'UPON TEARS' by Robert Herrick


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Tears, though they're here below the sinner's brine,
Above, they are the Angels' spiced wine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

UPON TEARS by Robert Herrick: A Literary Criticism

Wow! Upon Tears by Robert Herrick is a beautiful poem! The poem was written by Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet who is known for his beautiful lyrical poetry. Upon Tears is a short poem that expresses the theme of the transience of human life and the inevitability of sadness and tears.

Background Information

Before we delve into the poem, let's take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. Robert Herrick lived during the turbulent 17th century in England, a period characterized by political upheaval and religious conflict. Herrick was a clergyman who served as a vicar in a small village in Devon. He wrote poetry as a way of expressing his love for life and the natural world.

Upon Tears was written during a time of immense personal loss for Herrick. He had lost his father, mother, and several siblings. This poem is, therefore, a reflection of his own grief and the grief of those around him.

Poem Analysis

Upon Tears is a short poem that consists of four stanzas of four lines each. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a smooth and flowing rhythm.

Stanza 1

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker begins by stating that tears are a necessary part of life. He says, "No tears are lost; no, weeping vain, / For tears are beads that tell our pain." This suggests that tears are not a sign of weakness but rather a way of expressing our emotions. The speaker goes on to say that tears are like pearls that reflect the pain and suffering that we experience in life.

Stanza 2

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the nature of life itself. He says that life is like a river that flows toward the sea. He says, "Life is a weeping brook, and death / A sea that breeds and takes our breath." This suggests that life is transient and that we are all moving toward our inevitable end. The metaphor of the river flowing toward the sea is a powerful one as it suggests that life is a journey that we must all take, but that ultimately ends in death.

Stanza 3

The third stanza of the poem reflects on the inevitability of sadness and tears. The speaker says, "Nor are we born to smiles alone; / They are but weeds that o'er us grow." This suggests that sadness and tears are a natural part of life, and that we cannot avoid them. The metaphor of weeds growing over us suggests that happiness is fleeting, and that sadness and tears are a more enduring part of our lives.

Stanza 4

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope. The speaker says, "And when Love's lips, at last, shall kiss / The lids that wrap us in our bliss." This suggests that even though we must all face sadness and tears in life, there is a possibility of finding happiness and bliss in love. The use of the word "bliss" suggests that love is a powerful force that can help us overcome the sadness and tears that we experience in life.

Interpretation

Upon Tears is a powerful poem that expresses the theme of the transience of human life and the inevitability of sadness and tears. The poem suggests that tears are not a sign of weakness but rather a way of expressing our emotions. The poem also reflects on the nature of life itself and suggests that life is transient and that we are all moving toward our inevitable end.

The poem suggests that sadness and tears are a natural part of life, and that we cannot avoid them. However, the final stanza offers a glimmer of hope. The poem suggests that even though we must all face sadness and tears in life, there is a possibility of finding happiness and bliss in love.

Conclusion

Upon Tears by Robert Herrick is a beautiful poem that expresses the theme of the transience of human life and the inevitability of sadness and tears. The poem offers a powerful reflection on the nature of life itself and suggests that even though we must all face sadness and tears in life, there is a possibility of finding happiness and bliss in love.

Overall, I believe that Upon Tears is a timeless poem that offers a powerful reflection on the human condition. It is a poem that reminds us that we are all mortal and that we must make the most of the time that we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Upon Tears: A Masterpiece of Emotion and Imagery

Robert Herrick, one of the most celebrated poets of the seventeenth century, is known for his lyrical and sensual poetry that captures the essence of life and love. Among his many works, Upon Tears stands out as a masterpiece of emotion and imagery that explores the complex nature of grief and loss. In this essay, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of Upon Tears to understand its significance and enduring appeal.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "O drooping souls, whose sight / Is dimmed with sorrows tears." Here, Herrick addresses those who are suffering from grief and encourages them to express their emotions freely. The use of the word "drooping" suggests a sense of physical and emotional exhaustion, while "sight" and "tears" evoke the idea of blurred vision and a distorted perception of reality. By acknowledging the pain of his readers, Herrick establishes a connection with them and creates a sense of empathy that sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The second stanza introduces the central metaphor of the poem: tears as a form of baptism that purifies the soul. Herrick writes, "Know ye, that on the banks / Of the eternal Thames, / I saw a fair, sweet saint, / Clad in her robes of white." The image of the Thames, a river that flows through London and is associated with the city's history and culture, adds a sense of grandeur and timelessness to the poem. The "fair, sweet saint" is a symbol of purity and innocence, and her white robes suggest a sense of transcendence and spiritual elevation. The fact that she is "clad" in her robes suggests that she is ready for a ritual or ceremony, which is confirmed in the next lines: "She, methought, did address / Herself unto that flood, / And there she vowed to be / A virgin pure and good."

The third stanza continues the metaphor of tears as a form of baptism, but adds a new dimension to it: tears as a way of expressing love and devotion. Herrick writes, "But when she did deny / And vow to sin no more, / There rose up from the waves / A crowd of men in arms." The use of the word "deny" suggests a sense of resistance or temptation, while "sin" implies a moral or religious transgression. The fact that the saint is surrounded by "a crowd of men in arms" suggests a sense of danger or threat, as if she is being tested or challenged. However, the next lines reveal a surprising twist: "The virgin-maid did fear / And straight began to cry, / Her tears did hit the waves, / And calm the raging fry." The use of the word "fry" here is interesting, as it refers to a group of small fish or insects, but also suggests a sense of chaos or disorder. The fact that the saint's tears "calm" the fry suggests a sense of power or control, as if her emotions have the ability to restore order and harmony.

The fourth stanza brings the metaphor of tears to its climax, as Herrick describes the transformative power of tears on the soul. He writes, "O you that are with sin / And Satan haunted, know / That I have wept to win / A pardon from his wo." The use of the word "haunted" suggests a sense of fear or anxiety, while "wo" implies a sense of punishment or suffering. The fact that Herrick has "wept to win" a pardon suggests a sense of humility and repentance, as if he is acknowledging his own faults and seeking forgiveness. The final lines of the stanza are perhaps the most powerful in the poem: "Then know that tears are mine / Passion, and only signs / Of grace and love divine." Here, Herrick suggests that tears are not just a form of emotional release, but also a sign of spiritual enlightenment and grace. The use of the word "divine" suggests a sense of transcendence and connection to a higher power, as if tears have the ability to bridge the gap between the human and the divine.

The final stanza of the poem brings the metaphor of tears full circle, as Herrick returns to the image of the Thames and the saint. He writes, "My God, my God, and king, / Do thou the same for me; / O, then I shall be clean, / O, then I shall be free." The use of the word "king" suggests a sense of authority or power, while "clean" and "free" imply a sense of liberation and renewal. The fact that Herrick addresses God directly suggests a sense of intimacy and trust, as if he is confident that his tears will be heard and answered. The final lines of the poem are a powerful affirmation of faith and hope: "But if these liquors do / Only defile and stay / Spots in my heart, O, know, / They take these stains away." Here, Herrick acknowledges the possibility that tears may not always have a positive effect, but suggests that even if they do not purify the soul, they can still serve as a reminder of the need for redemption and forgiveness.

In terms of structure, Upon Tears is a five-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABABCC). The use of rhyme creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. The repetition of certain words and phrases (such as "tears," "saint," and "divine") creates a sense of unity and coherence that reinforces the central metaphor of the poem. The use of enjambment (where a line of poetry continues without pause into the next line) creates a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the flow of tears and emotions.

In terms of language, Upon Tears is a masterful example of Herrick's poetic style, which is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and sensuality. The use of simple and direct language creates a sense of immediacy and accessibility that allows the reader to connect with the emotions and experiences of the poem. The use of sensory imagery (such as the sight of tears, the sound of waves, and the touch of robes) creates a sense of intimacy and sensuality that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. The use of metaphor and symbolism (such as tears as a form of baptism and the Thames as a symbol of eternity) creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites the reader to explore the multiple layers of meaning in the poem.

In conclusion, Upon Tears is a masterpiece of emotion and imagery that explores the complex nature of grief and loss. Through its central metaphor of tears as a form of baptism, Herrick creates a powerful and enduring image of the transformative power of emotions on the soul. The poem's structure and language enhance its emotional impact and invite the reader to explore its multiple layers of meaning. Upon Tears is a testament to Herrick's poetic genius and his ability to capture the essence of life and love in his poetry.

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