'To Perilla' by Robert Herrick
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Ah, my Perilla, dost thou grieve to see
Me day by day to steal away from thee?
Age calls me hence, and my grey hairs bid come,
And haste away to mine eternal home.
'Twill not be long, Perilla, after this,
That I must give thee the supremest kiss.
Dead when I am, first cast in salt, and bring
Part of the cream from that religious spring,
With which, Perilla, wash my hands and feet.
That done, then wind me in that very sheet
Which wrapped thy smooth limbs when thou didst implore
The gods' protection but the night before.
Follow me weeping to my turf, and there
Let fall a primrose, and with it a tear;
Then, lastly, let some weekly-strewings be
Devoted to the memory of me:
Then shall my ghost not walk about, but keep
Still in the cool and silent shades of sleep.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Perilla: A Poem of Love and Nature
By Robert Herrick
To Perilla, a poem written by Robert Herrick, is a work of art that speaks of the beauty of nature and the power of love. In this poem, Herrick takes us on a journey through the countryside, where he appreciates the life that flourishes therein.
As we read this poem, we witness the poet's deep love for Perilla, his muse, and how she inspires him to see the world through a different lens. Herrick's use of language, imagery, and symbolism makes To Perilla an exceptional piece of literature that remains relevant even today.
Context and Background of the Poem
Robert Herrick was a poet who lived in the 17th century. He was born in London in 1591 and served as a clergyman in the Church of England. Herrick was a prolific writer, and his work mainly revolved around love, nature, and religion. His poetry was often inspired by his surroundings, and he found beauty in the simplest things.
To Perilla was written during the English Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in literature, art, and humanism. During this period, poets explored different themes, including love, nature, and beauty.
Analysis of the Poem
Themes
The theme of love is central to To Perilla. Herrick expresses his love for Perilla through nature, using the beauty of the countryside to illustrate his feelings. He uses imagery to describe the different elements of nature, such as flowers, trees, and birds, to show how love can be found in every aspect of life.
The theme of nature is also prevalent in the poem. Herrick uses nature to convey a sense of peace and tranquility. The countryside serves as a refuge from the chaos of the city, and the poet uses this imagery to create a sense of serenity.
Structure
To Perilla is a lyrical poem that consists of six stanzas of four lines each. The poem follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GHGH, IJIJ, KIKI. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, and the use of rhyme helps to reinforce the themes of love and nature.
Language and Imagery
Herrick's use of language and imagery is what makes To Perilla such a beautiful poem. He uses vivid descriptions of nature, such as "the cowslip and the primrose" and "the daisies pied and violets blue," to create a sense of wonder and beauty.
The poet also uses symbolism to convey his message. For instance, the "canker" that attacks the rose tree symbolizes the difficulties that love can face, while the "flower" that blooms despite the "canker" represents the resilience of love.
Tone and Mood
The tone of To Perilla is one of reverence and admiration. Herrick's love for Perilla is evident throughout the poem, and his appreciation of nature adds to the overall mood of tranquility.
The poet's use of language also contributes to the mood of the poem. His choice of words is soft and gentle, creating a sense of calmness that is reflected in the mood of the poem.
Interpretation
To Perilla is a poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of love. Herrick uses the countryside, with its flowers, trees, and birds, to illustrate the depth of his feelings for Perilla. The poet's use of language and imagery creates a sense of wonder and beauty, and his use of symbolism highlights the resilience of love.
The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection of the Renaissance period, with its emphasis on art, literature, and humanism. Herrick's appreciation of nature and his celebration of love reflect the values of the Renaissance, where beauty and love were prized above all else.
Additionally, To Perilla can be seen as a commentary on the human condition. The poem acknowledges the challenges that love can face, such as the "canker" that attacks the rose tree. However, it also highlights the resilience of love, with the "flower" that blooms despite the obstacles it faces.
Conclusion
To Perilla is a beautifully written poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of love. Herrick's use of language, imagery, and symbolism creates a sense of wonder and beauty that is reflected in the overall mood of the poem. The poem's themes of love and nature are still relevant today, and Herrick's message of hope and resilience continues to inspire readers.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Perilla: A Poem of Love and Devotion
Robert Herrick’s poem “To Perilla” is a beautiful and timeless piece of literature that captures the essence of love and devotion. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a tribute to a woman named Perilla, who was likely a close friend or lover of the poet. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and examine how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
Themes
The central theme of “To Perilla” is love, specifically the kind of love that is pure, selfless, and enduring. Herrick’s love for Perilla is not based on physical attraction or fleeting emotions, but on a deep and abiding connection that transcends time and circumstance. He describes her as “my dear and only love,” and speaks of her with reverence and admiration. The poem is a celebration of this love, and a testament to its power to sustain and uplift the human spirit.
Another important theme in the poem is the beauty of nature. Herrick uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world, from the “rosy-fingered dawn” to the “golden harvest-fields.” He sees in nature a reflection of his own feelings, and finds solace and inspiration in its beauty. This theme is closely linked to the theme of love, as both are seen as sources of joy and wonder in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.
Structure
“To Perilla” is a lyric poem, which means that it is meant to be sung or recited. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines, and follows a strict rhyme scheme (ABAB). The meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables followed by four unstressed syllables. This gives the poem a musical quality, and helps to convey the poet’s emotions in a clear and powerful way.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, but it is also carefully crafted to convey a sense of unity and coherence. Each stanza builds on the previous one, and the final stanza brings the poem to a satisfying conclusion. The repetition of certain words and phrases (such as “dear” and “only love”) also helps to create a sense of continuity and emphasis.
Language
The language of “To Perilla” is rich and evocative, filled with vivid images and metaphors that capture the beauty and complexity of the poet’s emotions. Herrick uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem’s impact, including alliteration, assonance, and personification. For example, in the first stanza he writes:
“Fair showers of roses you can fall And make the garden’s fragrant all; Breathe on her lips, and if their breath Contagion-like, be strong in death.”
Here, Herrick uses alliteration (the repetition of the “f” sound in “fair,” “fragrant,” and “breath”) to create a sense of harmony and balance. He also personifies the roses, giving them the ability to “fall” and “make” the garden fragrant. This adds a sense of whimsy and playfulness to the poem, while also emphasizing the beauty and power of nature.
Conclusion
“To Perilla” is a timeless poem that speaks to the enduring power of love and the beauty of nature. Through its simple yet powerful structure and evocative language, it captures the essence of the human experience and reminds us of the things that truly matter in life. Whether read as a tribute to a beloved friend or as a celebration of the joys of existence, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, uplift, and transform the human spirit.
Editor Recommended Sites
Optimization Community: Network and graph optimization using: OR-tools, gurobi, cplex, eclipse, minizincAI Writing - AI for Copywriting and Chat Bots & AI for Book writing: Large language models and services for generating content, chat bots, books. Find the best Models & Learn AI writing
Learn Devops: Devops philosphy and framework implementation. Devops organization best practice
Dev Wish I had known: What I wished I known before I started working on
React Events Online: Meetups and local, and online event groups for react
Recommended Similar Analysis
Holy Sonnet VI: This Is My Play's Last Scene, Here Heavens Appoint by John Donne analysisSpontaneous Me by Walt Whitman analysis
A Fever by John Donne analysis
Complaint of Chaucer to his Purse, The by Geoffrey Chaucer analysis
Locksley Hall by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysis
The Apparitions by William Butler Yeats analysis
A Poison Tree by William Blake analysis
He fumbles at your spirit by Emily Dickinson analysis
Crow's Fall by Ted Hughes analysis
Bavarian Gentians by D.H. Lawrence analysis