'WHY FLOWERS CHANGE COLOUR' by Robert Herrick


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These fresh beauties, we can prove,
Once were virgins, sick of love,
Turn'd to flowers: still in some,
Colours go and colours come.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Why Flowers Change Colour: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

by Robert Herrick

Are you a lover of poetry? If yes, then you must have heard of Robert Herrick's "Why Flowers Change Colour." This classic poetry is not only a delight to read but also carries within it a deep meaning that resonates with all of us. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the various aspects of this poem and understand its true essence.

Background

Before we begin with the interpretation, let's understand a bit about the poet and the poem. Robert Herrick was a 17th-century poet and clergyman who is known for his lyrical and pastoral poems. "Why Flowers Change Colour" is one of his most popular works and is a part of his collection, "Hesperides."

The poem is a short 12-line piece that talks about the beauty of flowers and how they change color over time. While the poem may seem simple at first glance, it has a deeper meaning that is worth exploring.

Interpretation

Let's dive into the poem and break it down line by line.

Why, Flora, change thy face?
Why, wilt thou envious be
Of that which is but thine, rich grace,
And native purity?

Why, Flora, wilt thou be
A party with the wind,
When thou mayst here enjoy with me
An air as soft and kind?

Why wilt thou leave to kiss
Those hands, from which do flow
Nectar and music, sweeter far
Than any else can grow?

Ah, see the charming sky!
Ah, see, too, late, thy fault!
Ah, see the bees, how they fly
Straight upwards to their hive!

The poem begins with a question, "Why, Flora, change thy face?" The poet is addressing Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and is asking why she changes the color of flowers. The poet is essentially asking, "Why do things change?" This is a question that has puzzled humans for ages. Change is inevitable, but why does it happen? The poet is questioning the very essence of life and nature.

The next line, "Why, wilt thou envious be of that which is but thine, rich grace, and native purity?" is an allusion to the fact that flowers change their color to attract pollinators. The poet is questioning why Flora would be jealous of the attention that bees give to other flowers. The answer is simple; it's a part of nature's plan, and flowers have to change their color to survive.

The third line, "Why, Flora, wilt thou be a party with the wind," is a metaphor for the passing of time. The poet is asking why flowers have to wilt and die. The answer, again, is simple; it's a part of nature's plan, and everything has to come to an end.

The fourth line, "When thou mayst here enjoy with me an air as soft and kind?" is a plea from the poet to Flora. The poet is trying to convince Flora to stay with him instead of changing her face and wilting. This line is a metaphor for the beauty of life and the pleasures that we can enjoy if we stay in the present moment.

The fifth line, "Why wilt thou leave to kiss those hands, from which do flow nectar and music, sweeter far than any else can grow?" is a reference to the fact that flowers are a part of us, and we are a part of them. The poet is questioning why we have to let go of the things that bring us joy. The answer, again, is simple; it's a part of nature's plan, and we have to let go of things to make way for new ones.

The next line, "Ah, see the charming sky!" is a reference to the beauty of life. The poet is trying to remind Flora and us of the beauty that surrounds us. The sky is a metaphor for the limitless possibilities that life holds.

The seventh line, "Ah, see, too, late, thy fault!" is a warning from the poet. The poet is reminding us that we need to appreciate the beauty of life while we still have it. We don't want to realize too late that we have wasted our time.

The eighth line, "Ah, see the bees, how they fly straight upwards to their hive!" is a metaphor for the journey of life. The bees are working hard to collect nectar and make honey. This line is a reminder that we need to work hard and make the most of our time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Why Flowers Change Colour" by Robert Herrick is a beautiful poem that talks about the beauty of life and the inevitability of change. The poem is a reminder that we need to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and make the most of our time. The poem is not just about flowers; it's about life and the journey that we all take. It's about the beauty that surrounds us and the pleasures that we can enjoy if we stay in the present moment. So, the next time you see a flower change its color, remember the deeper meaning behind it and appreciate the beauty of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Why Flowers Change Colour: A Deep Dive into Robert Herrick's Classic Poetry

Robert Herrick's "Why Flowers Change Colour" is a timeless piece of poetry that has captivated readers for centuries. The poem is a beautiful ode to the natural world and the way in which it changes and evolves over time. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.

The poem begins with the lines, "Why do ye weep, sweet babes? Can tears / Speak grief in you, who were but born / Just as the modest morn / Teemed her refreshing tears?" These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life. The "sweet babes" in the poem are a metaphor for the flowers that Herrick is describing. The tears that they shed are a symbol of the way in which they change and evolve over time.

The poem goes on to describe the way in which flowers change colour as they grow and mature. Herrick writes, "The flowers do fade, and wanton fields / To wayward winter reckoning yields." Here, he is describing the way in which the natural world is subject to the whims of the seasons. The flowers that were once vibrant and colourful are now fading and dying, as winter approaches.

Despite this, Herrick finds beauty in the changing colours of the flowers. He writes, "But kindly still, affection springs / From out the ruins of a flower." This line is a testament to the resilience of nature, and the way in which it is able to find beauty even in the midst of decay and destruction.

One of the most striking aspects of "Why Flowers Change Colour" is the way in which Herrick uses language to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. He writes, "The purple violet, and the pink, / Carnation, and the nodding daffodil." These words are so evocative that they almost seem to bring the flowers to life before our eyes. Herrick's use of language is a testament to his skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the beauty of the natural world in words.

Another important aspect of the poem is the way in which it reflects the historical context in which it was written. Herrick was a poet who lived during the seventeenth century, a time when the natural world was seen as a source of wonder and mystery. The poem reflects this sense of awe and reverence for nature, and the way in which it is able to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Why Flowers Change Colour" is a beautiful and timeless piece of poetry that continues to captivate readers to this day. The poem is a testament to the beauty and resilience of the natural world, and the way in which it is able to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Herrick's use of language is masterful, and his ability to capture the beauty of the natural world in words is truly remarkable. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading this classic poem, I highly recommend that you do so. You will not be disappointed.

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