'THE FAIRIES' by Robert Herrick


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If ye will with Mab find grace,
Set each platter in his place;
Rake the fire up, and get
Water in, ere sun be set.
Wash your pails and cleanse your dairies,
Sluts are loathsome to the fairies;
Sweep your house; Who doth not so,
Mab will pinch her by the toe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Enchanting World of Fairies in Robert Herrick’s Poem

As a reader of poetry, I have always been fascinated with the supernatural elements that writers incorporate into their works. Among these mythical beings, fairies are one of the most enchanting creatures that I have encountered. Their otherworldly beauty and magical powers never fail to captivate my imagination.

One of the most notable literary works that feature fairies is Robert Herrick’s poem entitled “The Fairies.” This classic piece of literature is a delightful and whimsical portrayal of the fairy realm. In this literary criticism, I will explore the different themes, symbols, and literary devices that Herrick uses in his poem to create a vivid and captivating image of the fairy world.

The Poem’s Structure and Rhyme Scheme

Before delving into the deeper meaning behind the poem, let me first discuss the poem’s structure and rhyme scheme. “The Fairies” is a lyrical poem consisting of ten quatrains, each with the rhyme scheme ABAB. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs or metrical feet. The consistent rhyme scheme and meter create a musical and rhythmic quality in the poem.

The Fairy Realm as a Symbol of Imagination

The poem begins with the speaker inviting the reader to join him in the enchanting world of fairies. From the opening lines, it is evident that the fairy realm is not a physical place but a symbol of the imagination. The speaker invites the reader to “come follow me” and “take hands” as they enter the world of fairies. The use of the word “follow” suggests that the speaker is leading the reader on a journey, while “take hands” implies a sense of unity and companionship between the speaker and the reader.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various sights and sounds of the fairy world, from the “little quire of Tabor” to the “fairy Mab.” The use of vivid and descriptive language creates a vivid and enchanting image of the fairy realm. The fairy world represents the limitless possibilities of the imagination, where anything is possible and the ordinary rules of the physical world do not apply.

The Fairies as Agents of Nature

Aside from being symbols of imagination, the fairies in Herrick’s poem also represent nature and its various elements. The fairies are described as “elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and groves.” They are the guardians of the natural world, and their presence is felt in every aspect of nature.

Nature is a recurring theme in the poem, with the fairies serving as its agents. The “drowsy water-rats” and “moles” in the poem represent the earth, while the “grasshopper” and “cricket” symbolize the sound of nature. The use of these natural symbols creates a sense of harmony and balance between the natural world and the fairy realm.

The Role of Music in the Fairy World

Another recurring theme in the poem is music, which is an integral part of the fairy world. The fairies are described as having a “little quire of Tabor,” which suggests that music plays a crucial role in their lives. The use of the word “quire” implies that the fairies are singing in harmony, creating a beautiful and magical sound.

Music is also a symbol of unity and companionship in the fairy world. The speaker invites the reader to “take hands” with him, suggesting that the fairy realm is a place where people can come together and share in the joy of music and fellowship.

The Symbolism of the Harvest Season

Towards the end of the poem, the speaker describes the arrival of the harvest season in the fairy world. The fairies are depicted as dancing and singing as they gather the fruits of their labor. The use of the harvest season as a symbol creates a sense of abundance and prosperity in the fairy realm.

The harvest season also represents the cyclical nature of life, where everything has a season and a time. It is a reminder that nothing lasts forever and that change is an inevitable part of life. The use of this symbol creates a sense of realism in the poem, grounding it in the physical world and human experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Herrick’s poem “The Fairies” is a delightful and imaginative portrayal of the fairy realm. Through his use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and literary devices, Herrick creates a world that is both magical and realistic. The fairy realm represents the limitless possibilities of the imagination, while the fairies themselves serve as agents of nature and symbols of companionship and unity.

As a reader, I cannot help but be enchanted by the world of fairies that Herrick has created in his poem. The poem is a testament to the power of literature to transport readers to other worlds and to inspire the imagination. So, if you want to escape from the mundane realities of life and enter a world of enchantment, then “The Fairies” is the perfect place to start.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Fairies by Robert Herrick: A Magical Journey into the World of Faeries

If you are looking for a poem that will transport you to a magical world of faeries, then look no further than Robert Herrick's The Fairies. This classic poem, written in the 17th century, is a beautiful and enchanting ode to the world of faeries and their mysterious ways.

The poem begins with the speaker inviting the faeries to come and dance in the moonlight. He describes the faeries as "little quivering sprites" and "night's daughters" who are "clothed in robes of rainbow hue." The imagery here is stunning, and it immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the faeries' dance, which is full of joy and merriment. He tells us that the faeries dance "in circles round a fairy ring" and that their dance is "so light, so soft, so sweet." The language here is incredibly lyrical, and it is easy to imagine the faeries dancing in a circle, their movements graceful and fluid.

One of the most striking things about The Fairies is the way in which Herrick describes the faeries themselves. He tells us that they are "creatures of the middle sphere" and that they are "neither here nor there." This idea of the faeries existing in a liminal space is a common one in folklore, and it adds to the sense of mystery and magic that pervades the poem.

The speaker goes on to describe the faeries' powers, telling us that they can "make the green grass greener still" and that they can "charm the moon out of the sky." These descriptions are both beautiful and fantastical, and they serve to reinforce the idea that the faeries are otherworldly beings with incredible abilities.

As the poem draws to a close, the speaker bids farewell to the faeries, telling them that they must return to their own world. He describes them as "fading out of sight" and tells us that they leave behind "a trail of silver light." This image of the faeries disappearing into the night is a poignant one, and it serves to remind us that the world of faeries is one that is fleeting and elusive.

Overall, The Fairies is a beautiful and enchanting poem that captures the magic and mystery of the world of faeries. Herrick's language is lyrical and evocative, and his descriptions of the faeries and their dance are both vivid and fantastical. If you are looking for a poem that will transport you to another world, then The Fairies is definitely one to read.

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