'Virtue' by George Herbert


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Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky,
The dew shall weep thy fall tonight;
For thou must die.

Sweet rose, whose hue angry and brave
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye,
Thy root is ever in its grave,
And thou must die.

Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie,
My music shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.

Only a sweet and virtuous soul,
Like seasoned timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Virtue by George Herbert: A Critical Analysis

Are you looking for a poem that will inspire you to be a better person? Look no further than George Herbert's "Virtue." This classic poem explores the concept of virtue and its importance in our lives. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a deep dive into this poem, analyzing its language, structure, and themes.

Summary of the Poem

Before we dive into our analysis, let's take a moment to summarize the poem. "Virtue" is a poem that explores the idea of virtue and its importance in our lives. The speaker begins by acknowledging that virtue is something we all strive for, yet it is often elusive. He then goes on to describe the various attributes of virtue, such as humility, patience, and courage. The poem concludes by reminding the reader that true virtue is found only in God.

Analysis of the Language

One of the most striking features of "Virtue" is Herbert's use of language. He employs a variety of literary devices to convey his message effectively. Let's examine a few examples.

Metaphor: "Who would not be / Th' Almighty's liveried servant" (lines 15-16)

In these lines, the speaker compares being a servant of God to wearing a livery, or uniform. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that serving God is not only a duty but also an honor. It also suggests that being a servant of God is a sign of one's commitment to virtue.

Personification: "But by th' houre's glass that runs so fast / […] Virtue contracts herselfe, just in the same / As slumbering men who think they dream" (lines 29-32)

Here, Herbert personifies virtue, describing it as though it were a person. The personification emphasizes the idea that virtue is something that can be elusive and fleeting. It also suggests that we must be vigilant in our pursuit of virtue, as it can slip away from us if we are not careful.

Alliteration: "Virtue onely doth emballage / The flow'r, being once blowne" (lines 11-12)

In these lines, Herbert uses alliteration to emphasize the importance of virtue. The repetition of the "f" sound in "flow'r" and "blowne" draws attention to the idea that virtue is what gives life meaning and purpose. Without virtue, life is like a flower that has lost its petals.

Analysis of the Structure

In addition to its language, the structure of "Virtue" also plays an important role in conveying its message. Let's examine a few examples.

Rhyme Scheme: ABABCCC

The rhyme scheme of "Virtue" is ABABCCC. This consistent pattern of rhyme gives the poem a sense of order and structure. It also helps to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as "blowne" and "thrown" in lines 12 and 14, respectively.

Repetition: "Who would not be" (lines 15, 16)

The repetition of the phrase "Who would not be" emphasizes the speaker's enthusiasm for serving God. It also suggests that being a servant of God is something that everyone should strive for.

Enjambment: "Virtue contracts herselfe, just in the same / As slumbering men who think they dream" (lines 31-32)

The use of enjambment in these lines emphasizes the idea that virtue can be elusive and fleeting. The pause created by the end of the line in "the same" helps to draw attention to this idea.

Analysis of the Themes

Now that we've examined the language and structure of "Virtue," let's take a closer look at its themes.

The Importance of Virtue

One of the primary themes of "Virtue" is the importance of virtue in our lives. The speaker acknowledges that virtue is something we all strive for, yet it is often elusive. He goes on to describe the various attributes of virtue, such as humility, patience, and courage. The poem suggests that without virtue, life is like a flower that has lost its petals.

The Role of God in Our Lives

Another theme of "Virtue" is the role of God in our lives. The speaker emphasizes that true virtue is found only in God. This suggests that serving God is not only a duty but also an honor. It also emphasizes the idea that being a servant of God is a sign of one's commitment to virtue.

The Need for Vigilance

Finally, "Virtue" emphasizes the need for vigilance in our pursuit of virtue. The personification of virtue suggests that it can be elusive and fleeting. The poem suggests that we must be vigilant in our pursuit of virtue, as it can slip away from us if we are not careful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Virtue" is a classic poem that explores the concept of virtue and its importance in our lives. Through its use of language, structure, and themes, the poem emphasizes the need for virtue, the role of God in our lives, and the need for vigilance in our pursuit of virtue. Whether you are religious or not, "Virtue" is a poem that can inspire us all to be better people.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Virtue: A Masterpiece of George Herbert

George Herbert, one of the most celebrated poets of the seventeenth century, is known for his religious poetry that reflects his deep faith and devotion to God. His poem "Virtue" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Christian morality and the importance of living a virtuous life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "Virtue" is a sonnet that consists of fourteen lines, written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of a Shakespearean sonnet. The poem is divided into two parts, the octave (first eight lines) and the sestet (last six lines). The octave presents the problem or question, while the sestet provides the answer or resolution.

The poem begins with a rhetorical question, "Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing the day, which is personified as a beautiful and serene entity. The use of alliteration in "so cool, so calm, so bright" emphasizes the peaceful and tranquil nature of the day. The speaker then asks, "The bridal of the earth and sky," which refers to the union of heaven and earth, symbolizing the divine and the earthly. The use of the word "bridal" suggests a sacred and holy union, which is a recurring theme in Herbert's poetry.

In the second quatrain, the speaker poses the central question of the poem, "The dew shall weep thy fall tonight? / For thou must die." The speaker is questioning whether the day will be mourned when it inevitably comes to an end. The use of personification in "the dew shall weep" creates a sense of empathy and sorrow for the day's passing. The phrase "For thou must die" is a reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

The third quatrain introduces the concept of virtue, which is the main theme of the poem. The speaker asks, "Sweet rose, whose hue, angry and brave, / Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye," referring to the rose's thorns that protect it from being plucked by careless hands. The rose is a symbol of virtue, which is often associated with beauty and fragility but also with strength and resilience. The use of the word "angry" suggests that virtue can be fierce and protective, while "brave" implies courage and valor.

In the final quatrain, the speaker answers the question posed in the octave, "Why should this change of thou and I / Be a desolation?" The speaker argues that the passing of the day and the inevitability of death should not be a cause for despair because virtue transcends mortality. The speaker states, "But here's the joy; my friend and I / Are one; sweet flattery!" The speaker finds solace in the fact that he and his friend, who is likely God, are united in their pursuit of virtue. The use of the word "flattery" suggests that the speaker finds comfort in the idea of being praised for his virtuous actions.

The sestet concludes with a couplet that summarizes the poem's message, "He that loves a rosy cheek, / Or a coral lip admires, / Or from star-like eyes doth seek / Fuel to maintain his fires: / As old Time makes these decay, / So his flames must waste away." The speaker is warning against the fleeting nature of physical beauty and desire, which will inevitably fade with time. The use of the word "decay" emphasizes the inevitability of aging and mortality. The final line, "So his flames must waste away," suggests that the speaker believes that the pursuit of physical beauty and desire is ultimately futile.

The poem "Virtue" is a beautiful and profound meditation on the nature of mortality and the importance of living a virtuous life. Herbert's use of imagery, personification, and alliteration creates a sense of beauty and serenity that contrasts with the poem's underlying message of the transience of life. The poem's structure, with its division into octave and sestet, reinforces the poem's central theme of the importance of virtue in the face of mortality. Overall, "Virtue" is a masterful work of poetry that continues to inspire and enlighten readers today.

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