'Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold' by Edward Taylor

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The bear that breathes the northern blast
Did numb, torpedo-like, a wasp
Whose stiffened limbs encramped, lay bathing
In Sol's warm breath and shine as saving,
Which with her hands she chafes and stands
Rubbing her legs, shanks, thighs, and hands.
Her pretty toes, and fingers' ends
Nipped with this breath, she out extends
Unto the sun, in great desire
To warm her digits at that fire.
Doth hold her temples in this state
Where pulse doth beat, and head doth ache.
Doth turn, and stretch her body small,
Doth comb her velvet capital.
As if her little brain pan were
A volume of choice precepts clear.
As if her satin jacket hot
Contained apothecary's shop
Of nature's receipts, that prevails
To remedy all her sad ails,
As if her velvet helmet high
Did turret rationality.
She fans her wing up to the wind
As if her pettycoat were lined,
With reason's fleece, and hoists sails
And humming flies in thankful gales
Unto her dun curled palace hall
Her warm thanks offering for all.

Lord, clear my misted sight that I
May hence view Thy divinity,
Some sparks whereof thou up dost hasp
Within this little downy wasp
In whose small corporation we
A school and a schoolmaster see,
Where we may learn, and easily find
A nimble spirit bravely mind
Her work in every limb: and lace
It up neat with a vital grace,
Acting each part though ne'er so small
Here of this fustian animal.
Till I enravished climb into
The Godhead on this ladder do,
Where all my pipes inspired upraise
An heavenly music furred with praise.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold: A Masterpiece of Metaphors

Oh, how beautiful is the world of poetry! It is a world that lets us escape the harsh realities of life and transports us to a realm of imagination, emotions and beauty. It is a world where a mere insect, a wasp, can become the subject of a poem that is so full of depth and meaning that it can leave us awestruck. And such is the case with Edward Taylor’s poem, “Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold”.

At first glance, the poem seems nothing more than a description of a wasp that is lying motionless, chilled by the cold. But a closer examination reveals that the poem is a masterful depiction of the transience of life and the power of nature. It is a poem that uses metaphors to convey profound messages, and to leave us thinking about the mysteries of life.

Structure and Form

Before diving into the interpretation of the poem, let us first take a moment to appreciate its structure and form. The poem is a sonnet, written in iambic pentameter. It consists of fourteen lines, each containing ten syllables. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality that adds to its beauty.

The Wasp as a Metaphor

Now, let us move on to the interpretation of the poem. The first thing that strikes us is the use of a wasp as the subject of the poem. Why a wasp? Why not a butterfly or a bird? This is where the genius of the poet comes into play. A wasp is not a creature that is usually associated with beauty or grace. It is a creature that is often feared and avoided, and considered a nuisance. By using a wasp as the subject of his poem, Taylor challenges our preconceived notions and urges us to see beyond the superficial.

In the first quatrain, Taylor describes the wasp as “crept into a seam / Of the smoothed body, and, lest aught should harm / His fragile form, / Aye, rear’d his slender thighs like warlike arm”. Here, the wasp is compared to a soldier, who is trying to protect himself from harm. The use of military imagery is interesting, as it contrasts with the fragility of the wasp. It also suggests that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures can exhibit courage and determination.

In the second quatrain, Taylor describes how the wasp is “benumb’d with cold” and is lying “in his own little corse”. The image of the wasp lying motionless conveys a sense of death and decay. It reminds us of our own mortality and the inevitable end that awaits us all. The wasp is no longer a soldier, but a corpse, a reminder of the fragility of life.

In the third quatrain, Taylor describes how the wasp is “reviv’d, and eke anon / Off forth he flew”. The image of the wasp coming back to life is a powerful one. It suggests that even in the midst of death and decay, there is the possibility of renewal and rebirth. The use of the word “eke” is interesting, as it suggests that the revival of the wasp is not just a physical one, but also a spiritual one. The wasp is not just alive, but it is living fully, with renewed energy and purpose.

Finally, in the couplet, Taylor sums up the message of the poem. He writes, “Thus hath it been with age-old truth and fame: / The first low step hath borne them on to glory”. Here, Taylor is using the wasp as a metaphor for the human condition. We are all born fragile and vulnerable, and we all face the inevitability of death. But it is through our struggles and challenges that we can rise above our limitations and achieve greatness.

Nature as a Powerful Force

Another theme that is present in the poem is the power of nature. The wasp is not just a metaphor for the human condition, but also for nature itself. The wasp is a creature that is subject to the whims of nature. It can be benumbed by the cold or revived by the warmth of the sun. It is a reminder that nature is a powerful force that can both nurture and destroy.

Throughout the poem, Taylor uses imagery that is associated with nature. He describes the wasp as “crept into a seam / Of the smoothed body”, suggesting that the wasp is a part of nature itself. He also uses the image of the “icy-cold” wind, which is a reminder of the harshness of nature. At the same time, he describes the “sunbeams” that revive the wasp, suggesting that nature also has the power to heal and restore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold” is a masterpiece of metaphors. It uses a wasp as a metaphor for the human condition, and for nature itself. It is a poem that reminds us of the fragility of life, and the power of nature. It is a poem that urges us to see beyond the superficial, and to appreciate the beauty and significance of even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. It is a poem that leaves us with a sense of wonder and awe, and a reminder of the mysteries of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold: A Masterpiece of Metaphysical Poetry

Edward Taylor, a Puritan minister and poet, is known for his metaphysical poetry that explores the relationship between God and man. His poem "Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a classic example of his style, which combines religious themes with vivid imagery and complex metaphors. In this 16-line poem, Taylor uses a dying wasp as a symbol for the human soul and explores the idea of salvation and redemption.

The poem begins with a description of the wasp, which is "chilled with cold" and lying on the ground. The use of the word "chilled" immediately creates a sense of coldness and death, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The wasp is described as "benumbed and almost dead," emphasizing its helpless state. This image of a dying wasp is a metaphor for the human soul, which is also helpless and in need of salvation.

The second stanza introduces the idea of redemption, with the speaker asking, "What remedy can then be had?" The use of the word "remedy" suggests that the wasp's condition is not irreversible, and that there is a way to save it. The speaker then suggests that the wasp can be "warmed" and brought back to life. This idea of warmth and life is a metaphor for salvation, which can bring the human soul back to life.

The third stanza introduces the idea of God's grace, with the speaker asking, "What sweetness will it be to see / Thy God, thy Maker, look on thee?" The use of the word "sweetness" suggests that the experience of being saved and redeemed is a joyful one. The idea of God looking on the wasp is a metaphor for God's grace and mercy, which can save the human soul.

The fourth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker expressing the hope that the wasp will be saved and redeemed. The use of the word "hope" suggests that salvation is not guaranteed, but that it is possible. The final line of the poem, "And having breathed her soul into / A bee, she shall new vigour take," suggests that the wasp will be transformed into a bee, which is a symbol of industry and productivity. This transformation is a metaphor for the transformation that the human soul undergoes when it is saved and redeemed.

Overall, "Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry that explores the themes of salvation, redemption, and God's grace. The use of vivid imagery and complex metaphors creates a powerful and emotional experience for the reader, and the poem's message of hope and transformation is both inspiring and uplifting. Edward Taylor's poetry continues to be a source of inspiration and insight for readers today, and "Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a shining example of his talent and skill as a poet.

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