'ON HIMSELF' by Robert Herrick
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Lost to the world; lost to myself; alone
Here now I rest under this marble stone,
In depth of silence, heard and seen of none.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Robert Herrick's ON HIMSELF: A Masterpiece of Self-Reflection
When it comes to poetry, there are few writers who can match the elegance, depth, and insight of Robert Herrick. His work has stood the test of time, and continues to inspire and move readers today. One of his most notable pieces is "On Himself," a poetic ode to self-reflection and introspection that captures the essence of the human experience.
Overview of the Poem
"On Himself" is a poem that explores the poet's thoughts and emotions as he reflects on his own life. Herrick takes the reader on a journey through his mind, revealing his innermost feelings and fears. He contemplates the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of living in the moment.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique theme and tone. The first stanza focuses on the fragility and transience of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment. The second stanza delves into the fear of death, and the idea that life is a journey that must eventually come to an end. The third and final stanza reflects on the poet's own legacy, and the idea that his work will live on after he is gone.
Analysis of the Poem
The opening lines of "On Himself" immediately draw the reader in, with their stark and powerful imagery:
I write of youth, of love, and have access
By these to sing of cleanly-Wantonness;
I sing of dews, of rains, and piece by piece
Of balm, of oil, of spice, and ambergris.
In these lines, Herrick establishes the themes that will run throughout the poem - youth, love, and the beauty of the natural world. He also introduces the idea of "cleanly-wantonness," which suggests a playful and innocent sexuality.
Throughout the first stanza, Herrick reflects on the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of seizing the day:
Years steal away, and Time that knows no rest
Turns up the Records of my youthfulness
Which I thought buried with my wasteful sins.
These sober thoughts within my mind now draw
The other me, that's better than the first,
And typify to me a happy hour
Wherein I shall my thoughts and joys rehearse
When I, thy Herrick, made thee Fortune bow.
Here, Herrick acknowledges the passing of time and the inevitability of aging. He also celebrates the idea of personal growth and redemption, suggesting that he has become a better person as he has gotten older.
The second stanza takes a darker turn, as Herrick confronts the fear of death:
For though I know thine ownest nature must
As well as I, submit to age and dust,
And when thou goest, the same road thou must tread,
The way to nothing but the downy bed
Of quiet peace and pious forgetfulness;
Yet, as thou art, love, I could not love thee less.
In these lines, Herrick acknowledges the inevitability of death, but suggests that the love he feels for life and the world around him makes it all worthwhile. He also emphasizes the importance of acceptance and surrender in the face of mortality.
The third and final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Herrick reflects on his own legacy:
For when thy Herrick shall be made a story,
And thou, thyself, to be the hearer of it;
Thou then, to me, shalt be a Muse and more,
Then ever Phoebus was, or poets are.
Here, Herrick suggests that his poetry will live on after he is gone, and that his work will become a part of the larger cultural narrative. He also emphasizes the importance of the human connection, suggesting that even after he has passed away, he will continue to be a part of the lives of those who read and appreciate his poetry.
Interpretation of the Poem
"On Himself" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of self-reflection and introspection. Through his words, Herrick invites the reader to join him on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. He celebrates the beauty and joy of life, while also confronting the inevitability of death.
One of the key themes of the poem is the importance of living in the moment. Herrick suggests that life is fleeting and transitory, and that we must seize every opportunity to experience the world around us. He also emphasizes the importance of personal growth and redemption, suggesting that even as we age, we can become better versions of ourselves.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of legacy. Herrick suggests that our lives and our work can have a lasting impact, and that even after we are gone, we can continue to be a part of the cultural narrative. He also emphasizes the importance of human connection, suggesting that our relationships with others are what give our lives meaning and purpose.
Overall, "On Himself" is a masterpiece of self-reflection and introspection. Through his poetic words, Herrick captures the essence of the human experience, celebrating the beauty and joy of life while also confronting its fleeting and transitory nature. It is a poem that encourages us to live in the moment, to embrace personal growth and redemption, and to recognize the importance of our legacy and our relationships with others.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry ON HIMSELF: A Masterpiece of Self-Reflection and Self-Expression
Robert Herrick, the renowned English poet of the 17th century, is widely known for his lyrical and pastoral poems that celebrate the beauty of nature, love, and life. However, one of his most remarkable works, Poetry ON HIMSELF, stands out as a masterpiece of self-reflection and self-expression that reveals the poet's innermost thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, language, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its significance and relevance to contemporary readers.
The poem begins with a bold and confident assertion of the poet's identity and purpose:
"I, writing of myself, am grown so bold As to present to you, what I do hold, Betwixt two brackets."
Here, Herrick declares his intention to write about himself, which was a daring and unconventional move in his time when most poets focused on external subjects and themes. He also uses the metaphor of brackets to suggest that his self-portrait is contained within a specific frame or boundary, which he controls and defines. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a candid and introspective exploration of the poet's personality, experiences, and beliefs.
The second stanza introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the relationship between the poet and his art:
"I must confess, I never yet did hear That the bold Greek, or Latine, did out-peer Or out-strip me; I only will say this, They taught me all the art I use in this."
Here, Herrick acknowledges his debt to the classical poets of Greece and Rome, who inspired and educated him in the art of poetry. However, he also asserts his own originality and mastery, claiming that he has surpassed his predecessors in his own unique way. This tension between tradition and innovation is a recurring motif in the poem, as Herrick seeks to balance his respect for the past with his desire to create something new and personal.
The third stanza shifts the focus to the poet's personal life and experiences:
"I writ of love, and ever did commend The sweet and sour variety; I sung Of mirth and grief, of hope and fear, and hung A garland on my Cornelia's tomb."
Here, Herrick reveals his preference for writing about love, which was a popular theme in his time. However, he also emphasizes the complexity and diversity of human emotions, which he captures in his poetry. The reference to Cornelia's tomb is significant because it shows the poet's ability to blend the personal and the universal, as he uses his own grief and loss to create a poignant and timeless tribute to love and mortality.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of the poet's relationship with his art:
"I sung of battles, and the breath of fame, Wherein there shines great Mars his golden name; But, since the trumpets tongue hath bid retreat, He sleeps with me, and leaves the field to Fate."
Here, Herrick acknowledges his ability to write about heroic and epic subjects, but also recognizes the limitations of such themes. The reference to Mars, the Roman god of war, suggests the poet's admiration for courage and valor, but also implies the transience and futility of human glory. The image of Mars sleeping with the poet is a powerful metaphor for the poet's own mortality and humility, as he accepts his place in the cycle of life and death.
The fifth stanza shifts the focus to the poet's spiritual beliefs and aspirations:
"I sung of Heaven, and hoped my Muse might fly Beyond the circle of the moving sky; But, when I tried to mount, I found this truth, That all my Muse and I could reach, was youth."
Here, Herrick reveals his desire to transcend the earthly realm and reach the divine sphere of heaven. However, he also acknowledges the difficulty and impossibility of such a feat, as he realizes that his poetic imagination is limited by his human nature. The reference to youth is significant because it suggests the poet's belief in the power of innocence and purity, which he sees as a prerequisite for spiritual enlightenment.
The sixth and final stanza concludes the poem with a powerful and memorable image:
"O, now my breaths come thick, my heart beats short, I cannot write; Lord, Thou hast made my Muse Dull as my wit, my sloth thou didst refuse. That makes me write not, and my tongue is now As if it spoke not what it knew; I vow I am asham'd, and blush to think how poor This scribling feeble heart of mine doth score."
Here, Herrick expresses his frustration and humility as a poet, as he realizes that his inspiration and talent are ultimately gifts from God. The reference to the "scribling feeble heart" is a poignant reminder of the poet's vulnerability and humanity, as he struggles to capture the beauty and truth of life in his art. The final image of the poet blushing with shame and embarrassment is a powerful testament to the honesty and sincerity of his self-reflection, as he exposes his own weaknesses and limitations.
In terms of structure, Poetry ON HIMSELF is a six-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABABCC). This regularity and symmetry reflect the poet's desire for order and harmony in his art and life. The use of enjambment and caesura also creates a sense of fluidity and rhythm, as the lines flow seamlessly from one to another. The language of the poem is simple and direct, with occasional archaic or poetic words that add depth and richness to the text. The use of metaphors, allusions, and personification also enhances the imagery and symbolism of the poem, as the poet creates vivid and memorable pictures in the reader's mind.
In conclusion, Poetry ON HIMSELF is a remarkable and timeless work of self-reflection and self-expression that reveals the poet's innermost thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. Through his candid and introspective exploration of his identity, art, life, and spirituality, Robert Herrick creates a powerful and memorable portrait of himself as a poet and a human being. His ability to blend the personal and the universal, the traditional and the innovative, the earthly and the divine, makes this poem a masterpiece of English literature that continues to inspire and enlighten readers today.
Editor Recommended Sites
GSLM: Generative spoken language model, Generative Spoken Language Model getting started guidesDev Make Config: Make configuration files for kubernetes, terraform, liquibase, declarative yaml interfaces. Better visual UIs
Witcher 4: Speculation on projekt red's upcoming games
Cloud Serverless: All about cloud serverless and best serverless practice
Run MutliCloud: Run your business multi cloud for max durability
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Female of the Species by Rudyard Kipling analysisTo The Same Flower (second poem) by William Wordsworth analysis
Wreck of the Hesperus, The by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow analysis
I Hear America Singing by Walt Whitman analysis
The City In The Sea by Edgar Allan Poe analysis
This is the land the sunset washes, by Emily Dickinson analysis
Birds Of Passage by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow analysis
Ghost House by Robert Frost analysis
Life Is Fine by Langston Hughes analysis
At Midnight by Sarah Teasdale analysis