'Upon A Child' by Robert Herrick
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Here a pretty baby lies
Sung asleep with lullabies:
Pray be silent, and not stir
Th'easy earth that covers her.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Upon A Child: A Critique and Interpretation
I am absolutely thrilled to be discussing Robert Herrick's classic poem, "Upon A Child". This beautiful piece of poetry holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to dive deep into its meaning and significance.
Background and Context
Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English poet who is best known for his lyrical poetry. "Upon A Child" was published in 1648 as part of his collection, "Hesperides". This poem is essentially an elegy, a poem that mourns the loss of a loved one. In this case, the subject of the elegy is a child who has passed away.
At the time of Herrick's writing, infant mortality rates were high, and death was a common occurrence. It is likely that Herrick was familiar with the pain of losing a child since he wrote several other elegies and poems about death.
Analysis
The poem opens with a striking image of the child's body being laid to rest:
Here she lies, a pretty bud,
Lately made of flesh and blood:
Who as soon fell fast asleep,
As her little eyes did peep.
The use of the word "bud" is particularly poignant since it suggests the potential and promise of life that has been cut short. The image of the child falling asleep is a common one in elegies, as it suggests a peaceful passing.
Herrick then goes on to describe the child's physical appearance:
Give her strewings, but not stir
The earth that lightly covers her.
The use of the word "strewings" suggests that the child is being covered with flowers, a common practice in funerals. The image of the earth being lightly covered is also significant since it suggests that the child's body is delicate and fragile.
The second stanza of the poem shifts focus from the child's body to her soul:
Sweetly were those pretty years
That have flown away with tears:
Little tripping Cupid's dart
Had not given the wound a part.
The use of the word "sweetly" is ironic since it suggests that the child's life was a happy one, yet it has ended in tragedy. The mention of Cupid's dart is also significant since it suggests that the child's death was caused by love, a common motif in elegies.
The final stanza of the poem is the most emotionally impactful:
She was of this age and height,
Amaranthine flower of light:
She was, alas! too soon away,
Fair flower, that for a day was gay!
The use of the word "amarynthine" is significant since it suggests that the child was immortal or eternal, yet her life was cut short. The repetition of the word "flower" is also significant since it suggests the fleeting nature of life.
Interpretation
The poem "Upon A Child" is a powerful elegy that mourns the loss of a child. The poem is significant since it captures the pain and sorrow that accompanies the loss of a loved one, particularly a child.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the fragility and fleeting nature of life. Although the child in the poem was young, her death serves as a reminder that life can be cut short at any moment. The use of the word "amarynthine" suggests that the child's life was eternal, yet her death serves as a reminder that life is precious and should be cherished.
The poem is also significant since it captures the pain of grief. The repetition of the word "flower" suggests that the loss of the child is a wound that will never fully heal. The use of the words "tears" and "wound" also suggest the emotional pain that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Upon A Child" is a powerful elegy that captures the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one. The poem is significant since it reminds us of the fragility and fleeting nature of life. The use of imagery and repetition in the poem is particularly effective in capturing the emotional impact of grief.
Overall, I believe that "Upon A Child" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a beautiful reminder of the preciousness of life and the pain of loss.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Upon A Child: A Masterpiece by Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick, a renowned English poet, is known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry. His works are characterized by their simplicity, wit, and charm. One of his most famous poems, Poetry Upon A Child, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the power of poetry.
The poem is a tribute to a child who is described as "a little youngling" and "a pretty one." The child is the subject of the poet's admiration and inspiration. Herrick begins the poem by stating that the child is "a little pretty one" who is "full of play and full of fun." The poet then goes on to describe the child's innocence and purity, stating that "no guile nor art / Did yet distain thy heart."
The child's innocence is contrasted with the corrupt and deceitful world of adults. Herrick portrays the child as a symbol of purity and goodness in a world that is often cruel and unjust. The poet's admiration for the child is evident in his use of language and imagery. He describes the child's eyes as "two little crystal wells" and his cheeks as "two little banks, / Furnished with pretty rank's." The child's beauty is further emphasized by the poet's use of alliteration and rhyme.
Herrick then turns his attention to the power of poetry. He states that poetry has the ability to "make a soul / In the body of a mole." The poet is suggesting that poetry has the power to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. It can elevate the ordinary and make it beautiful. The poet's use of metaphor and imagery is particularly effective in conveying this message.
The poem then takes a turn as the poet addresses the child directly. He tells the child that he will write a poem about him and that the poem will be a tribute to his innocence and purity. The poet's use of direct address is particularly effective in conveying his admiration for the child. He is speaking directly to the child, as if he is in the room with him.
The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the child's innocence and the power of poetry. The poet states that the child's innocence is like "a little naked new-born babe." The child is pure and untainted by the world. The poet then goes on to state that poetry has the power to "make thee, thee / In more than common purity." The poet is suggesting that poetry has the ability to elevate the child's innocence to a higher level.
In conclusion, Poetry Upon A Child is a masterpiece that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the power of poetry. Robert Herrick's use of language, imagery, and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying his admiration for the child and the power of poetry. The poem is a celebration of the purity and innocence of childhood and a reminder of the transformative power of poetry. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and delight readers today.
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