'Easter Wings' by George Herbert


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Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poor:
With thee
O let me rise
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did begin:
And still with sicknesses and shame
Thou didst so punish sin,
That I became
Most thin.
With thee
Let me combine
And feel this day thy victory:
For, if I imp my wing on thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Easter Wings by George Herbert: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that captures the beauty and significance of Easter? Look no further than George Herbert's "Easter Wings." In this classic poem, Herbert uses a unique poetic form to explore themes of sin, redemption, and praise.

Form and Structure

The most immediately striking thing about "Easter Wings" is its form. The poem is written in two stanzas, each shaped like a pair of wings. Each line of the first stanza is longer than the corresponding line in the second stanza, mimicking the shape of two wings spread out. This form is known as a "carman's measure," and it was often used in Herbert's time in songs and ballads.

But Herbert's use of the carman's measure is more than just a clever way to make his poem look like a pair of wings. The form also has a symbolic significance. The first stanza, with its longer lines, represents the fallen state of humanity. The second stanza, with its shorter lines, symbolizes the redeemed state of humanity. Like a bird that rises from the ground and takes flight, the speaker of the poem moves from a state of sin and despair to one of grace and joy.

Themes

The themes of sin, redemption, and praise are woven throughout "Easter Wings." In the first stanza, the speaker laments his fallen state:

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more
Till he became
Most poore:

The speaker acknowledges the sinfulness of humanity and the way that sin has led to decay and poverty. But in the second stanza, he rejoices in the redemption that comes through Christ:

But with the combination of the two
Great gifts, the Heire of all the world,
Did in his Person once embrace;
And hugge his Father's wing,
When Hee descended to the grave:
And rose againe.

Here, the speaker celebrates the way that Christ's death and resurrection have redeemed humanity. The image of Christ "hugging his Father's wing" is particularly powerful, suggesting both the intimate relationship between Christ and God and the way that Christ's sacrifice has allowed humanity to be lifted up on wings of grace.

Imagery and Language

Herbert's use of imagery and language is also noteworthy in "Easter Wings." In the first stanza, he describes humanity's fallen state in vivid terms:

Decaying more and more
Till he became
Most poore:

The image of decay is both visceral and haunting, reminding the reader of the way that sin eats away at the soul. The use of the word "poore" is also significant, suggesting both spiritual poverty and physical destitution.

But in the second stanza, the language becomes more joyful and celebratory:

And rose againe.

This simple phrase is filled with meaning, capturing the essence of Easter and the hope that it brings. The words "rose" and "againe" are repeated, creating a sense of rhythm and joy that echoes the image of wings lifting up.

Conclusion

In "Easter Wings," George Herbert has created a poem that is both beautiful and profound. The use of the carman's measure form is not just a clever gimmick, but a powerful symbol of the journey from sin to redemption. The themes of sin, redemption, and praise are woven throughout the poem, and Herbert's use of imagery and language is both haunting and joyful.

If you're looking for a poem to read this Easter season, "Easter Wings" is a must-read. It captures the heart of the holiday and reminds us of the hope that comes through Christ's resurrection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Easter Wings: A Poem of Redemption and Renewal

George Herbert's Easter Wings is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in the seventeenth century, this poem is a masterpiece of religious poetry that explores the themes of redemption and renewal. The poem is structured in the shape of two wings, which is a visual representation of the poem's central message. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

Themes

The central themes of Easter Wings are redemption and renewal. The poem is a meditation on the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope that it brings to humanity. The poem begins with a description of the fall of man and the loss of innocence. The speaker laments the fact that humanity has fallen from grace and is now in a state of sin. However, the poem quickly moves on to the theme of redemption. The speaker acknowledges that despite humanity's fall, there is still hope for redemption. The poem ends with a prayer for renewal and a plea for God's grace.

Structure

The structure of Easter Wings is unique and innovative. The poem is structured in the shape of two wings, which is a visual representation of the poem's central message. The first stanza is longer than the second, and the lines are arranged in a descending order. The second stanza is shorter than the first, and the lines are arranged in an ascending order. This structure is symbolic of the fall and rise of humanity. The first stanza represents the fall of man, and the second stanza represents the hope of redemption and renewal.

Language

The language of Easter Wings is rich and complex. The poem is full of metaphors and imagery that enhance its meaning. The poem begins with a description of the fall of man, using the metaphor of a bird that cannot fly. The speaker laments the fact that humanity has lost its innocence and is now in a state of sin. The poem then moves on to the theme of redemption, using the metaphor of a bird that is able to fly again. The speaker acknowledges that despite humanity's fall, there is still hope for redemption. The poem ends with a prayer for renewal and a plea for God's grace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easter Wings is a classic poem that explores the themes of redemption and renewal. The poem is structured in the shape of two wings, which is a visual representation of the poem's central message. The language of the poem is rich and complex, full of metaphors and imagery that enhance its meaning. The poem is a meditation on the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope that it brings to humanity. It is a timeless masterpiece of religious poetry that continues to inspire and move readers today.

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