Write a note on Herbert’s use of metaphysical conceits.
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Answer
Write a note on Herbert’s use of metaphysical conceits.
A metaphysical conceit is a clever, surprising comparison between two very different things. In metaphysical poems, the poet uses these conceits to talk about deep ideas like God, love, death, or the soul. George Herbert (1593-1633) is a famous metaphysical poet. His use of conceits makes his poems meaningful and appealing.
Conceit in “Easter Wings”: In “Easter Wings,” Herbert compares the human soul to a bird. He says:
“O let me rise
As larks, harmoniously”
Here, the soul is like a lark—a bird that flies high and sings sweetly. The speaker wants to rise from sin and fly towards God. He also uses the idea of “imping.” As he says:
“For, if I imp my wing on thine.”
“Imping” is a way to fix a broken bird’s wing by attaching feathers. Herbert says that if he adds God’s strength to his weak wing (soul), he will be able to fly again. This is a metaphysical conceit, where flying becomes a symbol of spiritual rising.
Conceit in “The Collar”: In this poem, Herbert compares religious restrictions and doubts with a “cage” and “rope of sands.” He says:
“Forsake thy cage,
Thy rope of sands,
Which petty thoughts have made.”
A rope of sand is something that looks like a rope but is weak and false. The poet is thinking that his faith is just a false “cage” he has built for himself from his own “thoughts.” This fine conceit wonderfully depicts his spiritual struggle.
In short, George Herbert uses metaphysical conceits to show deep thoughts in simple but surprising ways. His use of conceits makes him one of the famous metaphysical poets.