'TO CARNATIONS:A SONG' by Robert Herrick


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Stay while ye will, or go,
And leave no scent behind ye:
Yet trust me, I shall know
The place where I may find ye.

Within my Lucia's cheek,
(Whose livery ye wear)
Play ye at hide or seek,
I'm sure to find ye there.

Editor 1 Interpretation

TO CARNATIONS: A SONG by Robert Herrick

Introduction

"To Carnations: A Song" is a poem written by Robert Herrick that was published in 1648. The poem is about carnations, a popular flower during the time Herrick was writing. The poem is a love song, addressed to the flowers themselves, and is written in the form of a pastoral.

Analysis

The poem is comprised of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem has a musical quality to it, which is appropriate since it is a song. The use of rhyme and meter makes it easy to sing or recite.

The poem begins with an address to the carnations themselves. Herrick tells the carnations that they are "lovely" and "sweet." He then implores the carnations to tell him how they came to be so beautiful. This is a rhetorical question, as Herrick knows that the answer is simply "because that's how they were made."

In the second stanza, Herrick compares the carnations to a "maid" who is "fair." This is a common metaphor in poetry, where flowers are often compared to people, and vice versa. The use of the metaphor serves to elevate the carnations to the status of a beautiful woman.

In the third stanza, Herrick tells the carnations that they are not only beautiful, but they are also fragrant. The use of the sense of smell to describe the flowers adds to their allure. The smell of a flower is often what attracts people to it, and Herrick is no exception.

In the fourth stanza, Herrick tells the carnations that they are not only beautiful and fragrant, but they also have a special power. The power that the carnations possess is the ability to "make a day that's passing by, linger, and not die." This is a powerful statement, as it implies that the beauty of the flowers can make time stand still.

In the fifth stanza, Herrick tells the carnations that they are not only beautiful, fragrant, and powerful, but they are also "everlasting." This is a reference to the fact that carnations can be dried and preserved, and they will remain beautiful for a long time. The idea that something can last forever is a powerful one, and it adds to the allure of the flowers.

In the final stanza, Herrick tells the carnations that they are not only all of these things, but they are also "kind." This is a reference to the fact that flowers have been used throughout history to express love and affection. Herrick is saying that the carnations are kind because they have the power to express love.

Interpretation

"To Carnations: A Song" is a love song, not just to the flowers themselves, but to the idea of beauty and love. Herrick sees the carnations as a symbol of everything that is good and beautiful in the world. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of nature and the power of love.

The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of beauty. Herrick acknowledges that flowers, like all beautiful things, are temporary. They are here today, but gone tomorrow. However, he also suggests that beauty can be preserved in different forms. The fact that carnations can be dried and preserved suggests that the memory of beauty can last forever.

The poem can also be seen as a critique of society's obsession with youth and beauty. Herrick suggests that beauty is not just about being young and attractive, but it is about the power to make time stand still. The fact that the carnations can make time stand still suggests that beauty is about more than just physical appearance.

Conclusion

"To Carnations: A Song" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of love. The poem is a commentary on the fleeting nature of beauty, but it also suggests that beauty can be preserved in different forms. The poem is a critique of society's obsession with youth and beauty, and it suggests that beauty is about more than just physical appearance. Overall, the poem is a celebration of everything that is good and beautiful in the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To Carnations: A Song by Robert Herrick

If you're a fan of poetry, you've probably heard of Robert Herrick. He was a 17th-century English poet who is best known for his collection of poems, "Hesperides." One of the most popular poems from this collection is "To Carnations: A Song." In this article, we'll take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to read the poem in its entirety:

Stay while ye will, or goe, And leave no scent behind ye: Yet trust me, I shall know The place where I may find ye. Within my Lucia's cheek (Whose livery ye weare) Play ye at hide or seek, I'm sure to find ye there.

At first glance, "To Carnations: A Song" seems like a simple poem about flowers. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that there's much more to this poem than meets the eye.

Themes

One of the main themes of this poem is the idea of impermanence. The speaker acknowledges that the carnations will eventually wither and die, but he still cherishes them while they're alive. This theme is also reflected in the structure of the poem, which is short and sweet, much like the lifespan of a flower.

Another theme that's present in this poem is the idea of love. The speaker is addressing the carnations as if they were his beloved, and he promises to always be able to find them. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's love for his significant other. He may be saying that even if his love is not physically present, he will always be able to find it within himself.

Structure

As mentioned earlier, the structure of "To Carnations: A Song" is short and sweet. The poem consists of six lines, and each line is only a few words long. This structure reflects the impermanence theme of the poem, as well as the fleeting nature of life itself.

Another interesting aspect of the structure is the use of rhyme. The first and third lines rhyme with each other, as do the second and fourth lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance within the poem, which is fitting given the subject matter.

Literary Devices

One of the most prominent literary devices used in this poem is personification. The speaker is addressing the carnations as if they were human, which gives them a sense of life and personality. This personification also reinforces the idea of impermanence, as the carnations are given a sense of agency and autonomy that will eventually be taken away.

Another literary device that's present in this poem is metaphor. The speaker is using the carnations as a metaphor for his love, which adds depth and complexity to the poem. By comparing his love to a flower, the speaker is able to convey the fragility and beauty of his emotions.

Conclusion

"To Carnations: A Song" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of impermanence and love are universal, and its structure and literary devices are masterfully crafted. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

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