'The Bag Of The Bee' by Robert Herrick
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About the sweet bag of a bee
Two cupids fell at odds,
And whose the pretty prize should be
They vowed to ask the gods.
Which Venus hearing, thither came,
And for their boldness stripped them,
And, taking thence from each his flame,
With rods of myrtle whipped them.
Which done, to still their wanton cries,
When quiet grown she'd seen them,
She kissed, and wiped their dove-like eyes,
And gave the bag between them.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Bag of the Bee: A Poem that Buzzes with Literary Significance
Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of a simple poem? How it can contain multitudes of meanings, emotions, and ideas that are waiting to be uncovered? If so, then you are in for a treat, my dear reader. Today, we are going to explore Robert Herrick's classic poem, The Bag of the Bee, and discover the literary significance that buzzes within its lines.
The Poem
First, let us read the poem in its entirety:
About the sweet bag of a bee
Two Cupids fell at odds;
And whose the pretty prize should be
They vowed to ask the gods.
Which Venus hearing, thither came,
And for their boldness stripped them;
And taking thence from each his flame,
With rods of myrtle whipped them.
Which done, to still their wanton cries,
When quiet grown she'd seen them,
She kissed and wiped their dove-like eyes,
And gave the bag between them.
The Literal Interpretation
On a surface level, the poem tells a simple story of two Cupids who fall in love with the sweet bag of a bee and argue over who should have it. They decide to seek the gods' help, but Venus appears instead and punishes them for their boldness by stripping them of their flames (symbolic of their passion) and whipping them with myrtle rods. After they quiet down, Venus kisses and wipes their eyes and gives them the bag to share.
The Symbolic Interpretation
But as we know, there is often more to a poem than what meets the eye, and The Bag of the Bee is no exception. Let us now dive deeper and explore the symbolic significance of each element in the poem.
The Sweet Bag of a Bee
The bag of the bee is not just any ordinary bag. It is the source of sweetness, the nectar that the bee collects from flowers and turns into honey. As such, it is a symbol of love, passion, and the sweetness of life. The fact that two Cupids fall in love with it shows their desire for these things.
The Cupids
Cupids are often depicted as innocent and mischievous, but also as powerful and sometimes cruel. In this poem, they represent love and passion, but also the fickleness and unpredictability of these emotions. Their argument over the bag shows how easily love can turn into jealousy and conflict.
The Gods
The gods in this poem represent higher powers that humans look to for guidance and help. They can be interpreted as religious figures, but also as societal norms and expectations that dictate how people should behave. The fact that Venus appears instead of the gods could represent how these higher powers can sometimes be unpredictable and not always deliver what is expected.
Venus
Venus, the goddess of love, is a complex figure in this poem. On one hand, she represents the ultimate authority on love and passion, the one who decides who is worthy of it. On the other hand, her punishment of the Cupids shows a harsh side to love, one that can be punishing and painful. Her eventual gift of the bag to the Cupids could represent how love can bring both joy and pain, and how it is up to us to make the most of it.
The Myrtle Rods
The myrtle rods that Venus uses to punish the Cupids are a symbol of love and desire. In ancient Greek and Roman times, myrtle was considered a sacred plant of Venus and was often used in love rituals. By whipping the Cupids with these rods, Venus is reminding them of the power and intensity of love, and how it can be both pleasurable and painful.
The Poet's Message
So, what is the message that Robert Herrick is trying to convey through this poem? It could be interpreted in several ways, but one possible message is that love is a complex and powerful emotion that can bring both joy and pain. It can also be unpredictable and fickle, and it is up to us to navigate its twists and turns. The fact that the Cupids eventually share the bag could represent how love can be a shared experience, and that we should strive to find common ground with those we love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Bag of the Bee is a poem that contains multitudes of meanings and symbols that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. It speaks to the complexity and power of love and how it can bring both joy and pain. As readers, we are invited to explore the various layers of meaning within the poem and to discover our own interpretations of its message. So, the next time you read a simple poem, remember that there may be much more beneath the surface waiting to be uncovered.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Bag Of The Bee: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry
Robert Herrick, the 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joys of life. One of his most famous poems, "The Bag of the Bee," is a delightful ode to the industriousness of bees and the sweetness of honey. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem and analyze its significance in the canon of English literature.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a bee collecting nectar from flowers:
"About the sweet bag of a bee Two cupids fell at odds, And whose the pretty prize should be They vowed to ask the gods."
The opening lines immediately draw the reader into the world of the poem, with the image of two cupids fighting over the "sweet bag" of a bee. The language is playful and whimsical, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "sweet" to describe the bee's bag is significant, as it foreshadows the theme of sweetness that runs throughout the poem.
The next stanza describes the bee's journey from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen:
"When Cupid heard, he smiled, and said, 'It was a thing of course To be by girls enamored Of this sweet-laden horse.'"
Here, Herrick personifies Cupid, the god of love, as a character in the poem. Cupid's reaction to the bee's bag is one of delight and amusement, suggesting that the sweetness of honey is a universal pleasure that even the gods appreciate. The use of the phrase "sweet-laden horse" to describe the bee is a clever metaphor that emphasizes the bee's industriousness and the value of its work.
The third stanza introduces the theme of competition, as the cupids argue over who should get the bee's bag:
"This said, they both bestowed their pains To make the bee their friend, And him in honey's plenteous veins To lavish without end."
The language here is more serious and intense, as the cupids compete for the bee's favor. The use of the word "plenteous" to describe the bee's honey emphasizes its abundance and value, suggesting that the bee's work is highly prized.
The fourth stanza describes the bee's role in pollination, as it spreads pollen from flower to flower:
"Ambrosia on it lay, and myrrh, And liquid nectar sweet; Balsam and gum, and that which err Man's judgment doth defeat."
The use of the words "ambrosia," "myrrh," and "liquid nectar" to describe the bee's nectar emphasizes its sweetness and value. The reference to "that which err/Man's judgment doth defeat" is a subtle nod to the mysterious and complex nature of honey, which has been prized by humans for thousands of years.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a celebration of the bee's work:
"The gods, who heard the embassage, And that they might endue Their loves with sweets, did grant a wage, The honey for their due."
Here, Herrick suggests that the gods have recognized the value of the bee's work and have rewarded it with the gift of honey. The use of the word "wage" to describe the honey emphasizes its value and importance, suggesting that the bee's work is not only beautiful but also essential to the natural world.
Overall, "The Bag of the Bee" is a masterful example of nature poetry that celebrates the beauty and value of the natural world. Through its playful language, vivid imagery, and subtle themes, the poem invites the reader to appreciate the sweetness of honey and the industriousness of bees. As a classic work of English literature, it continues to inspire and delight readers today, reminding us of the timeless beauty and wonder of the natural world.
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