'UPON LOVE:BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER' by Robert Herrick


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I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Like, and dislike ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Stroke ye, to strike ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Love will be-fool ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Heat ye, to cool ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Love, gifts will send ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Stock ye, to spend ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Love will fulfil ye.
I bring ye love.QUES. What will love do?
ANS. Kiss ye, to kill ye.

Editor 1 Interpretation

'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer' by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism

Are you in love? Have you ever been in love? Do you know what love really means? If you're looking for answers to these questions, then look no further than Robert Herrick's poem, 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer'. In this classic piece of literature, Herrick delves into the nature of love, exploring its many mysteries and complexities. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at this timeless poem and examine its themes, language, and structure.

The Themes of 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer'

At its core, 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer' is a meditation on the nature of love. Throughout the poem, Herrick asks a series of questions about love and then answers them in his own unique way. He explores the many facets of love, from its power to its whimsical nature, and he does so in a way that is both insightful and entertaining.

One of the key themes of the poem is the power of love. Herrick describes love as a force that can "make a lion tame" and "a giant a dwarf". He also suggests that love can bring about great change, saying that "a little spark will kindle a great fire". This theme of love's power is further reinforced by the poem's structure, which is based on a series of questions and answers, each of which builds upon the previous one, creating a sense of momentum and inevitability.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that love is unpredictable and fickle. Herrick describes love as a "wanton" and "wayward" thing that can "fly away". He also suggests that love can be cruel and capricious, saying that "love can torment and prefer, / And sometimes nothing else but stir". This theme of love's unpredictability is reinforced by the poem's language, which is full of vivid and imaginative metaphors and similes.

The Language and Structure of 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer'

One of the most striking features of 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer' is its language. Herrick uses a wide range of literary devices, including metaphors, similes, alliteration, and personification, to create a rich and evocative picture of love. For example, he describes love as a "cunning elf" that can "steal away" and as a "witch" that can "bewitch". He also uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem, such as in the line "Love is a game, where both players lose".

The structure of the poem is also worth examining. As mentioned earlier, the poem is based on a series of questions and answers that build upon each other, creating a sense of momentum and inevitability. The questions themselves are also interesting, as they often take the form of rhetorical questions or paradoxes. For example, Herrick asks, "What is love? Oh, then, love is a disease". This paradoxical statement highlights the complex and contradictory nature of love.

The Significance of 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer'

So, what is the significance of 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer'? Why has this poem endured for over four hundred years? One possible answer is that the poem speaks to something universal and timeless: the human experience of love. Whether you're in love or not, the themes and language of the poem are likely to resonate with you on some level.

Another possible explanation for the poem's enduring popularity is its accessibility. Although the language of the poem is rich and complex, the structure and rhythm of the poem are simple and easy to follow. This makes the poem a great introduction to classical poetry for those who might find the works of Shakespeare or Milton intimidating.

Conclusion: The Timelessness of 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer'

In conclusion, 'Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer' is a timeless poem that explores the many mysteries and complexities of love. Through his use of vivid language and clever rhetorical devices, Herrick creates a portrait of love that is both entertaining and insightful. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to leave an impression on you. So, the next time you find yourself pondering the nature of love, remember these words from Robert Herrick: "Love's a thing, as I do hear, / Ever full of pensive fear".

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer is a classic poem written by Robert Herrick. The poem is a series of questions and answers that explore the nature of love. Herrick's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of love and its complexities. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem.

The poem is structured as a series of questions and answers. The questions are posed by an unknown speaker, and the answers are given by the speaker's lover. The poem begins with the speaker asking, "What is love?" The lover responds by saying that love is "a pretty thing." This simple answer sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Love is portrayed as something beautiful and desirable.

The poem then moves on to explore the different aspects of love. The speaker asks, "What is a kiss?" The lover responds by saying that a kiss is "a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear." This answer highlights the intimacy of a kiss. It is a way of communicating without words, a way of sharing a secret with someone you love.

The poem continues in this way, with the speaker asking questions about love and the lover providing answers. The questions and answers cover a range of topics, from the physical aspects of love to the emotional. The lover describes love as a "sweet disorder" and a "violent flame." These descriptions capture the intensity of love, the way it can consume a person and leave them feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Herrick's use of language and imagery. He uses vivid descriptions to bring the concepts of love to life. For example, when describing the physical aspects of love, the lover says that love is "a rosy pair of lips ready to part and eat." This image of lips as something to be consumed is both sensual and playful.

Herrick also uses nature imagery to describe love. The lover says that love is "a wild bird that can never be tamed." This image captures the idea that love is unpredictable and uncontrollable. It is something that can take hold of a person and refuse to let go.

The poem also explores the idea of love as a transformative force. The lover says that love is "a fire that burns away all impurities." This image suggests that love has the power to purify and transform a person. It can burn away the things that hold us back and leave us renewed and refreshed.

Overall, Upon Love: By Way of Question and Answer is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem. It explores the complexities of love in a way that is both playful and profound. Herrick's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of love and its many facets. The poem reminds us that love is a powerful force that can transform us in ways we never imagined.

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