The Ruddy Bloke

  Introduction Andrew Marvell's timeless poem, To His Coy Mistress , captures the essence of love's urgency and the fleeting nature of time. Written during the 17th century, the poem is a classic example of the metaphysical genre, delving into deep philosophical and emotional themes. Before we delve into the key elements of the poem, its significance, and its enduring relevance in modern times, it must be useful to understand a bit about the poet. Andrew Marvell Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was a distinguished English poet and satirist of the 17th century, known for his profound and diverse literary contributions. Marvell's works combine wit, intellectual exploration, and emotional depth, making him a notable figure in both the metaphysical poetry movement and the broader literary landscape of his time. Born in Hull, England, Marvell's upbringing was marked by a blend of political and artistic influences. He served as a tutor and traveled extensively, acquainting himself

  Introduction George Herbert's poem Aaron is a timeless masterpiece that delves into the human struggle between imperfection and the yearning for holiness. As a renowned poet and Anglican priest, Herbert's works often revolve around themes of spirituality, faith, and the transformative power of Christ. Aaron is a reflective meditation that weaves together vivid imagery and deep introspection, guiding readers on a profound spiritual journey. Let us look into the lines before analysing the poem. The Text: Holiness on the head, Light and perfections on the breast, Harmonious bells below, raising the dead To lead them unto life and rest: Thus are true Aarons drest. Profaneness in my head, Defects and darkness in my breast, A noise of passions ringing me for dead Unto a place where is no rest: Poor priest, thus am I drest. Only another head I have, another heart and breast, Another music, making live, not dead, Without whom I could have no rest: In him I am well drest. Christ is

Introduction The Windows is a poem written by George Herbert, a renowned 17th-century English metaphysical poet, renowned for his deeply introspective and spiritually profound poems. Among his works, The Windows stands as a shining example of his ability to explore themes of faith, the human condition, and the quest for divine connection. This poem, written during a time of great social and religious upheaval in England, offers readers a glimpse into the complexities of faith and the human struggle to comprehend the divine. Let us look into the lines first and then summarise the whole poem to understand the depth of Herbert's contemplations. The Text: Lord, how can man preach thy eternal word?     He is a brittle crazy glass; Yet in thy temple thou dost him afford     This glorious and transcendent place,     To be a window, through thy grace. But when thou dost anneal in glass thy story,     Making thy life to shine within The holy preachers, then the light and glory     More re

Introduction The poem Redemption was written by George Herbert, a 17th Century poet and clergyman. At the outset, the poem articulates events pertaining to a lease between a tenant and his lord. Herbert subtly incorporates words like " lease ", " suit " and other legal jargons to suggest the transaction between the tenant and the lord. However, in a different perspective, the underlying spirituality of the lines makes the poem a remarkable one among Herbert's works. Let's look into the lines before we analyse the poem further. Text: Having been tenant long to a rich lord,     Not thriving, I resolvèd to be bold,     And make a suit unto him, to afford A new small-rented lease, and cancel th’ old. In heaven at his manor I him sought;     They told me there that he was lately gone     About some land, which he had dearly bought Long since on earth, to take possessiòn. I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,     Sought him accordingly in great resort

 Introduction The Pulley is a metaphysical poem written by George Herbert, an English poet from the 17th century. The poem explores the idea of divine providence and the nature of human desires. Let's look into the lines of the poem. The Text: When God at first made man, Having a glass of blessings standing by, “Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can. Let the world’s riches, which dispersèd lie, Contract into a span.” So strength first made a way; Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure. When almost all was out, God made a stay, Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure, Rest in the bottom lay. “For if I should,” said he, “Bestow this jewel also on my creature, He would adore my gifts instead of me, And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature; So both should losers be. “Yet let him keep the rest, But keep them with repining restlessness; Let him be rich and weary, that at least, If goodness lead him not, yet weariness May toss him to my breast.” Summary In the poem, He

  Introduction The poem ' Love (3)'  was written by George Herbert, a 17th Century poet and clergyman. The poem explores the theme of divine love and the encounter between the speaker and Love, which symbolizes God's love and grace. Let's look into the lines of the poem first. The Text: Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back                               Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack                              From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,                              If I lacked any thing.   A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:                              Love said, You shall be he. I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,                              I cannot look on thee. Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,                              Who made the eyes but I?   Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame                              Go where it doth deserve. And know you n

 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, Afflict

  Introduction The Collar is a metaphysical poem written by George Herbert, a 17th-century English poet and clergyman. The poem explores themes of inner conflict, doubt, and spiritual crisis. It is a dramatic monologue, wherein the speaker, who represents the poet himself, expresses his frustration and rebellion against his religious calling. Text: I struck the board, and cried, "No more;                          I will abroad! What? shall I ever sigh and pine? My lines and life are free, free as the road, Loose as the wind, as large as store.           Shall I be still in suit? Have I no harvest but a thorn To let me blood, and not restore What I have lost with cordial fruit?           Sure there was wine Before my sighs did dry it; there was corn     Before my tears did drown it.       Is the year only lost to me?           Have I no bays to crown it, No flowers, no garlands gay? All blasted?                   All wasted? Not so, my heart; but there is fruit,             And th