'TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE' by Robert Herrick
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Command the roof, great Genius, and from thence
Into this house pour down thy influence,
That through each room a golden pipe may run
Of living water by thy benizon;
Fulfil the larders, and with strength'ning bread
Be ever-more these bins replenished.
Next, like a bishop consecrate my ground,
That lucky fairies here may dance their round;
And, after that, lay down some silver pence,
The master's charge and care to recompence.
Charm then the chambers; make the beds for ease,
More than for peevish pining sicknesses;
Fix the foundation fast, and let the roof
Grow old with time, but yet keep weather-proof.
Editor 1 Interpretation
TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE by Robert Herrick
As I sit down to interpret and critique Robert Herrick's classic poem, TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE, I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This poem has been studied and analyzed by countless scholars and literary enthusiasts before me, and yet, I cannot wait to add my own interpretation and understanding to its rich legacy.
Background
But before we delve into the meaning and symbolism of the poem, let us first understand its historical background and context. Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet, who lived during the reign of King Charles I. He is best known for his work, "Hesperides," which includes a collection of more than 1,400 poems.
TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE was published in 1648, towards the end of Herrick's life. It is a short but powerful poem that celebrates the spiritual and physical significance of a house to its owner.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the "Genius" of his house, which is a reference to the Roman concept of a protective spirit that guarded a household. The speaker acknowledges the power and influence that this spirit has on his life, stating that it is the "soul" of his house.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various aspects of his house that make it special and unique. He speaks of the "stately rooms" and "halls" that are adorned with "pictures" and "statues." These elaborate descriptions paint a picture of a magnificent and grand house, one that is worthy of admiration and respect.
But it is not just the physical appearance of the house that makes it special. The speaker also speaks of the "music" and "song" that fills the air, suggesting that his house is a place of joy and celebration. He even mentions the "smells" that come from the "kitchen's bounty," implying that his house is a place of abundance and generosity.
The speaker then goes on to describe the "groves" and "orchards" that surround his house, painting a picture of a peaceful and idyllic setting. He states that the "garden's store" is always "full" and that the "vineyard's cup" is never "drained." These images suggest that the speaker's house is a place of plenty and prosperity.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker acknowledges that he is aware of the fact that his house is not permanent, and that he must eventually leave it behind. He states that he will "soon" depart, and that his house will be left "desolate" and "dumb" without him.
But even as he acknowledges this fact, the speaker suggests that the spirit of his house will live on. He speaks of the "memory" of his house, which will remain long after he is gone. He suggests that his house will continue to be a place of joy and celebration, even after he has left it behind.
Interpretation
So what is the meaning of TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE? At its core, this poem is a celebration of the power and emotional significance of a home to its owner. The speaker describes his house in elaborate detail, painting a picture of a place that is not just beautiful and grand, but also a place of joy, celebration, and abundance.
But the poem is also tinged with a sense of sadness and loss. The speaker acknowledges that his time in the house is limited, and that he must eventually leave it behind. Despite this, the poem suggests that the emotional connection that the speaker has to his house will live on, even after he has departed.
There is also a spiritual element to the poem. The reference to the "Genius" of the house suggests that there is a spiritual force at work in the home, one that protects and guides its inhabitants. This spiritual element adds a deeper layer of meaning to the poem, suggesting that a home is not just a physical structure, but also a place of spiritual significance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE is a powerful and emotionally resonant poem that celebrates the power and significance of a home. Robert Herrick's vivid descriptions and rich imagery paint a picture of a place of abundance, joy, and celebration, while also acknowledging the bittersweet fact that our time in a home is limited.
As we read and interpret this classic poem, we are reminded of the power and significance of our own homes. Whether big or small, grand or humble, our homes are a reflection of who we are, and they hold a special place in our hearts and memories.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, ideas, and thoughts. It is a powerful tool that can evoke different emotions in the reader or listener. One of the most famous poems that have stood the test of time is "To the Genius of His House" by Robert Herrick. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the house that the poet lived in and the memories that he created there. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
Robert Herrick was a 17th-century poet who lived in England. He was known for his love poems and his ability to capture the beauty of nature in his writing. "To the Genius of His House" is one of his most famous poems, and it was written in 1648. The poem is a tribute to the house that Herrick lived in, and it is a celebration of the memories that he created there.
The poem begins with the lines, "Command the roof, great Genius, and from thence / Into this house pour down thy influence." These lines are an invocation to the spirit of the house, asking it to bless the home and its inhabitants. The use of the word "Genius" in the poem refers to the spirit or guardian of the house. In ancient Roman mythology, the Genius was a spirit that protected a person or a place.
Herrick then goes on to describe the beauty of the house and its surroundings. He writes, "That all may see 'tis thy peculiar right / To walk i' th' day, and in the night / Round the whole house, for here is no / Unhaunted corner." These lines suggest that the spirit of the house is present everywhere, both day and night. The use of the word "unhaunted" implies that the house is free of any negative energy or spirits.
The poet then describes the memories that he has created in the house. He writes, "Here's no toil, no noise, nor wit, nor art, / Nor aught that's mean, or haughty; / But silence, and a still retreat, / Dost dwell with innocence, and neat / And humble thoughts." These lines suggest that the house is a peaceful and quiet place, where the poet can retreat from the world and be alone with his thoughts. The use of the words "innocence" and "humble thoughts" implies that the poet has created a simple and pure life for himself in the house.
Herrick then goes on to describe the beauty of the garden that surrounds the house. He writes, "Here's no fantastic masque, nor dance, / But of our kids that frisk and prance; / Nor wars are seen, / Unless upon the green / Two harmless lambs are butting one the other." These lines suggest that the garden is a place of innocence and joy, where the poet can watch the animals play and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The poet then ends the poem with the lines, "This is not that, which thou hast read / Of Sycorax her dam, and bred / On Prospero, who imprisoned thee / In a cloven pine; / Thus, this house, and I, do pray, / Thou'lt never find such day / Or night, as we have spent, to take away / Our joys with thy sorrows." These lines suggest that the poet is asking the spirit of the house to bless the home and its inhabitants, and to never let any negative energy or spirits enter the house. The use of the reference to Sycorax and Prospero from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" implies that the poet is aware of the dangers of negative energy and spirits, and he is asking for protection from them.
In conclusion, "To the Genius of His House" is a beautiful tribute to the house that Robert Herrick lived in and the memories that he created there. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of nature, the peace and quiet of the house, and the innocence and joy of the garden. The use of the word "Genius" to refer to the spirit of the house is a powerful invocation that suggests that the poet is aware of the power of the spirit world. The poem is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and evoke emotions in readers and listeners today.
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