'UPON MAN' by Robert Herrick


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Man is composed here of a twofold part;
The first of nature, and the next of art;
Art presupposes nature; nature, she
Prepares the way for man's docility.

Editor 1 Interpretation

UPON MAN by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel as if you're watching life unfold before your eyes? That's the effect of Robert Herrick's "UPON MAN," a poem that describes the human condition in vivid detail. In this literary criticism, we'll explore the themes, tone, and imagery of the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

Themes

At its core, "UPON MAN" is a meditation on the fragility and transience of human life. Herrick begins the poem by describing man as "a little world made cunningly," suggesting that each individual contains within them the same complexity and diversity as the entire universe. However, this "world" is also subject to decay and eventual destruction, much like the natural world around us.

Throughout the poem, Herrick emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence, using words like "ephemeral" and "transient" to describe the brevity of life. He also notes that no amount of wealth or power can protect us from this inevitability, reminding us that "riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream." Ultimately, the poem suggests that the only way to confront our mortality is to embrace it, finding joy and meaning in the present moment rather than chasing after illusions of eternal youth and vitality.

Tone

Despite its heavy themes, "UPON MAN" is a surprisingly light and playful poem. Herrick's use of rhyme and meter creates a singsong rhythm that makes the poem feel almost childlike in its simplicity. This playful tone is at odds with the poem's more serious themes, but it serves to underscore the contrast between the fleeting nature of life and the enduring joy that can be found in simple pleasures.

At times, Herrick's tone borders on the irreverent, as when he describes man's "shortness" as a "vaunting of his own decay." However, this irreverence is not meant to be disrespectful; rather, it is a way of acknowledging the absurdity of our human condition and finding humor in our own mortality.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "UPON MAN" is its use of vivid, almost surreal imagery to describe the human body. Herrick compares the body to "a little globe," "a walking blaze," and "a moving mist." These metaphors are not only poetic, but also emphasize the complexity and diversity of the human form.

However, Herrick does not shy away from the darker aspects of the body as well. He describes the "narrow isthmus" of the neck, suggesting the vulnerability of this vital organ, and notes that man's "bowels are the mills of death," a grim reminder of the body's eventual decay.

Despite this morbidity, Herrick's imagery also celebrates the beauty and vitality of the human form. He describes the eyes as "living dials" and the hair as "silk worms," emphasizing the richness and diversity of human experience. Ultimately, the poem suggests that while our bodies may be temporary, they are also miraculous and deserving of wonder and admiration.

Conclusion

"UPON MAN" is a poem that celebrates the complexity and diversity of the human condition, while also acknowledging the transience and fragility of life. Through its playful tone, vivid imagery, and serious themes, the poem invites us to confront our mortality and find joy and meaning in the present moment. Whether we are rich or poor, powerful or powerless, we are all subject to the same fate, and the only way to truly live is to embrace the fleeting nature of life and find beauty in the here and now.

So, have you read a poem that captures the essence of human existence quite like this one? Robert Herrick's "UPON MAN" is truly a masterpiece of poetry, and its themes and imagery continue to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Upon Man: A Poem of Reflection and Contemplation

Robert Herrick’s Upon Man is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a reflection on the nature of man and his place in the world. It is a contemplation on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes and meanings.

The poem begins with the lines:

"Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave."

These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. They suggest that man is a creature of great potential, capable of achieving great things, but ultimately destined for death. The phrase "splendid in ashes" is particularly striking. It suggests that even in death, man can be magnificent, like the ashes of a great fire. The phrase "pompous in the grave" is also significant. It suggests that even in death, man can be proud and arrogant, as if he still believes that he is superior to all other creatures.

The poem then goes on to describe the various stages of man's life, from birth to death. It describes how man is born "naked and bare" and how he grows and develops over time. It also describes how man is subject to the various trials and tribulations of life, including sickness, pain, and suffering. The poem suggests that these experiences are necessary for man's growth and development, and that they ultimately make him stronger and more resilient.

The poem then turns to the subject of death. It describes how death is inevitable and how it comes to all men, regardless of their station in life. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced. It suggests that death is a natural part of life, and that it is only through death that man can achieve true greatness.

The poem concludes with the lines:

"Thus, though we cannot make our sun stand still, yet we will make him run."

These lines suggest that even though man cannot stop the passage of time or the inevitability of death, he can still achieve great things in his life. He can still strive to make the most of his time on earth and to leave a lasting legacy behind him. The phrase "make him run" suggests that man can be proactive in his approach to life, rather than simply accepting his fate.

Overall, Upon Man is a poem of reflection and contemplation. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable. It is a call to embrace life and to make the most of the time that we have. It is a reminder that even in death, man can be magnificent and proud. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition and reminds us of our place in the world.

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