George Herbert was a very religious man whose poetry was not appreciated until long after his death. His best-known poems, such as ‘The Collar,’ employ a specific shape in the arrangement of their text, something known as shape poetry. Herbert was immensely devotional in his writings, crafting works with soul. He wrote for everyday people as well as for the clergy to whom he offered advice. He was heavily embedded in the Church of England through his role as a clergyman, which had an impact on his poetry. Herbert held a high reputation in literary circles, being considered to be one of the great metaphysical poets of the period, alongside the poetry of John Donne.
Life Facts
- George Herbert was born in Montgomery, Powys, Wales, in April 1593.
- Herbert’s first work, Qua auspicatissimum Serenissimi Principis Caroli, was published in 1623.
- In 1653, Herbert’s only prose work, A Priest to the Temple, was published.
- In 1633 he took ill and died of consumption.
- After Herbert’s death, a book of proverbs was published in 1640, titled, His Outlandish Proverbs.
Interesting Facts
- George Herbert’s poetry was not appreciated until decades after his death.
- King James I enjoyed his poetry and his piety.
- He studied Latin and Greek.
- He has a short career in Parliament.
- George Herbert could play the lute.
Famous Poems
- ‘The Altar’ is a devotional poem that depicts the speaker’s desire to make a sacrifice similar to Christ’s. This poem is one of several that Herbert wrote that depicts an image in the arrangement of the text. In this case, an altar. The poem describes the metaphorical process of building an altar out of one’s heart. The speaker depicts how one moves at a time; he’s going to create an altar to God built from his own body.
- ‘The Flower’ focuses on the seasons and how transitions change how the speaker experiences religion and God. Spring is a time of year that brings with it great emotional peace and happiness. But, as winter approaches, the speaker, like a flower, withers up and has to work harder to maintain his faith.
- ‘The Collar’ is an interesting poem that suggests that life as a religious man was not as easy for Herbert as other poems suggest. In it, the priest’s collar is presented as a symbol of restraint. He is living in prison on his own belief and wants to find a way out of it. Eventually, God speaks to him and calms him down.
- ‘The Pulley’ describes the story of creation and the moment in which God chose to give humankind knowledge, as well as wisdom and beauty. These things came to humanity easily, and now their defining features of the species. But, there is one blessing God did not release—rest. He chose to keep it close so that when human beings get weary, they turn to God.
- ‘Easter Wings’ is another religious poem in which the speaker discusses the fall of man and his own desire to do better. The poem is laid out in the shape of a bird’s wings, a technique that Herbert enjoyed employing. In the text, the speaker describes man’s foolishness in the Garden of Eden and how he doesn’t like being stuck in the darkness. He asks God that he be able to rise up and into the light.
Early Life
George Herbert was born in Montgomery, Powys, Wales, in April 1593. His parents were Richard Herbert and Magdalen Herbert, and he was one of ten children born to the couple. He grew up in a very affluent household that was close to both the national and local governments. At one point, his father was a member of parliament as well as a justice of the peace. For a time, Richard Herbert served as a high sheriff and custos rotulorum, or keeper of the rolls, in Montgomeryshire.
Herbert’s mother was inclined to a more artistic life. She was a patron and close friend of the poet John Donne, as well as a number of other poets, writers, and artists. Donne was made Herbert’s godfather after the death of Richard Herbert. The children were primarily raised by their mother, who spent a great deal of time worrying about their education.
Education
When he was twelve years old, Herbert entered Westminster School as a day pupil. He later became a residential scholar and was admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1609 on a scholarship. It was from here that he graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. He graduated in 1616 at the age of 23. After his time at university, he was elected a major fellow of the college and was appointed Reader in Rhetoric. Throughout his years of education, he devoted a great deal of time studying Latin and Greek. These skills allowed him to attain the post of the University’s Public Orator. He remained in this role until 1627.
Literary Career
Herbert’s first entrance into the literary world, Qua auspicatissimum Serenissimi Principis Caroli, was published in 1623. He is known today for writing in English, Latin, and Greek. It was in 1624 that Herbert became a member of parliament, representing Montgomery. He gained the favor and the attention of King James I during this time period, but the king died in 1625, as well as two patrons who were helping to fund the young man’s career. Herbert’s short career in parliament was over, but he quickly moved from politics to the church, taking his holy orders in 1624.
In 1626, he was presented with the Prebendary of Leighton Bromswold in the Diocese of Lincoln, a high-level position that was in the upper levels of the clergy. During this same time period, he was a deacon at Trinity College, Cambridge. It was not until 1629 that Herbert decided to enter the priesthood. He became the rector of Fugglestone St Peter with Bemerton, near Salisbury in Wiltshire. Herbert lived in this town for the rest of his life, writing and preaching.
In 1633 he took ill and died of consumption. In 1633 ‘The Temple, Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations’ were published, which were printed in eight different editions before 1690. This publication was released after his death by his friend Nicholas Ferrar. It is said that on his deathbed, Herbert sent Ferrar his “little book of poems,” which was turned into a classic work. Like most of Herbert’s poems, these are on a religious theme. Many of the poems in the collection are now used as hymns. He proceeds through the book from the front of the church to ‘The Altar,’ to ‘The Sacrifice.’ In his work, it has been said that there is a true closeness to God. Herbert’s devotion was clear throughout the text. Herbert’s life in Bemerton was not long.
Living well is the best revenge.
George Herbert
Legacy and Posthumous Publication
After Herbert’s death, a book of proverbs was published in 1640, titled, His Outlandish Proverbs. It listed over 1,000 aphorisms in English, which had been gathered from a number of different countries. These proverbs, as well as another 150, were re-published posthumously in the collection Herbert’s Remains.
A reader of Herbert’s text will also take note of the ways in which many of the poems are printed. Often the text was varied on the page, such as appearing sideways, in an effort to enhance the meaning of the piece. One example of this technique can be seen in the poem, ‘The Altar,’ in which the shorter and longer lines are arranged so they form the image of an altar.
In 1653, Herbert’s only prose work, A Priest to the Temple (usually known as The Country Parson), was published. It offered practical advice to rural members of the clergy and explained that what may seem to be worldly objects, such as plows, could be made to serve God’s truth. In addition to Herbert’s skill with the written word, he was known for his ability to play the lute. He often set his own verses, and since his death, over ninety of his poems have been set to music.
It was not for many centuries after his death that Herbert was appreciated for more than just his piety. George Herbert’s poetic works were not truly admired until a great deal of time had passed.
Influence from other Poets
George Herbert was notably influenced by religious writers and thinkers, as well as William Shakespeare and John Milton. His work eventually influenced other well-known poets such as Henry Vaughan, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and even Emily Dickinson.
FAQs
George Herbert was known for his metaphysical poetry during the 17th century. His works were characterized by their intricate wordplay, their use of religious symbolism, and their emotional depth, and are often seen as a reflection of Herbert’s own spiritual journey.
Arguably, George Herbert’s most famous work is ‘Easter Wings,’ which was published in 1633. The poem is heavily embedded with religious themes alongside the elements of nature.
George Herbert was celebrated for his incredibly devotional writings, centering on pure worship rather than the love between a man and woman. He is also lauded for his direct speech and clear writing style.
George Herbert’s work has been compared to the poetry of John Donne, one of the most famous metaphysical poets of all time. Herbert’s use of elaborate figurative language, original conceits, paradoxes, and philosophical topics, make up the traits of metaphysical poetry.
Although George Herbert’s poetry is typically classified as belonging to the early modern period rather than the Renaissance, he wrote about themes surrounding religion, devotion, and worship. George Herbert is generally considered to be a poet of the Metaphysical school, which emerged in the early 17th century in England after the Renaissance period. While some elements of his poetry, such as his use of classical allusions and his interest in the workings of the natural world, can be traced back to the Renaissance, Herbert’s work is typically classified as belonging to the early modern period rather than the Renaissance.
