'Corinna 's Going A-Maying' by Robert Herrick


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Get up, get up for shame, the blooming Morn
Upon her wings presents the god unshorn.
See how Aurora throws her fair
Fresh-quilted colours through the air;
Get up, sweet slug-a-bed, and see
The dew bespangling herb and tree.
Each flower has wept, and bow'd toward the east,
Above an hour since; yet you not drest,
Nay! not so much as out of bed?
When all the birds have matins said,
And sung their thankful hymns, 'tis sin,
Nay, profanation, to keep in,
Whenas a thousand virgins on this day
Spring, sooner than the lark, to fetch in May.

Rise; and put on your foliage, and be seen
To come forth, like the spring-time, fresh and green;
And sweet as Flora. Take no care
For jewels for your gown, or hair;
Fear not, the leaves will strew
Gems in abundance upon you;
Besides, the childhood of the day has kept,
Against you come, some orient pearls unwept;
Come and receive them while the light
Hangs on the dew-locks of the night;
And Titan on the eastern hill
Retires himself, or else stands still
Till you come forth. Wash, dress, be brief in praying;
Few beads are best when once we go a-Maying.

Come, my Corinna, come; and, coming, mark
How each field turns a street, each street a park
Made green and trimm'd with trees; see how
Devotion gives each house a bough
Or branch; each porch, each door ere this
An ark, a tabernacle is,
Made up of white-thorn, neatly interwove;
As if here were those cooler shades of love.
Can such delights be in the street
And open fields and we not see't?
Come, we'll abroad; and let's obey
The proclamation made for May,
And sin no more, as we have done, by staying;
But my Corinna, come, let's go a-Maying.

There's not a budding boy, or girl, this day,
But is got up, and gone to bring in May.
A deal of youth, ere this, is come
Back, and with white-thorn laden, home.
Some have despatch'd their cakes and cream,
Before that we have left to dream;
And some have wept, and woo'd, and plighted troth,
And chose their priest, ere we can cast off sloth;
Many a green-gown has been given;
Many a kiss, both odd and even;
Many a glance too has been sent
From out the eye, love's firmament;
Many a jest told of the keys betraying
This night, and locks pick'd, yet we're not a-Maying.

Come, let us go, while we are in our prime;
And take the harmless folly of the time.
We shall grow old apace, and die
Before we know our liberty.
Our life is short, and our days run
As fast away as does the sun;
And as a vapour, or a drop of rain,
Once lost, can ne'er be found again,
So when or you or I are made
A fable, song, or fleeting shade,
All love, all liking, all delight
Lies drown'd with us in endless night.
Then while time serves, and we are but decaying,
Come, my Corinna, come, let's go a-Maying.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Corinna's Going A-Maying by Robert Herrick

Introduction

Have you ever felt the urge to escape the mundane and enjoy the beauty of nature? This is exactly what Robert Herrick portrays in his poem "Corinna's Going A-Maying." The poem is a celebration of spring and the joy it brings to people's lives. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism and literary devices used in this beautiful poem.

Background

Before we delve into the poem, let's take a brief look at the life of Robert Herrick. He was born in 1591 in London and was ordained as a priest in 1623. He is known for his poetry, which was mainly written during the reign of Charles I. Herrick's poetry is characterized by its simplicity and delicate imagery. He often writes about nature, love and the beauty of life.

Poem Summary

The poem "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a pastoral poem that highlights the beauty of spring and the joy it brings to people's lives. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter and has a rhyming scheme of AABBCC.

The poem is narrated by a young man who is excited to go a-maying with his beloved Corinna. The speaker talks about the beauty of nature in spring and how it is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. He describes how the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and the air is full of sweet fragrances. The speaker then invites Corinna to join him on this adventure and enjoy the beauty of nature together.

In the second stanza, the speaker talks about the preparations they need to make for their trip to the woods. He asks Corinna to wear her best attire and bring a basket of food and wine. He also asks her to bring her friends along, so they can all enjoy the outing together.

The third stanza is a celebration of the beauty of nature. The speaker talks about the different elements of nature and how they contribute to the beauty of spring. He talks about the "primrose", "violets", "cowslips" and "daffodils" that are all in bloom. He also talks about the "cuckoo-song", which is a sign of spring and how it fills the air with sweet music.

The final stanza is a call to action. The speaker urges Corinna to come with him and enjoy the beauty of nature before it fades away. He talks about how life is short and how they should make the most of the time they have. He urges her to forget about her worries and enjoy the present moment.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the beauty of nature. Robert Herrick celebrates the beauty of spring and the joy it brings to people's lives. He showcases the different elements of nature and how they contribute to the beauty of spring.

Another theme of the poem is love. The speaker is inviting Corinna to join him on this adventure and enjoy the beauty of nature together. This is a reflection of the speaker's love for Corinna and how he wants to spend time with her.

The third theme of the poem is the fleeting nature of life. The speaker talks about how life is short and how they should make the most of the time they have. He urges Corinna to forget about her worries and enjoy the present moment.

Symbolism

One of the main symbols in the poem is the "cuckoo-song". The cuckoo is a bird that is known for its unique call, which is a sign of spring. It symbolizes the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature.

Another symbol in the poem is the "primrose", "violets", "cowslips" and "daffodils". These flowers symbolize the beauty of nature and the joy that it brings to people's lives.

The basket of food and wine is also a symbol in the poem. It symbolizes the abundance of nature and how it provides for our needs.

Literary Devices

One of the literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of nature in spring. He talks about the "cowslips" and "daffodils" that are "tipped with yellow", the "violets" that are "blue as the skies" and the "primroses" that are "decked in all their trim".

Another literary device used in the poem is alliteration. The speaker uses alliteration to create a musical effect. For example, he uses alliteration in the line "Crown'd with cowslips, that do paint the meadows with delight".

The poem also uses repetition. The phrase "And we will" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's excitement and enthusiasm for the adventure.

Conclusion

"Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a celebration of spring and the joy it brings to people's lives. Robert Herrick uses vivid imagery, symbolism and literary devices to portray the beauty of nature and the excitement of going a-maying. The poem is a reflection of the speaker's love for Corinna and how he wants to spend time with her. It is also a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and how we should make the most of the time we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Corinna's Going A-Maying: A Celebration of Spring and Love

Robert Herrick's "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a classic poem that celebrates the arrival of spring and the joys of love. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a perfect example of the pastoral tradition, which idealizes rural life and nature. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, language, and imagery.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD, which gives the poem a musical quality and reinforces its celebratory tone. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet, consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This regular rhythm creates a sense of harmony and balance, which reflects the poem's theme of the natural order and the beauty of spring.

The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main characters. Corinna, the speaker's beloved, is going a-maying, which means she is going to gather flowers and celebrate the arrival of spring. The speaker is eager to join her and invites his friends to come along. The language is simple and direct, with a playful tone that suggests the joy and excitement of the occasion. The use of the word "we" creates a sense of community and togetherness, which is a common theme in pastoral poetry.

The second stanza expands on the theme of love and nature. The speaker describes the beauty of the countryside, with its "daisies pied and violets blue" and its "sweet musk-roses" that "breathe divine." The use of color and scent imagery creates a vivid picture of the natural world, which is presented as a source of joy and inspiration. The speaker also addresses Corinna directly, praising her beauty and comparing her to the goddess of love, Venus. The use of classical mythology is typical of pastoral poetry, which often draws on ancient sources to create a sense of timelessness and universality.

The third stanza brings the poem to a climax, as the speaker and his friends join Corinna in her celebration of spring and love. The language becomes more exuberant and passionate, with a series of imperatives that urge the reader to embrace the moment and enjoy life to the fullest. The use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the speaker is caught up in the joy of the occasion. The final lines, "Thus, loved I never till now; / Where I love, I'll live and die," express the speaker's commitment to Corinna and his belief in the power of love to transform his life.

The poem's themes are typical of pastoral poetry, which idealizes rural life and nature as a source of happiness and inspiration. The celebration of spring is a common motif, as it represents the renewal of life and the awakening of the senses. Love is also a central theme, as it is seen as a natural and joyful expression of human emotions. The poem's language and imagery reinforce these themes, creating a sense of harmony and beauty that reflects the natural order of the world.

In conclusion, "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a classic poem that celebrates the arrival of spring and the joys of love. Its simple language, regular rhythm, and vivid imagery create a sense of harmony and balance that reflects the natural order of the world. The poem's themes of nature, love, and community are typical of pastoral poetry, which idealizes rural life as a source of happiness and inspiration. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the essence of human experience.

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