'UPON HIMSELF' by Robert Herrick
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Thou shalt not all die; for while Love's fire shines
Upon his altar, men shall read thy lines;
And learn'd musicians shall, to honour Herrick's
Fame, and his name, both set and sing his lyrics.
To his book's end this last line he'd have placed:--
Jocund his Muse was, but his Life was chaste.
Editor 1 Interpretation
UPON HIMSELF - A Critical Analysis
Introduction
Poetry is an art that has been used to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas for centuries. Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, is known for his love poems and his ability to write about everyday life. "Upon Himself," one of his most famous poems, is a short and sweet representation of his life and work. In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem and interpret its meaning.
Background
Robert Herrick was born in London in 1591 and lived until 1674. During his lifetime, he published several collections of poems, most notably "Hesperides" and "Noble Numbers." He was a clergyman in the Church of England and spent most of his life in Devonshire. His poems are known for their simplicity, wit, and eroticism.
Analysis
"Upon Himself" is a short poem of eight lines, each of which is composed of two rhyming couplets. The poem is autobiographical in nature, as Herrick reflects on his life and his work as a poet.
The first couplet reads:
Herrick's my name
And to my pen the same.
Here, Herrick introduces himself and his poetic voice. The use of the word "pen" suggests that his pen is an extension of himself, and that he is defined by his writing.
The second couplet reads:
Sexton of this parish here,
And to all the world, a cheer.
In this couplet, Herrick describes his occupation as a sexton, or a person who looks after a church and its grounds. The second line, "And to all the world, a cheer," suggests that he is well-liked and that his poetry brings joy to people.
The third couplet reads:
While thou on pinions free,
Uncurst dost soar, I sing of thee.
Here, Herrick acknowledges that his poetry is inferior to the subject of his poetry, which he describes as "thou on pinions free," or something that is able to fly freely. He sings of this subject, but he himself is grounded.
The final couplet reads:
Poet am I none, but such
As my comely Muse is much.
In this couplet, Herrick admits that he is not a great poet, but that his Muse, or inspiration, is beautiful and worthy of praise.
Interpretation
"Upon Himself" is a poem about self-reflection and humility. Herrick describes himself as a simple man, a sexton, whose poetry is not the subject of his poetry. He acknowledges his limitations as a poet but celebrates his inspiration, which he describes as beautiful.
The poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the role of the poet in society. Herrick suggests that his poetry is not meant to elevate himself but rather to celebrate the beauty of the world around him. He is a humble observer of the world and his role as a poet is to share what he has seen with his readers.
The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the limits of human knowledge and understanding. Herrick describes the subject of his poetry as something that is able to fly freely, suggesting that there are things in the world that are beyond our grasp. His poetry is an attempt to capture the beauty of these things, but he admits that his words fall short.
Conclusion
"Upon Himself" is a short and simple poem that reflects on the role of the poet in society and the limits of human knowledge. Herrick celebrates his inspiration and acknowledges his limitations as a poet. The poem is a reminder that poetry is not just about the poet but about the world around us, and that sometimes the most beautiful things are beyond our understanding.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Upon Himself: A Masterpiece of Self-Reflection by Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick, a renowned English poet of the 17th century, is known for his lyrical and romantic poetry. His works are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and emotional depth. Among his many poems, "Upon Himself" stands out as a masterpiece of self-reflection and introspection. In this 16-line poem, Herrick explores his own identity, mortality, and legacy, creating a powerful and timeless piece of literature.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing himself in the second person, as if he is talking to his own reflection in a mirror. He asks himself, "What shall I do to be forever known, / And make the age to come my own?" This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is clearly concerned with his own legacy and how he will be remembered after he is gone. This theme of mortality and the desire for immortality is a common one in Herrick's poetry, and it is particularly poignant in "Upon Himself."
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, as the speaker asks himself, "Shall I, like Curtius,^1^ throw myself away, / To raise my country? No, wise friend, you say." Here, the speaker is referencing the Roman legend of Curtius, who sacrificed himself by riding his horse into a chasm to save his city. The speaker is considering whether he should make a similar sacrifice for the greater good, but he ultimately decides against it, as his "wise friend" advises him to do. This decision shows that the speaker values his own life and legacy above any potential heroism or self-sacrifice.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker asks himself, "What then remains, but that I still should cry / For all my fame, 'tis vanity?" Here, the speaker is acknowledging the futility of his desire for immortality and recognition. He realizes that even if he achieves great fame and success, it will ultimately be meaningless in the grand scheme of things. This realization is a powerful one, as it shows the speaker's humility and self-awareness.
The final stanza of the poem brings the theme of mortality full circle, as the speaker asks himself, "All my ambition is but to extend / My fleeting days in some laborious end." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that his time on earth is limited, and that he wants to make the most of it by working hard and leaving a lasting legacy. This desire for productivity and accomplishment is a common one in Herrick's poetry, and it is particularly poignant in "Upon Himself."
Overall, "Upon Himself" is a powerful and introspective poem that explores themes of mortality, legacy, and self-reflection. Through his use of simple language and elegant imagery, Herrick creates a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human condition. The poem's message is clear: we should strive to make the most of our time on earth, but we should also be humble and aware of our own mortality. In this way, "Upon Himself" is a masterpiece of English poetry, and a testament to Herrick's skill as a writer.
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