'Affliction (I)' by George Herbert Summary.

 Introduction

The poem 'Affliction (I)' by George Herbert was published in his poetic collections, "The Temple". Before understanding a few things about the poem, let's look into the life and works of George Herbert.

George Herbert

George Herbert, a revered poet of the 17th century, remains an enduring figure in English literature and a true representative of the metaphysical poets. Born into a prominent Welsh family in 1593, Herbert's life was a tapestry of contradictions, intellectual prowess, and unwavering faith. Through his eloquent verses and profound insights, he shared a unique perspective on the human experience, spirituality, and the complexities of religious devotion.

Early Life and Education

Born in Montgomery, Wales, George Herbert was the fifth of ten children. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother, Magdalen, to raise the children and manage the family estate. Young Herbert displayed remarkable academic aptitude, and his intellect soon led him to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he pursued a classical education.

Herbert's time at Cambridge proved to be pivotal, as he encountered influential figures like Lancelot Andrewes and John Donne, both of whom would significantly impact his poetic style and spiritual development. During this period, Herbert immersed himself in classical literature, philosophy, and theology, nurturing the seeds of his future poetic genius.

The Priesthood and Inner Conflict

Despite excelling in his studies and being offered prestigious positions, Herbert felt an inner conflict about the direction of his life. He vacillated between a life in the court, where he could advance his secular career, and the religious calling that beckoned him. After the death of King James I, Herbert's political ambitions faded, and he eventually decided to embrace his spiritual vocation.

In 1630, George Herbert was ordained as an Anglican priest. He accepted the position of rector in Bemerton, a small rural parish in Wiltshire. This move marked a pivotal moment, as it allowed him to dedicate his life to God while also engaging with the local community.

The Poetry of Devotion

Herbert's poetic output was relatively small but immensely influential. His collection of poems, "The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations," remains his most celebrated work. Published posthumously in 1633, it presents a deeply spiritual journey through the lens of religious devotion. Through metaphysical conceits and intricate language, Herbert explored themes of faith, doubt, sin, redemption, and the human struggle to connect with the divine.

"The Temple" is divided into two parts: "The Church Porch" and "The Church." The former focuses on moral and ethical guidance, while the latter delves into the more profound and complex spiritual experiences. Throughout these poems, Herbert's ardent faith and desire for divine communion are evident, as he skillfully weaves together the sacred and the secular.

Herbert's poetry also contains a sense of humility and self-awareness, acknowledging his own human flaws and limitations. He finds solace in surrendering himself to God, allowing his work to serve as both an expression of devotion and a means to draw others closer to their own spiritual truths.

Legacy and Influence

George Herbert's literary legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His poems have inspired countless readers, theologians, and writers, leaving an indelible mark on the English literary tradition. His influence can be seen in the works of later poets like T.S. Eliot, W.H. Auden, and Dylan Thomas, who admired Herbert's use of language, religious fervor, and exploration of the human condition.

In addition to his poetry, Herbert's posthumous reputation was elevated by "The Country Parson," a prose work by his contemporary, Izaak Walton. This text provided a glimpse into Herbert's life as a pastor and further solidified his image as a man of genuine piety and holiness.

George Herbert's contributions to literature and theology have secured him a place in history as one of the greatest metaphysical poets and a beacon of spiritual devotion. His poems continue to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering timeless wisdom and insight into the complexities of faith, human frailty, and the pursuit of divine connection. As long as there are seekers of truth and spiritual understanding, the words of George Herbert will remain a source of inspiration and solace for generations to come.

Affliction (I)

When first thou didst entice to thee my heart,

I thought the service brave;

So many joys I writ down for my part,

Besides what I might have

Out of my stock of natural delights,

Augmented with thy gracious benefits.

I looked on thy furniture so fine,

And made it fine to me;

Thy glorious household-stuff did me entwine,

And 'tice me unto thee.

Such stars I counted mine: both heav'n and earth;

Paid me my wages in a world of mirth.

What pleasures could I want, whose King I serv'd,

Where joys my fellows were?

Thus argu'd into hopes, my thoughts reserv'd

No place for grief or fear.

Therefore my sudden soul caught at the place,

And made her youth and fierceness seek thy face.

At first thou gav'st me milk and sweetnesses;

I had my wish and way;

My days were straw'd with flow'rs and happiness;

There was no month but May.

But with my years sorrow did twist and grow,

And made a party unawares for woe.

My flesh began unto my soul in pain,

"Sicknesses cleave my bones;

Consuming agues dwell in ev'ry vein,

And tune my breath to groans."

Sorrow was all my soul; I scarce believ'd,

Till grief did tell me roundly, that I liv'd.

When I got health, thou took'st away my life,

And more, for my friends die;

My mirth and edge was lost, a blunted knife

Was of more use than I.

Thus thin and lean without a fence or friend,

I was blown through with ev'ry storm and wind.

Whereas my birth and spirit rather took

The way that takes the town;

Thou didst betray me to a ling'ring book,

And wrap me in a gown.

I was entangled in the world of strife,

Before I had the power to change my life.

Yet, for I threaten'd oft the siege to raise,

Not simp'ring all mine age,

Thou often didst with academic praise

Melt and dissolve my rage.

I took thy sweet'ned pill, till I came where

I could not go away, nor persevere.

Yet lest perchance I should too happy be

In my unhappiness,

Turning my purge to food, thou throwest me

Into more sicknesses.

Thus doth thy power cross-bias me, not making

Thine own gift good, yet me from my ways taking.

Now I am here, what thou wilt do with me

None of my books will show;

I read, and sigh, and wish I were a tree,

For sure then I should grow

To fruit or shade: at least some bird would trust

Her household to me, and I should be just.

Yet, though thou troublest me, I must be meek;

In weakness must be stout;

Well, I will change the service, and go seek

Some other master out.

Ah my dear God! though I am clean forgot,

Let me not love thee, if I love thee not.

Summary

The poem "Affliction (I)" is a profound exploration of the human experience of suffering, affliction, and the quest for spiritual solace.

Initially, the speaker finds joy and fulfillment in serving God, seeing numerous joys and benefits in his devotion. He believes that being in God's service grants him abundant happiness and a sense of belonging.

However, as time passes, the speaker experiences sorrow, pain, and loss, leading him to doubt and question his faith. He feels betrayed by God's actions, as he suffers from illnesses and lose loved ones. The speaker feels abandoned and without support, exposed to the storms of life.

Despite his frustrations, the speaker recognizes the power of God's influence in his life. God's actions seem to contradict his own desires and intentions, causing him to question the divine plan. The speaker acknowledges not only his own weaknesses but also his determination to seek a new path, one that may lead him away from God's service.

In the end, the speaker reflects on his uncertain future and wishes he was a tree, hoping to be useful and trusted by nature. He expresses a desire to be just and meek, vowing to change his current service and seek a different master. The poem concludes with a plea to God not to love him if the speaker does not truly love Him in return. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the complexities of his faith and the challenges of his relationship with God, ultimately questioning his own feelings and commitment.

Analysis

Let's analyse the poem with respect to the stanzas for more clarity of the main ideas pointed out by Herbert. In this poem, the speaker reflects on his relationship with God and the journey of faith, grappling with the challenges and afflictions he has experienced.

In the first stanza, the speaker recalls how he was initially enticed by God and found the idea of serving Him brave and joyful. He saw numerous joys and benefits in dedicating himself to God, even beyond the natural delights he possessed, which were further augmented by God's gracious blessings.

The speaker describes, in the second stanza, how he was captivated by God's magnificent attributes, perceiving His divine possessions as his own. He felt drawn and enticed towards God, counting the stars, both in the heavens and on earth, as a representation of his rewards, which were paid in the form of worldly happiness and mirth.

The speaker, in the third stanza, having chosen to serve God, felt content in a community of fellow believers who also found joy in the service of their King. He argues that such hopeful thoughts left no room for grief or fear, and his soul eagerly sought God's face with youthful enthusiasm.

The fourth stanza shows the speaker's early days of devotion, where the God granted him happiness and fulfilled his desires, much like the pleasantness of May with its flowers. However, as he grew older, sorrow twisted and grew within him, unexpectedly leading to a party of woe in his life.

In the fifth stanza the speaker's flesh began to suffer, causing him pain, and he was afflicted with various sicknesses that affected his entire being, filling his breath with groans. Sorrow overwhelmed his soul, and he could scarcely believe the reality of his suffering until grief made it evident.

In the sixth stanza, we witness the speaker's agony in losing people. Once the speaker regained his health, God took away his loved ones and friends, leaving him in a state of loneliness. His happiness and enthusiasm waned, and he felt as useless as a blunted knife. He was left vulnerable and exposed to every storm and hardship without any protection or support.

In the next stanza, the speaker reflects on how he was naturally inclined to take a different path, one that would lead him to success and prominence, but God led him into a life of scholarly pursuits and confined him in a gown, indicating a sedentary and limited existence.

Despite the speaker's initial determination to change his life, he was persuaded by God's academic praises, and his anger melted away. However, he finds himself stuck in a situation where he cannot go forward or backward, feeling unable to persevere in his current state.

In stanza nine, the speaker fears that God may cause even more suffering, preventing him from finding happiness even in his unhappiness. He feels that God's power "cross-bias" him, is not making His own gifts good but leading him away from his chosen path.

In the concluding stanzas, the speaker is uncertain about his future and the divine plan for his life. He reads and sighs, wishing he was like a tree that could grow to bear fruit or provide shelter for birds. Despite his troubles, he acknowledges his need to remain meek and strong and decide to change his service and seek another master. The poem ends on a note of surrender and submission to God's will. The soul acknowledges that it cannot fully comprehend God's plans or the reasons for its suffering. It yields to God's authority and embraces the affliction as a means to grow spiritually, trusting in God's wisdom and love.

Throughout the poem, the speaker wrestles with the complexities of his relationship with God, expressing feelings of enticement, joy, sorrow, and frustration. He grapples with the challenges of faith and divine providence while maintaining a sense of humility and a desire to be true to his love for God.

Literary Devices

In the poem "Affliction (I)", several literary devices enhance the poem's emotional impact and convey the speaker's complex emotions. Here are few of the literary devices used in the lines:

1. Metaphor: The poem utilizes metaphor extensively to compare the speaker's experiences to various objects and situations. For example, the soul's initial devotion to God is likened to a "service brave" and God's possessions are referred to as "glorious household-stuff."

2. Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the speaker's emotions and experiences. Imagery is employed when describing the "furniture so fine" of God and the speaker's days "straw'd with flow'rs and happiness."

3. Personification: The speaker personifies his "sudden soul" as a distinct entity that actively seeks God's face with "youth and fierceness."

4. Alliteration: Several lines employ alliteration, where the consonant sounds are repeated for effect. For example, "sicknesses cleave my bones" and "thin and lean without a fence or friend."

5. Enjambment: Many lines in the poem run on to the next line without a pause, creating a flowing and continuous rhythm that mirrors the speaker's ongoing emotions and thoughts.

6. Irony: The poem employs irony to emphasize the contradictory nature of the speaker's experiences. For example, the speaker initially thought serving God would bring only joy and benefits, but he later finds himself overwhelmed with sorrow and affliction.

7. Anaphora: The repetition of "Yet" at the beginning of multiple lines creates an anaphoric effect, drawing attention to the speaker's shifting emotions and decisions.

8. Hyperbole: The speaker uses hyperbole to emphasize the depth of his suffering. For instance, he exaggerates by saying his flesh is in pain, sicknesses dwell in every vein, and he is blown through with every storm and wind.

9. Apostrophe: The poem employs apostrophe when the speaker directly addresses God, expressing his thoughts and emotions to Him as if He were present and listening.

10. Paradox: The poem contains paradoxical statements that highlight the speaker's conflicting feelings and experiences, such as when he wishes to be a tree, growing to bear fruit or provide shade, despite his current troubles.

11. Allusion: The poem alludes to various Biblical themes and motifs, referencing the speaker's service to God and his journey of faith.

Overall, these literary devices enrich the poem's language and imagery, allowing the reader to delve into the speaker's emotional turmoil and profound reflections on his relationship with God.

Conclusion

In "Affliction (I)," George Herbert masterfully captures the inner turmoil of a soul grappling with suffering and the desire for divine comfort. The poem's power lies in its exploration of the complexities of human emotions, the search for meaning in affliction, and the ultimate surrender to a higher power. It remains a poignant and timeless reflection on the human condition and the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.