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George Herbert's poem, "Easter Wings," is a profound work of literature that intertwines intricate imagery with its visual structure. Herbert's deliberate choice of a pair of wings as the poem's structural motif holds multiple layers of significance, each contributing to the reader's deeper understanding of the text. In this essay, we will explore the rich imagery employed by Herbert and how it invites readers to view the poem from a unique perspective. The poem, at its core, elucidates Herbert's fervent desire to ascend alongside Jesus after His resurrection, and this personal connection is evident through his frequent use of "I" and "me" in the text.
The poem's unconventional structure begins with a split in two parts, each meant to be read sideways.
This unique formatting serves a dual purpose, symbolizing the wings while also encouraging readers to perceive the poem as two distinct entities. The opening line, "Lord, who createth man in wealth and store," immediately addresses the audience, invoking a sense of reverence towards Jesus Christ.
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It establishes the poem as a form of prayer directed towards God (Greenblatt 1609).
Herbert's choice of the "winged" appearance of the poem is designed to captivate the reader's attention and correlate with the imagery he employs within the verses. The initial lines describe the descent of humanity from a state of "wealth" into the "decaying" nature of life tainted by sin. "Lord, who createst man in wealth and store, Though foolishly he lost the same, Decaying more and more Till he became Most poor:" The gradual reduction in the length of the lines mirrors the thematic decay depicted in the poem (Greenblatt 1609).
Herbert masterfully weaves together the visual and thematic elements of his poem, urging readers to recognize the parallelism between its shape and its meaning.
This deliberate choice encourages readers to uncover the poem's true essence by connecting its structure with its content.
The second part of the poem undergoes an emotional shift and culminates with the poet taking "flight" to complete the second wing: "With thee O let me rise As larks, harmoniously, And sing this day thy victories: Then shall the fall further the flight in me." This stanza is replete with vivid imagery (Greenblatt 1609).
This section of the poem appears to echo the first part while addressing the same audience. Just as the first stanza narrated the "fall" of humanity into sin, the third stanza becomes more personal to the poet: "My tender age in sorrow did begin: And still with sicknesses and shame Thou didst so punish sin, That I became Most thin." The diminishing length of each line mirrors the decline depicted in the stanza (Greenblatt 1609).
As Herbert progresses through the poem, he exposes his own vulnerability and the impact of sin on his life. He acknowledges that he, too, is not free from sin, symbolized by his becoming "Most thin." This introspection provides readers with a sense of loss and an unfinished narrative, challenging the notion that virtue and wisdom naturally grow with age.
In the subsequent stanza, Herbert introduces an element of spiritual connection: "With thee let me combine, And feel this day thy victory; For, if I imp my wing on thine, Affliction shall advance the flight in me" (Greenblatt 1609). Here, Herbert expresses his longing to be spiritually united with Jesus and to be grafted onto His wings, signifying a deeper, more intimate relationship. The concept of "combining" rather than merely being "with" Jesus emphasizes the desire for a profound connection. This motif is skillfully used by Herbert to illustrate how humanity's actions, even its afflictions and falls, can ultimately contribute to spiritual growth, much like a wing beating against the resistance of gravity and air.
Upon close analysis of Herbert's "Easter Wings," it becomes evident that the poem is steeped in winged imagery, intricately woven to convey profound truths. Herbert's structural and thematic choices in the poem create a multifaceted reading experience that challenges readers to revisit the text multiple times to fully grasp its significance.
Herbert's unconventional presentation, with the need to turn the page sideways, prompts a shift in perspective, paralleling humanity's decline due to sin, which was ultimately overcome by the redemptive actions of the cross. The complexity of "Easter Wings" suggests that its full meaning may not be readily apparent with a single reading but requires repeated contemplation.
Throughout the poem, Herbert employs shape and imagery to convey a myriad of meanings and insights. His introspective exploration of his own life and values invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and moral compass. Ultimately, Herbert's poem serves as a poignant reminder of the gift of salvation granted by God through the sacrifice of His Son, allowing all of humanity, not just the poet himself, to be grafted onto Jesus' wings, thus furthering the flight toward spiritual redemption.
George Herbert's "Easter Wings" continues to resonate with readers today, despite being written centuries ago. Its themes of sin, redemption, and the desire for a deeper spiritual connection are universal and timeless. In a world where people grapple with their own moral dilemmas and seek meaning in their lives, Herbert's poem provides a poignant reflection on the human condition.
Furthermore, the poem's unique structural and visual elements challenge contemporary readers to engage with literature in new ways. In an era dominated by digital media and fleeting attention spans, the act of physically turning the page sideways to read Herbert's poem can be seen as a deliberate choice to slow down and contemplate the text. This challenges modern readers to pause and reflect on the deeper layers of meaning within the poem, fostering a more profound connection with its themes.
In conclusion, George Herbert's "Easter Wings" is a masterful work that combines visual artistry with profound thematic content. The poem's imagery and structure work in harmony to convey a powerful message of spiritual growth, redemption, and the desire for a closer relationship with Christ. Herbert's poem challenges readers to delve deeper into its layers of meaning, emphasizing the importance of introspection and contemplation in understanding the complexities of faith and human nature.
As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, Herbert's timeless poem reminds us that, like the wings of faith and redemption, our own journeys may involve moments of decline and affliction. However, through these struggles, we have the potential to soar to greater heights, drawing closer to the divine. Herbert's "Easter Wings" stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, illuminate, and guide us on our spiritual quests.
George Herbert's Imagery in "Easter Wings". (2018, Sep 02). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/easter-wings-a-poem-of-george-herbert-essay
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