Herrick Activity

ENGL 520

Dr. Fike

When we studied Donne, I gave you principles of his metaphysical poetry to watch out for, and then we looked at illustrations in specific poems.  Herrick is not a metaphysical poet, and the easy accessibility of his poems calls for a different approach.  Your job is to work in groups to identify major themes, ideas, motifs, attitudes, implications, conclusions, etc. in Herrick’s poems. 

Here is a list of poems to which we will devote close attention in class.  I will assign one group of poems to each group of students.  The headings should suggest a starting point, topic, or theme.  Try to establish Herrick’s position vis-à-vis each area.  I will give you an opportunity to mull over your ideas with your group, and then you will share them with the rest of the class.  This is a fishing expedition:  see what you can bring to the surface.

Poetry

• 309:  “The Argument of his Book”
• 313:  “To Live Merrily, and to Trust to Good Verses”
• 318:  “To his Book”
• 319:  “His Prayer to Ben. Jonson”
• 319:  “An Ode for him”

Time

• 311:  “Corinna’s Going a Maying”
• 314:  “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time”
• 318:  “His Winding-Sheet”

Rural life

• 314: “The Hock-cart, or Harvest Home”
• 320:  “His Return to London”
• 320:  “His Grange, or Private Wealth”
• 321:   “A Thanksgiving to God, for his House”  

Faith

• 317:  “Matins, or Morning Prayer”
• 317:  “Evensong”
• 322:  “His Litany, to the Holy Spirit”

Politics

• 309:  “To the Most Illustrious, and Most Hopeful Prince, Charles, Prince of Wales”
• 311:  “To the King and Queen, Upon Their Unhappy Distances”
• 320:  “The Bad Season Makes the Poet Sad”