Essay on Herberts Metaphysical Poems - 3454 Words

Herberts Metaphysical Poems In the first portion of The Temple, specifically Perirrhanterium, Herbert prescribes the didactics necessary for the instruction of the catechumen in a simple, straightforward manner. As the reader moves into the main section of The Church, the author’s poetic wit becomes more complex in both its style and depth of topic. Although the starkness of the messages in Herbert’s metaphysical poems is not as palpable as those of the Church Porch, their ability to teach both abstractly and visually affords them a didactic nature much like the parables of Christ. In basic parabolic structure, the speaker conveys a heavenly message through the simpler and more easily digestible use of an earthly†¦show more content†¦In one of Herberts most well known works Easter Wings, he uses the physical shape of the poem to mirror the image of heavenly flight that he constructs within the piece. The poem’s two sets of visual wings, highlighted by the title, physically suggest the parabolic nature later apparent in the abstract message of the text. Although the poem is actually concerned with mans spiritual journey, Herbert uses the physical pattern of birds in their upward flight to depict mans fallen nature and his desire for ascension toward the sky as victory over sin. He utilizes the same conceit in Easter Wings as the prophet Isaiah does in the Scripture, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:31). This substitution of the natural occurrence for man’s spiritual journey constructs the basic framework for the poem as parable. In the first wing, the poet outlines the decline of mans spiritual status as he lays the foundation for mans state in line one by addressing the original context in which the Lord created man. Beginning immediately after the first line, Herbert depicts the downward slope. As Stein asserts: â€Å"The opening line expresses the fullest prosperity of the human state: ‘Lord, who createdst man in wealth andShow MoreRelatedThe Collar Essay1099 Words   |  5 PagesUnlike Donne’s intellectual argument against faith, Herbert’s doubts are from a more emotional based rebellion that seems to conclude faith must fill the gaps logic makes in religion. His doubts and dissatisfaction with religious life led to Herbert writing ‘The Collar’, â€Å"collar† suggests a symbol of restraint that the speaker wants to be liberated from. The speaker views himself as a farmer who has a barren harvest, so ‘†¦ through this metaphysical conceit the speaker implies that the secular lifeRead MoreThe Poems of John Donne and George Herbert: Presenting a Distinct View on God1982 Words   |  8 PagesThe ideas that are received from the poems of John Donne and George Herbert present us with a very distinct view on God, and more generally, religion. 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Because the altar is physically constructed with varying lines lengths, the reader is imprinted with the image. This poem captivates the senses both visually and verbally. Using pictures, intelligent wording, allusions toRead Morethatcher4803 Words   |  20 PagesForbidding Mourning†, â€Å"The Flea†, â€Å"Hymn to God, My God in my Sickness† 4. George Herbert, â€Å"The Collar†, â€Å"The Altar†, â€Å"Love III† 5. Andrew Marvell, â€Å"To his Coy Mistress† 6. T.S. Eliot, â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock†, â€Å"Journey of the Magi† 2. Poems for individual reading: 1. William Shakespeare Sonnet 73 (â€Å"That time of year†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) 2. John Donne, â€Å"Holy Sonnet I† (â€Å"Thou hast made me†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ), â€Å"Holy Sonnet IX† (â€Å"If poisonous minerals†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ), 3. George Herbert, â€Å"Easter†, â€Å"Denial†, â€Å"Paradise† 4. Andrew MarvellRead MoreComparative Stylistic Analysis of a Poem3580 Words   |  15 Pagesï » ¿ Comparative Stylistic Analysis of a Poem Submitted to: Mrs. Daisy O. Casipit Submitted by: Lovely Anne B. Unquida (BSEd3-3) October 2013 Easter Wings by George Herbert Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,    Though foolishly he lost the same,   Ã‚      Decaying more and more,   Ã‚     Ã‚   Till he became   Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most poore:   Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With thee      Ã‚  Ã‚   Oh let me rise As larks, harmoniously, And sing this day   thy victories: Then shall the fall further