'TO THE WILLOW-TREE' by Robert Herrick


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Thou art to all lost love the best,
The only true plant found,
Wherewith young men and maids distrest
And left of love, are crown'd.

When once the lover's rose is dead
Or laid aside forlorn,
Then willow-garlands, 'bout the head,
Bedew'd with tears, are worn.

When with neglect, the lover's bane,
Poor maids rewarded be,
For their love lost their only gain
Is but a wreath from thee.

And underneath thy cooling shade,
When weary of the light,
The love-spent youth, and love-sick maid,
Come to weep out the night.

Editor 1 Interpretation

TO THE WILLOW-TREE: An Ode to Nature

Introduction

Robert Herrick's poem "To the Willow-Tree" is a beautiful tribute to the natural world, specifically to the willow tree. This poem is full of imagery and metaphor, creating a vivid picture of the tree and its surroundings. Herrick's use of language is masterful, and the poem is a wonderful example of his skill as a poet. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and elements of the poem, and uncover the deeper meaning behind Herrick's words.

Background

Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let's first take a look at the historical and cultural context of the time when Robert Herrick wrote "To the Willow-Tree". Herrick was born in 1591 in London, England, during the Renaissance period. This was a time of great literary, artistic, and intellectual growth, and Herrick was a part of the movement known as English Renaissance poetry.

The willow tree has long been a symbol of melancholy and sorrow in Western literature, and this is reflected in "To the Willow-Tree". Herrick's poem was written during a time when poetry was a popular art form, and nature was often used as a metaphor for human emotions.

Analysis

Now, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. "To the Willow-Tree" is a short poem consisting of just six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB.

The opening stanza sets the scene:

"Thou art to all lost love the best,
The only true plant found,
Wherewith young men and maids distrest,
And left of love, are crowned."

Here, Herrick establishes the willow tree as a symbol of lost love. The tree is described as the "only true plant found" for those who have been "left of love". The use of the word "crowned" at the end of the stanza suggests that the willow tree offers comfort and solace to those who have suffered the loss of love.

In the second stanza, Herrick describes the physical characteristics of the willow tree:

"When once the lover's rose is dead
Or laid aside forlorn,
Then willow-garlands, 'bout the head,
Bedew'd with tears, are worn."

Herrick uses imagery here to describe the willow garlands that are worn by those who have lost their love. The "bedew'd with tears" part of the stanza reinforces the idea that the willow tree is associated with sorrow and mourning.

The third stanza is perhaps the most beautiful and evocative of the entire poem:

"When with neglect, the lover's bane,
Poor maids rewarded be,
For their love lost, their only gain
Is but a wreath from thee."

Here, Herrick uses the willow tree as a metaphor for the plight of women who have been neglected by their lovers. The "wreath" from the willow tree is their only consolation. The use of the word "bane" suggests that love can be a destructive force, and that the willow tree is a symbol of the pain that can result from love.

The fourth stanza continues the theme of sorrow and loss:

"And underneath thy cooling shade,
When weary of the light,
The love-spent youth, and love-sick maid,
Come to weep out the night."

The "cooling shade" of the willow tree is a metaphor for the comfort that it provides to those who are suffering. The "love-spent youth" and "love-sick maid" are both described as being "weary" and coming to the willow tree to "weep out the night". The use of the word "night" here suggests that the willow tree is a place of darkness and despair.

In the fifth stanza, Herrick once again uses the willow tree as a symbol of loss:

"The wanton lover in a night,
When scarce the sunne be set,
Shall hie him to the hazel grove,
Amongst the bownes to let."

The "wanton lover" is described as going to the hazel grove to "let" his passions run wild. The use of the word "let" here suggests that he is giving in to his desires, and that the willow tree is a symbol of the consequences of his actions.

Finally, in the sixth stanza, Herrick brings the poem to a close:

"But if thy stroakes were once to feele,
So sharp to wound as mine,
How would'st thou then, poor willow, reele,
And bow thy head like mine?"

In this stanza, Herrick uses the willow tree as a metaphor for the pain of lost love. The "stroakes" that the tree would feel are a reference to the pain that he has experienced himself. The use of the word "reel" suggests that the willow tree would be unable to withstand the pain, and that it would bow its head in surrender.

Interpretation

So, what is "To the Willow-Tree" really about? At its core, this poem is a tribute to the natural world and its ability to provide comfort and solace in times of sorrow. The willow tree is used as a metaphor for the pain of lost love, and Herrick's use of language creates a vivid picture of the tree and its surroundings.

The poem is also a commentary on the destructive power of love. The willow tree is associated with sorrow and despair, and the use of the word "bane" suggests that love can be a destructive and harmful force.

Overall, "To the Willow-Tree" is a beautifully written poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the restorative power of nature. Herrick's use of language is masterful, and the poem is a wonderful example of his skill as a poet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "To the Willow-Tree" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a tribute to the natural world and its ability to provide comfort and solace in times of sorrow, and a commentary on the destructive power of love. Herrick's use of language is masterful, and the poem is a wonderful example of his skill as a poet. As we continue to explore the works of Robert Herrick and other poets of the English Renaissance, let us remember the power and beauty of nature, and the role that it plays in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To the Willow-Tree: A Classic Poem by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry. His works often explore themes of love, nature, and the fleeting nature of life. One of his most famous poems, "To the Willow-Tree," is a beautiful ode to the willow tree and its symbolism in literature and culture.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the willow tree, calling it "sweetest of the wood." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of admiration and reverence for the tree. The speaker goes on to describe the tree's branches as "flexible and tough," highlighting the willow's unique ability to bend without breaking. This quality has long been associated with the willow tree, and it is often used as a metaphor for resilience and adaptability.

The second stanza of the poem delves deeper into the symbolism of the willow tree. The speaker notes that the tree is often associated with sadness and mourning, as it is often found near graves and used in funeral wreaths. However, the speaker argues that this association is unfair, as the willow tree is also a symbol of hope and renewal. The tree's ability to grow quickly and thrive in wet environments has made it a symbol of resilience and perseverance.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful and poignant. The speaker describes the willow tree as a place of refuge and solace, a place where one can go to find peace and comfort. The tree's branches are described as a "green cathedral," a metaphor that highlights the tree's spiritual and emotional significance. The speaker urges the reader to seek out the willow tree in times of trouble, suggesting that it has the power to heal and soothe.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges the reader to plant more willow trees, to ensure that their beauty and symbolism continue to be appreciated for generations to come. This final stanza is a reminder that nature is not just something to be admired from afar, but something that we must actively protect and preserve.

Overall, "To the Willow-Tree" is a beautiful and moving poem that explores the many layers of symbolism associated with the willow tree. Herrick's use of language is masterful, and his ability to evoke emotion through his words is truly impressive. The poem is a reminder of the power of nature to inspire and heal, and it is a call to action for all of us to do our part in protecting the natural world.

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