The poem 'Virtue' was written by George Herbert. While reading about the author we come to know that he was born into a wealthy and prestigious family. In his poetry there is an eternal sense of spirituality. Most of the reader consider him as a religious poet. Moreover, he was associated with the Metaphysical Group of Poets. That we can see in his choice of words.
'The Temple' is the main collection of his poems. The titled poem is the part of this collection. There are total four quatrains in this poem. The major theme of the poem is formed on the transience of beauty and life. Here we will see the whole poem in details.
Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky;
The dew shall weep thy fall tonight,
For thou must die.
The poet begins the poem with the use of personification. As he attaches the humanly emotions to the inanimate objects. In the very beginning, the day has been described as something 'Sweet', 'Cool', 'Calm' and 'Bright.' At the next moment, there is 'bridal' depiction of the earth and sky. Thus, it provides one static image, which is of a serene day. Here we can say that narrator has compared the day as bright as the day of marriage. Not only that, the partner, earth and sky, both are happy too. Then poet moves to the more realistic fantasy. In the next line, narrator shows that the night has fallen and the eyes are full of tears. Here, for tears, writer has used the metaphor of dew. Along with this, there is clear emphasis on the idea of mortality. The narrator tries to say that, nothing is permanent. Therefore, one should better focus on present and make most of it.
Sweet rose, whose hue, angry and brave, 5
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye;
Thy root is ever in its grave,
And thou must die.
In the second stanza, there is depiction of ' Sweet Rose.' But when we proceed further, we meet with the juxtaposition of a two different characteristics. The rose is the symbol of passion, romance and beauty. Again, the hue of the rose is not the simple one, it is scarlet red. Suddenly the narrator reminds us that the color is angry and brave. Therefore it becomes the reason of tears, as it is unbearable for the person to face its intensive rays. The another symbol rose provides is of death and rebirth. Which we see in a next line. Because at the end, the grave is the shelter for everyone.
Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie; 10
My music shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.
The third stanza begins with the season of spring. It leads to the sweet days. It is like a unveiling the covered box. Our imagination might lead us to think that the box is covered due to heavy winter. The winter depicts the harshness and solitude of life. Not only that, after facing tremendous pain one experiences the hope and tranquility of life. To this spot, Herbert shows the earthly beauty and its temporariness. Even this song itself is not eternal.
Only a sweet and virtuous soul
Like seasoned timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
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Then chiefly lives.
So far we have seen that how it becomes vital to live life fully at its own disposal. However, in the last stanza we see change in the narrative tone. Which sounds more puritan. But yes, remember one thing that puritan does not stand for conservatism, or for rigidity. As we can't forget Milton's epic poem, 'Paradise Lost.' The fourth quatrain speaks about the 'virtuous soul.' The narrator makes emphasis on the better 'karmas' of an individual person. As person's virtues are like timber which will last long. Apart from this, everything will turn into ash. The entire poem warns us of the evident death. However, at the end, Herbert, reveals to the readers that, the humble, transient life and etc., these "Virtues" can help to embrace better eternal life.
Rhyming scheme : The poem is written in Iambic Tetrameter. It consists ABAB rhyme scheme.
See to reflect on our learning is one of the best virtue! Let your imagination fly... Here, your first task is to appear in the Quiz. The second task is to complete the Thinking Activity.
1. Justify your understanding of the poem 'Virtue.'2. What is the symbolic meaning of the season Spring ?3. What is your basic understanding of the word 'virtuous soul?'4. What are the most corrupt sectors/ organisations in India? What will you do to prevent the corruption ?5. What is your idea of 'honesty?' Share some of the experiences of your own life. 