Introduction
Easter Wings is a poem written by George Herbert, an English poet from the 17th century. It was published in his posthumous collection "The Temple" in 1633. The poem consists of two verses, each shaped like wings, symbolizing flight and ascension.
The Text:
Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poore:
With thee
O let me rise
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.
My tender age in sorrow did beginne
And still with sicknesses and shame.
Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.
With thee
Let me combine,
And feel thy victorie:
For, if I imp my wing on thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.
Summary
In these lines, the speaker addresses the Lord, acknowledging that humanity was created with abundance but lost its wealth due to foolishness, resulting in a state of decay and poverty. The speaker expresses a desire to rise harmoniously like larks and sing the Lord's victories, with the belief that even the fall will contribute to their spiritual ascent.
The speaker reflects on his early life, marked by sorrow, illnesses, and shame. He recognises that sin brought punishment, leaving him in a weakened and frail state. However, the speaker seeks to join with God, feeling His victory, and hopes that by aligning his efforts with divine guidance, affliction itself will propel his spiritual journey forward.
Overall, the lines convey the speaker's yearning for spiritual growth, redemption, and a closer union with God, believing that even life's struggles and hardships can lead to a deeper understanding of faith and an eventual flight towards spiritual elevation.
Analysis
Let's analyze various aspects of the poem, in order to get a wider understanding of Herbert's lines.
Easter Wings is a highly structured and deeply symbolic poem that explores themes of sin, redemption, and spiritual transformation. The poem consists of two verses that take on the shape of wings, presenting a visual representation of the themes and the message conveyed by the poet.
Structure and Form:
The poem's visual structure plays a crucial role in its interpretation. Each verse consists of ten lines, and the lines' length varies, creating the shape of wings when printed. This visual representation of wings reflects the central theme of the poem, which is about seeking spiritual ascension and freedom.
Themes:
(a). Human Fallibility and Sin: In the first verse, Herbert delves into the concept of human fallibility and the consequences of sin. The downward direction of the lines symbolizes humanity's fallen state, weighed down by the burden of transgressions and the consequences of Adam and Eve's original sin.
(b). Easter and Redemption: The poem's title, "Easter Wings," is significant, as it ties the verses to the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection. In the second verse, the upward direction of the lines represents the hope of redemption and spiritual rebirth through the resurrection of Christ.
(c). Spiritual Ascent and Transformation: The movement from the first verse to the second signifies a transformation from a state of sin and despair to one of spiritual ascent and hope. The poem conveys the idea that through Christ's sacrifice, humanity can rise above its fallen state and attain spiritual freedom and salvation.
Theological Significance:
Easter Wings reflects George Herbert's deeply religious outlook and his exploration of Christian themes. The poem's structure, language, and imagery combine to create a profound meditation on the human condition, the transformative power of faith, and the promise of redemption through Christ's resurrection.
Overall, Easter Wings is a masterful poem that uses its unique form to deliver a powerful spiritual message. It is a testament to George Herbert's skill as a poet and his devotion to exploring profound religious themes within his work.
Literary Devices
In the poem Easter Wings, Herbert uses various literary devices to enhance the overall effect of the poem. Few of the devices are as follows:
1. Allusion: George Herbert uses biblical allusions throughout the poem, particularly references to the 'Fall of Man' and the Easter story of 'Christ's resurrection'. These allusions add depth to the poem's religious themes and connect it to a broader Christian narrative.
2. Apostrophe: The poem begins with an apostrophe, addressing the Lord directly: "Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store." This literary device allows the speaker to directly address a person, in this case, God, as if He were present and listening.
3. Alliteration: The poem includes instances of alliteration, such as "Though foolishly he lost the same" and "Decaying more and more," which adds a musical quality to the verses and helps create rhythm.
4. Imagery: Herbert uses vivid imagery throughout the poem, such as "Most poore," "rise / As larks, harmoniously," and "My tender age in sorrow did beginne," to create visual and sensory impressions in the reader's mind.
5. Metaphor: The poem employs metaphors to convey its central themes. For instance, the comparison of the speaker's ascent with larks singing harmoniously suggests a desire for spiritual elevation and praise.
6. Paradox: The lines "Then shall the fall further the flight in me" and "Affliction shall advance the flight in me" contain paradoxes, presenting the idea that through suffering and downfall, the speaker's spiritual ascent and flight towards God will be enhanced.
7. Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "Most poore/thinne," "With thee," and "in me" creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, reinforcing the poem's themes and emotions.
8. Personification: The phrase "if I imp my wing on thine" personifies the wings, suggesting a desire for union and alignment with God's divine purpose and guidance.
9. Enjambment: The poem uses enjambment, where a line flows into the next without punctuation, creating a smooth and continuous reading experience.
Through these literary devices, George Herbert effectively communicates the themes of sin, redemption, spiritual longing, and the transformative power of affliction in the context of faith and devotion to God. The poem's structure and language invite readers to contemplate the profound journey of the soul towards divine understanding and unity.
Conclusion
In the first verse of the poem, the speaker reflects on humanity's fall from grace and the burden of sin, describing how people are trapped and unable to rise above their earthly troubles. It emphasizes the downward spiral of human nature and the consequences of sin.
However, in the second verse, the tone shifts towards hope and redemption. The speaker prays for God's forgiveness and restoration. The wings now depict a rising ascent, signifying the possibility of spiritual upliftment and salvation through Christ's resurrection on Easter.
In summary, Easter Wings by George Herbert is a reflective poem about the human condition, sin, and redemption, with the Easter theme highlighting the possibility of spiritual renewal and freedom through Christ's sacrifice.
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