'UPON HER FEET' by Robert Herrick


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Her pretty feet
Like snails did creep
A little out, and then,
As if they played at Bo-peep,
Did soon draw in again.

Editor 1 Interpretation

UPON HER FEET: A Literary Critique

Are you in search of a romantic poem that captures the beauty and grace of a woman's feet? Look no further than "Upon Her Feet" by Robert Herrick. This classic piece of literature is a stunning ode to a woman's feet that will leave you enamored with the poetic language and vivid imagery.

Background of the Poem

Robert Herrick was an English poet who lived during the 17th century. He was known for his lyrical poetry that celebrated the beauty of nature, love, and female beauty. "Upon Her Feet" is one of his most popular poems that describes the beauty and grace of a woman's feet.

The poem was published in 1648 in his collection, "Hesperides". The collection consisted of over 1200 poems that celebrated love, nature, and beauty. "Upon Her Feet" is one of the most famous poems from the collection and has been studied and analyzed by literary scholars for centuries.

Literary Analysis

"At the fair's great in her feet, How a grace each motion meets! Rising on her tiptoes when She would dance, O then, O then, I can never have my fill, Of a sight so sweet and still."

The poem begins with a description of the beauty and grace of a woman's feet. The poet marvels at how every movement of her feet is filled with grace and elegance. He specifically mentions how she rises on her tiptoes when she dances, which adds to the beauty of the moment.

The language used in these lines is lyrical and poetic. The words "grace" and "motion" evoke a sense of beauty and fluidity. The repetition of "O then, O then" adds to the rhythm of the poem and emphasizes the poet's admiration for the woman's feet.

"In her neat-ankled feet, Methinks a model of her neat And nimble soul doth lie, Which directed by her hand, Moves with such an easy grace, As we tread the yielding grass."

The second stanza of the poem is even more poetic and expressive than the first. The poet uses the phrase "neat-ankled feet" to describe the woman's feet, which shows how he is paying close attention to every detail. He then goes on to say that the woman's feet are a reflection of her soul.

This comparison between the woman's feet and her soul is a powerful metaphor that adds depth to the poem. The poet is not just admiring the physical beauty of the woman's feet, but also the inner beauty that they represent.

The line "Which directed by her hand" implies that the woman is in control of her movements and her grace. This adds to her appeal and makes her even more alluring to the poet. The phrase "Moves with such an easy grace" is another example of the poet's lyrical language and poetic rhythm.

"As she dances, and doth move To the notes that I, or love, Have set down; O how sweet Are the measures, how complete, Which, by her fingers, move And tune the charming notes of love!"

The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the woman's dance. The poet is enchanted by the music that she dances to and the way she moves in response to it. He again mentions love, which shows that he is not just admiring the woman's feet, but also expressing his love for her.

The phrase "O how sweet" is repeated twice, which emphasizes the poet's joy and pleasure in watching the woman dance. The final line of the poem is another example of the poet's lyrical language and poetic rhythm. The phrase "tune the charming notes of love" is a beautiful way to describe the woman's dance and her influence on the music.

Interpretation

"Upon Her Feet" is a romantic poem that celebrates the beauty and grace of a woman's feet. However, it is also a poem that goes beyond physical beauty and explores the connection between a person's physical appearance and their inner self.

The comparison between the woman's feet and her soul is a powerful metaphor that suggests that inner beauty can be expressed through physical appearance. The woman's feet represent her soul, which is directed by her hand and moves with grace and ease. This implies that the woman is not just physically attractive, but also possesses inner beauty and grace.

The poem also celebrates the woman's dance and the way she moves in response to music. This adds another layer of meaning to the poem, as it suggests that a person's beauty and grace can be expressed through movement and dance. The woman's dance is described as sweet and complete, which implies that it is a reflection of her inner self and her connection to love.

Conclusion

"Upon Her Feet" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty and grace of a woman's feet. However, it is also a poem that explores deeper themes of inner beauty and the connection between physical appearance and the soul. The poet's lyrical language and poetic rhythm add to the beauty of the poem and make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Upon Her Feet: A Poetic Ode to Feminine Grace and Beauty

Robert Herrick, the renowned English poet of the 17th century, was known for his lyrical and sensuous poetry that celebrated the beauty and pleasures of life. His poem "Upon Her Feet" is a classic example of his poetic style, which combines vivid imagery, musical language, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. In this poem, Herrick pays tribute to the grace and elegance of a woman's feet, using them as a metaphor for her entire being. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Upon Her Feet" and examine how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and impact.

Themes

The central theme of "Upon Her Feet" is the celebration of feminine beauty and grace. Herrick uses the image of a woman's feet to represent her entire being, emphasizing the importance of physical appearance and movement in conveying a person's character and personality. The poem also highlights the idea of transience and impermanence, as the beauty of the woman's feet is fleeting and will eventually fade away. However, Herrick suggests that the memory of this beauty will endure, as it is captured in the poet's words and in the reader's imagination.

Structure

"Upon Her Feet" is a short poem consisting of four 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. The poem's structure is symmetrical, with each stanza containing a single image of the woman's feet and a corresponding metaphorical description. The repetition of the rhyme scheme and the consistent use of imagery create a musical and rhythmic effect, enhancing the poem's lyrical quality.

Language

Herrick's language in "Upon Her Feet" is rich and sensual, evoking the beauty and delicacy of the woman's feet. He uses a variety of poetic devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and metaphor, to create a vivid and memorable image of the feet. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the woman's feet as "two silver apples" that "creep" and "peep" through her shoes. The use of the "s" sound in "silver" and "apples" and the repetition of the "p" sound in "creep" and "peep" create a soft and gentle tone, emphasizing the delicate nature of the feet.

In the second stanza, Herrick compares the woman's feet to "two walking gems" that "shine" and "sparkle" as she moves. The use of the word "gems" suggests the preciousness and rarity of the woman's beauty, while the verbs "shine" and "sparkle" convey a sense of movement and vitality. The third stanza continues this theme of movement, as Herrick describes the woman's feet as "two sweet motions" that "slide" and "glide" along the ground. The use of the words "sweet" and "motions" suggests a graceful and fluid movement, while the verbs "slide" and "glide" create a sense of effortless motion.

In the final stanza, Herrick reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty, as he acknowledges that the woman's feet will eventually "fade" and "die." However, he suggests that the memory of this beauty will endure, as it is captured in the poet's words and in the reader's imagination. The use of the word "memory" suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing, while the repetition of the word "her" emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the poem.

Conclusion

"Upon Her Feet" is a beautiful and lyrical poem that celebrates the grace and elegance of a woman's feet. Through vivid imagery and musical language, Herrick creates a memorable and sensual image of the feet, using them as a metaphor for the woman's entire being. The poem highlights the importance of physical appearance and movement in conveying a person's character and personality, while also acknowledging the transience and impermanence of beauty. Overall, "Upon Her Feet" is a timeless ode to feminine beauty and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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