'THE PLAUDITE, OR END OF LIFE' by Robert Herrick


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If after rude and boisterous seas
My wearied pinnace here finds ease;
If so it be I've gain'd the shore,
With safety of a faithful oar;
If having run my barque on ground,
Ye see the aged vessel crown'd;
What's to be done?but on the sands
Ye dance and sing, and now clap hands.
--The first act's doubtful, but (we say)
It is the last commends the Play.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Plaudite, or End of Life by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you ready to dive into the world of Robert Herrick's poetry? Then fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a thrilling adventure. In this literary criticism, we will explore one of his most famous works, "The Plaudite, or End of Life." We will examine the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices, and see what makes it a timeless masterpiece of English literature.

Introduction

"The Plaudite, or End of Life" is a poem written by Robert Herrick in the mid-17th century. Herrick was a lyric poet who lived during the English Renaissance and is best known for his collection of poems, "Hesperides." "The Plaudite" is a Latin word that means "applause," and the poem is a celebration of life and the inevitability of death. It is a reflective piece that contemplates the meaning of life and the afterlife.

Structure

"The Plaudite" is a short poem consisting of only six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This regularity in structure gives the poem a sense of balance and order, which is appropriate for a poem that is about the end of life.

Themes

The poem has several themes, the most prominent of which is the inevitability of death. The poem acknowledges that death is an inevitable part of life and that we must all face it. However, the poem also suggests that death is not the end but a new beginning. The poem encourages us to live our lives to the fullest and to enjoy every moment because life is short and fleeting.

Another theme of the poem is the brevity of life. The poem draws attention to the fact that life is short and that we must make the most of it. The poem suggests that we should not waste our time on trivial things but should focus on what is truly important in life.

The poem also explores the idea of the afterlife. The poem suggests that there is a life after death and that we will be judged for our actions in this life. The poem encourages us to live a good life and to be prepared for the afterlife.

Literary Devices

Herrick employs several literary devices in the poem to create a sense of rhythm and rhyme. The most obvious of these is the ABAB rhyme scheme, which gives the poem a sense of order and balance. Herrick also uses alliteration in the poem, such as in the line "Life's a jest, and all things show it," which creates a sense of rhythm and musicality.

Herrick also uses imagery in the poem to create a sense of the brevity of life. For example, in the line "Then, since to-night we shall be dead," Herrick uses the image of nightfall to suggest the end of life. The poem also uses imagery to suggest the idea of the afterlife, such as in the line "But let the good deeds that we've done, / Be our best monument with one."

Interpretation

"The Plaudite" is a poem that encourages us to reflect on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that we should make the most of our time on earth and live our lives to the fullest. The poem also suggests that there is a life after death and that we will be judged for our actions in this life.

The poem's structure and literary devices create a sense of rhythm and balance, which is appropriate for a poem about the end of life. The poem's use of imagery also creates a sense of the brevity of life and the afterlife.

Overall, "The Plaudite" is a timeless masterpiece of English literature that encourages us to live our lives to the fullest and to be prepared for the afterlife. It is a reflection on the meaning of life and an acknowledgement of the inevitability of death. If you haven't read this poem yet, then what are you waiting for? Go and read it now, and let it inspire you to live your life to the fullest.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Plaudite, or End of Life is a classic poem written by Robert Herrick, a renowned English poet of the 17th century. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a unique and captivating way. It is a poem that is both thought-provoking and inspiring, and it has stood the test of time as one of the greatest works of literature in the English language.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker urging the reader to applaud life and all its wonders. The second stanza takes a darker turn, with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of death and the fact that all things must come to an end. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker urging the reader to embrace death as a natural part of life and to find comfort in the knowledge that we will all be reunited in the afterlife.

The first stanza of the poem is a celebration of life. The speaker urges the reader to applaud life and all its wonders, to revel in the beauty of the world around us, and to enjoy the pleasures of life while we can. The speaker uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the world, describing the sun, the stars, and the sea in a way that captures their beauty and majesty. The use of the imperative "Applaud" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is urging the reader to actively engage with life and to appreciate its many wonders.

The second stanza takes a darker turn, with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of death and the fact that all things must come to an end. The speaker uses the metaphor of the "setting sun" to represent the end of life, and the image of the "dying day" to suggest that death is a natural part of the cycle of life. The use of the word "dying" is significant, as it suggests that death is not an end in itself, but rather a transition to a new phase of existence.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker urging the reader to embrace death as a natural part of life and to find comfort in the knowledge that we will all be reunited in the afterlife. The speaker uses the metaphor of the "setting sun" once again, but this time to suggest that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning. The use of the word "reunited" is significant, as it suggests that death is not a permanent separation, but rather a temporary one.

Overall, The Plaudite, or End of Life is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of life and death in a unique and captivating way. It is a poem that celebrates life and all its wonders, while acknowledging the inevitability of death and the fact that all things must come to an end. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the enduring nature of great literature, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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