'COCK -CROW' by Robert Herrick


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Bell-man of night, if I about shall go
For to deny my Master, do thou crow!
Thou stop'st Saint Peter in the midst of sin;
Stay me, by crowing, ere I do begin;
Better it is, premonish'd, for to shun
A sin, than fall to weeping when 'tis done.

Editor 1 Interpretation

#COCK-CROW by Robert Herrick: An Analysis

##Introduction

Robert Herrick is a renowned English poet, known for his works that are both witty and lyrical. One of his most famous poems is "Cock-Crow," which has become a classic in English literature. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning and discuss its various themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Herrick.

##Poem Summary

Before we begin our analysis, let's take a look at the poem's summary. "Cock-Crow" is a short poem consisting of just two stanzas. It is written in iambic tetrameter and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem is essentially a dialogue between a rooster and a young man who is asking the rooster to crow.

##Analysis

###Theme: Time and Death

One of the primary themes of "Cock-Crow" is time and death. The rooster's crowing is a symbol of the passage of time, with the first crow marking the beginning of the day. The young man, who is asking the rooster to crow, is also a symbol of youth and vitality. The rooster's crowing represents the inevitability of death and the passing of time.

###Symbolism: The Rooster

The rooster is a recurring symbol in literature and mythology. In "Cock-Crow," the rooster serves as a symbol of time and death. The rooster's crowing marks the passing of time and reminds us of our own mortality. The rooster is also associated with the sun, which rises with the first crow of the rooster.

###Literary Devices: Allusion

Herrick uses allusion in "Cock-Crow" to reference the Biblical story of Peter's denial of Jesus. The rooster's crowing is significant in this story, as it marks Peter's third and final denial of Jesus. The allusion to this story adds depth and meaning to the poem, as it reminds us of the consequences of denying our faith or our mortality.

###Imagery: The Morning

Herrick's use of imagery in "Cock-Crow" is focused on the morning. The poem's setting is a rural landscape, with the first rays of sunlight illuminating the fields. The imagery of the morning symbolizes new beginnings and the start of a new day. The rooster's crowing, which marks the beginning of the day, is an important part of this imagery.

###Rhyme Scheme: ABAB

The poem's rhyme scheme, ABAB, is a common one in English poetry. It adds a musical quality to the poem and helps to emphasize the poem's themes and ideas. The consistent rhyme scheme also makes the poem easier to remember and recite.

###Iambic Tetrameter

The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, a poetic meter consisting of four iambs per line. This meter adds a sense of rhythm and structure to the poem, which makes it easier to read and understand. The iambic tetrameter also helps to emphasize the rooster's crowing, which is written in a consistent rhythm throughout the poem.

###Tone: Reverent

The tone of "Cock-Crow" is reverent and respectful. The poem's speaker is addressing the rooster with deference and admiration, acknowledging the rooster's importance as a symbol of time and death. The tone of the poem reinforces its themes and helps to create a sense of solemnity and reverence.

###Narrative Voice: First Person

The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker addressing the rooster directly. This narrative voice creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the speaker and the rooster are engaged in a conversation. The first person narrative voice also allows the reader to identify with the speaker more easily, which makes the poem more relatable and impactful.

##Conclusion

"Cock-Crow" is a classic poem that has endured through the ages due to its timeless themes and powerful imagery. Robert Herrick's use of symbolism, allusion, and literary devices adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding work of literature. Through the rooster's crowing, the poem reminds us of our own mortality and the passing of time, and encourages us to live our lives to the fullest.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Cock-a-doodle-doo! The sound of a rooster crowing is a familiar one to many of us, but have you ever stopped to consider the deeper meaning behind this early morning wake-up call? In the classic poem "Cock-Crow" by Robert Herrick, we are given a glimpse into the world of the rooster and the significance of its crowing.

First published in 1648, "Cock-Crow" is a short but powerful poem that explores themes of nature, time, and mortality. The poem begins with the line "The rooster crows, and then away he goes," setting the scene for the rest of the piece. We are immediately transported to a rural setting, where the rooster is a common sight and sound.

Herrick's use of language is particularly noteworthy in this poem. He employs a variety of poetic devices, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to create a vivid and memorable image of the rooster and its crowing. For example, in the second line of the poem, he writes "With a cock, a doodle, doo!" The repetition of the "o" sound in this line creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the rooster is calling out to us directly.

As the poem continues, Herrick delves deeper into the significance of the rooster's crowing. He writes, "The clock hath struck, and I must wend, / Hie therefore each unto his friend." Here, he is drawing a parallel between the rooster's crowing and the passing of time. The clock striking represents the start of a new day, and the rooster's crowing is a reminder that time waits for no one.

Furthermore, Herrick suggests that we should use this time wisely by spending it with our loved ones. The phrase "Hie therefore each unto his friend" implies that we should make the most of our time on earth by cultivating meaningful relationships with those around us. This is a powerful message that still resonates with readers today.

Another interesting aspect of "Cock-Crow" is the way in which Herrick personifies the rooster. He writes, "The rooster crows, and then away he goes, / With a lock of feathers and a drop of his nose." By giving the rooster human-like qualities, Herrick is able to create a sense of empathy and connection between the reader and the animal. We can almost imagine the rooster strutting away after crowing, proud of his accomplishment.

Finally, it is worth noting the religious undertones of "Cock-Crow." Herrick was a devout Anglican, and many of his poems contain references to Christianity. In this poem, the rooster's crowing can be seen as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. The rooster crows at dawn, just as the sun is rising and the world is being reborn. This ties in with the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life.

In conclusion, "Cock-Crow" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores a variety of themes. Through his use of language and imagery, Herrick is able to create a vivid and memorable portrait of the rooster and its crowing. He reminds us of the importance of time and the value of human relationships, while also alluding to deeper religious themes. This is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today. So the next time you hear a rooster crowing, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of this simple yet powerful sound.

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