'The Temper' by George Herbert
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How should I praise thee, Lord! how should my rhymes
Gladly engrave thy love in steel,
If what my soul doth feel sometimes
My soul might ever feel!Although there were some forty heav'ns, or more,
Sometimes I peer above them all;
Sometimes I hardly reach a score,
Sometimes to hell I fall.O rack me not to such a vast extent;
Those distances belong to thee:
The world's too little for thy tent,
A grave too big for me.Wilt thou meet arms with man, that thou dost stretch
A crum of dust from heav'n to hell?
Will great God measure with a wretch?
Shall he thy stature spell?O let me, when thy roof my soul hath hid,
O let me roost and nestle there:
Then of a sinner thou art rid,
And I of hope and fear.Yet take thy way; for sure thy way is best:
Stretch or contract me, thy poor debtor:
This is but tuning of my breast,
To make the music better.Whether I fly with angels, fall with dust,
Thy hands made both, and I am there:
Thy power and love, my love and trust
Make one place ev'ry where.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "The Temper" by George Herbert
George Herbert's poem "The Temper" is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of humility and self-control. The poem is written in the form of a prayer, where the speaker asks God to help him attain the perfect temper that will allow him to live a virtuous life.
Summary of the Poem
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging his weakness and the difficulty he faces in controlling his temper. He compares his state to that of a "wild colt" that needs to be tamed. The speaker then turns to God for help, asking Him to "break and train" him so that he can become a "mile" that is fit for God's service.
The poem then goes on to describe the characteristics of the perfect temper. The speaker lists qualities such as humility, gentleness, and patience that he hopes to cultivate. He asks God to help him be "meek, quick to forgive," and to "bear with others' faults."
The poem ends with the speaker expressing his desire to be like Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate example of perfect temper. The speaker asks God to help him embody Christ's love and compassion, so that he can be a shining example to others.
Analysis of the Poem
Herbert's poem is an excellent example of the metaphysical poetry that was popular in the 17th century. The poem is written in the form of a prayer, which reflects the religious fervor of the time. The speaker's humble plea for God's help is a recurring theme in metaphysical poetry, as poets often saw themselves as unworthy sinners in need of divine intervention.
The poem's central theme is the importance of self-control and humility. The speaker acknowledges his weakness and asks for God's help in taming his temper. He recognizes that true strength comes from being able to control one's emotions and to treat others with kindness and respect.
The poem's use of metaphor is also noteworthy. The speaker compares himself to a "wild colt" that needs to be tamed, which is an effective way to convey his lack of self-control. The metaphorical language helps to create a vivid image in the reader's mind and makes the poem more engaging.
The poem's use of repetition is also effective. The phrase "make me, O Lord" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's plea for God's help. The repetition creates a sense of urgency and highlights the importance of the speaker's request.
The poem's use of allusion to Jesus Christ is also significant. The speaker expresses his desire to be like Christ, who is the ultimate example of perfect temper. This allusion helps to reinforce the poem's central theme and adds depth to the speaker's plea for help.
Interpretation of the Poem
"The Temper" is a poem that speaks to the importance of self-control and humility in one's life. The speaker's plea for God's help is a reminder that true strength comes from being able to control one's emotions and to treat others with kindness and respect.
The poem's message is relevant even today, as we live in a world that often values aggression and dominance over humility and self-control. In a society that rewards those who are quick to anger and dismissive of others, this poem is a reminder that true strength comes from being able to control one's temper and to treat others with kindness and compassion.
The poem also highlights the importance of seeking help when we need it. The speaker's prayer is a reminder that we cannot always succeed on our own and that sometimes we need to turn to a higher power for guidance and support.
Overall, "The Temper" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the importance of living a virtuous life. Its message of humility, self-control, and compassion is one that we can all benefit from today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, George Herbert's poem "The Temper" is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of humility and self-control. The poem's use of metaphor, repetition, and allusion helps to create a vivid and engaging image in the reader's mind. The poem's central message is relevant today, as it reminds us of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
"The Temper" is a poem that inspires us to seek help when we need it and to strive for a virtuous life. Its message of humility and self-control is one that we can all benefit from, as we navigate the challenges of daily life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Temper by George Herbert is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece of literature that explores the themes of self-control, humility, and faith. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it remains relevant today.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his soul, urging it to be temperate and humble. He implores his soul to "keep the middle way," to avoid extremes and to maintain a balanced and measured approach to life. The speaker recognizes that this is not an easy task, as the soul is often pulled in different directions by various passions and desires.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker emphasizes the importance of self-control. He urges his soul to "keep thy will/Attended to the sole/Service of the highest Throne." Here, the speaker is reminding his soul that its ultimate goal should be to serve God, and that this requires a disciplined and focused will.
The second stanza continues this theme of self-control, as the speaker warns his soul against the dangers of excess. He cautions that "the more thou dost accord/With common, fleeting things," the more likely it is that the soul will lose sight of its true purpose. The speaker is urging his soul to resist the temptations of the world and to focus on the eternal.
The third stanza shifts the focus to humility, as the speaker reminds his soul that it is not the center of the universe. He urges his soul to "keep low and quiet," to avoid pride and arrogance, and to recognize its own limitations. The speaker recognizes that humility is a difficult virtue to cultivate, but he emphasizes its importance in the spiritual life.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of self-control, as the speaker urges his soul to resist the temptation to seek pleasure and comfort. He warns that "the more thou dost embrace/Thy comforts, the more thou'lt be/A slave to them." The speaker is reminding his soul that true freedom comes from self-mastery, not from indulging in worldly pleasures.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close with a powerful image of faith. The speaker urges his soul to "keep thy heart/With a strict hand," to guard it against doubt and despair. He reminds his soul that "faithful souls alone/Have a glimpse of God's bright throne." Here, the speaker is emphasizing the importance of faith in the spiritual life, and the rewards that come from a steadfast belief in God.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. Each stanza consists of four lines, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB). This creates a sense of unity and coherence, and helps to reinforce the poem's central themes. The use of enjambment (where a sentence or phrase runs over into the next line) also creates a sense of flow and continuity, and helps to emphasize the poem's message of self-control and humility.
The poem is also rich in literary devices, which help to enhance its meaning and impact. One of the most striking devices is the use of personification, where the speaker addresses his soul as if it were a separate entity. This creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, as the speaker is speaking directly to the part of himself that is most in need of guidance.
Another important device is the use of metaphor, where the speaker compares the soul to a ship that must navigate the storms of life. This creates a vivid image of the challenges that the soul faces, and emphasizes the importance of self-control and humility in navigating these challenges.
The poem also makes use of repetition, with certain phrases and images repeated throughout the stanzas. For example, the phrase "keep the middle way" is repeated in the first and second stanzas, emphasizing the importance of balance and moderation. The image of the soul as a ship is also repeated, creating a sense of continuity and coherence.
Overall, The Temper is a powerful and timeless poem that speaks to the challenges of the human condition. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, humility, and faith, and offers a roadmap for navigating the storms of life. Its simple structure and rich literary devices make it a pleasure to read, and its message remains as relevant today as it did when it was first written.
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