'THE WAKE' by Robert Herrick
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Come, Anthea, let us two
Go to feast, as others do:
Tarts and custards, creams and cakes,
Are the junkets still at wakes;
Unto which the tribes resort,
Where the business is the sport:
Morris-dancers thou shalt see,
Marian, too, in pageantry;
And a mimic to devise
Many grinning properties.
Players there will be, and those
Base in action as in clothes;
Yet with strutting they will please
The incurious villages.
Near the dying of the day
There will be a cudgel-play,
Where a coxcomb will be broke,
Ere a good word can be spoke:
But the anger ends all here,
Drench'd in ale, or drown'd in beer.
--Happy rusticks!best content
With the cheapest merriment;
And possess no other fear,
Than to want the Wake next year.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wake by Robert Herrick: A Deep Dive into the Meaning and Significance
Are you a fan of classic poetry that reveals the essence of life, love, and death? If yes, then you must have heard of Robert Herrick, the renowned poet of the seventeenth century. Herrick's poetry is known for its rich imagery, lyrical style, and emotional depth. One of his most famous poems, "The Wake," is a powerful ode to the transience of life and the inevitability of death. In this literary critique, we will explore the meaning and significance of "The Wake" and analyze its poetic elements to understand its impact on the readers.
The Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem, it is crucial to understand the background and context in which it was written. Robert Herrick was a priest and a poet who lived in the seventeenth century. He was known for his love poetry and his ability to capture the essence of life in his verses. "The Wake" was written during a time when the bubonic plague was ravaging Europe. Death was everywhere, and people were forced to confront their mortality on a daily basis. The poem reflects this sense of despair and hopelessness that was prevalent at the time.
Structure and Imagery
"The Wake" is a poem that is rich in imagery and symbolism. The poem is divided into four stanzas, and each stanza has a distinct theme. The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. It describes the wake that is being held for a dead person. The second stanza describes the mourning process and the grief that is felt by the mourners. The third stanza talks about the inevitability of death and how it comes for everyone. The final stanza is a reminder that life is short, and we must make the most of it while we can.
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. The wake is described as a "pale-faced moon" that looks down on the mourners. The candles that are lit in memory of the dead person are referred to as "tapers," which is a nod to the traditional funeral customs of the time. The mourners are described as "weeping eyes" and "sorrowing hearts," which highlights the emotional impact of death on the living.
The Themes and Meanings
"The Wake" is a poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the transience of existence. The poem is a reminder that death is inevitable and that we must come to terms with it. The poem also highlights the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing each moment. The theme of mortality is prevalent throughout the poem, and the imagery used reinforces this theme.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its depiction of death. Death is described as a "silent thief" that comes for everyone. The inevitability of death is a theme that is prevalent in many of Herrick's poems. In "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," Herrick urges his readers to make the most of their youth before it is too late. This theme is echoed in "The Wake," where the poem is a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of it while we can.
The Poetic Elements
"The Wake" is a poem that is rich in poetic elements. The use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor is what makes the poem so powerful. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a lyrical quality. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which adds to the musicality of the poem.
The use of metaphor is particularly effective in the poem. The wake is described as a "pale-faced moon," which creates a haunting and eerie atmosphere. The use of the moon as a metaphor for death is a common motif in literature. The idea of death being an inevitable part of life is reinforced through the use of the moon as a symbol.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Wake" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the transience of existence. The poem is a reminder that death is inevitable and that we must make the most of our lives while we can. The use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor is what makes the poem so effective. The poem is a testament to Herrick's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of life in his verses. "The Wake" is a classic piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wake by Robert Herrick is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and poignant piece of literature that captures the essence of life and death. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism used in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The Wake is a poem that speaks to the inevitability of death. It is a reminder that no matter how much we try to avoid it, death is a part of life. The poem begins with the line, "Come, Anthea, let us two / Go to feast, as others do." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker and Anthea are going to a celebration of life, rather than mourning death.
The poem is filled with imagery that speaks to the idea of death. For example, the line "And when the wake is ended, then / Let the lads and lasses play" suggests that the wake is a celebration of life, but also a reminder that life is fleeting. The wake is a time to remember the deceased, but also a time to celebrate the life they lived.
The poem also uses symbolism to convey its message. For example, the line "And the merry bells ring round" suggests that the bells are a symbol of life and celebration. However, the line "And the coffin is let down" suggests that the coffin is a symbol of death and finality. The contrast between these two symbols highlights the duality of life and death.
One of the most interesting aspects of The Wake is its historical context. The poem was written in the 17th century, a time when death was a much more common occurrence than it is today. People were much more aware of their mortality, and death was a part of everyday life. The poem reflects this reality, as it celebrates life while acknowledging the inevitability of death.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is its use of language. The poem is written in a style that is typical of the 17th century, with its use of archaic words and phrases. This style of writing adds to the poem's sense of timelessness, as it feels like it could have been written at any point in history.
In conclusion, The Wake by Robert Herrick is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the inevitability of death. It is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should celebrate it while we can. The poem's use of imagery and symbolism, as well as its historical context and language, make it a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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