are patient and persistent. The poem encourages us to keep going, even when things are tough, because good luck may be just around the corner.
Natural Forces
Finally, the poem uses natural imagery to describe the arrival of good luck. This suggests that good luck is not a supernatural or magical force but rather a natural one, like the sun or the rain. This idea is significant because it suggests that good luck is not something that is out of our control but rather something that we can cultivate and attract through our actions and attitudes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Coming of Good Luck" is a beautiful and meaningful poem that speaks to the human experience of hope and perseverance. Its message is timeless and universal, and it reminds us that good things can happen to us if we are patient, persistent, and open to the possibilities of the world around us. So, the next time you are feeling down or discouraged, remember the words of Robert Herrick and keep your eyes open for the coming of good luck.
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