George Herbert
1593-1633
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George Herbert was an English poet, orator, and Anglican priest, known for his religious poetry that combines deep spiritual devotion with technical innovation. A member of the metaphysical school, Herbert's work is characterized by its sincerity, precision, and use of everyday imagery to explore divine themes. His collection 'The Temple' remains one of the finest achievements in English religious poetry. Herbert's poetry is distinguished by its technical innovation, particularly his use of pattern poems where visual form reinforces meaning, and his development of a plain style that achieves profound spiritual effects through simple, direct language. Unlike Donne's intellectual complexity, Herbert's metaphysical poetry emphasizes emotional sincerity and devotional intimacy.
Key Facts:
- Anglican priest and metaphysical poet
- Known for pattern poems and technical innovation
- Influenced by his friendship with John Donne
- Served as a Member of Parliament before taking holy orders
- His poetry combines personal devotion with artistic sophistication
- Pioneered the use of pattern poetry in English literature
- Developed a 'plain style' that influenced later devotional poetry
Related Literary Terms:
Herbert's masterpiece, a collection of religious poems that traces the soul's journey toward God. The poems are arranged to suggest the architecture of a church, moving from the porch through the nave to the altar. The collection showcases Herbert's technical skill and deep spiritual insight. The collection is architecturally structured, beginning with 'The Church-Porch' (moral preparation), moving through 'The Church' (the main body of devotional poems), and concluding with 'The Church Militant' (the church's historical mission). Herbert's innovations include pattern poems where typography creates meaning, poems that enact their subjects through form, and a distinctive plain style that achieves complexity through simplicity rather than elaborate conceits.
Key Concepts:
Notable Poems:
Herbert's guide for country parsons, offering practical and spiritual advice for clergy. The work reflects Herbert's own experience as a parish priest and his vision of pastoral care.
Key Concepts:
Key Quotes:
- "The country parson is exceeding exact in his life, being holy, just, prudent, temperate, bold, grave in all his ways"
Metaphysical Conceit
See how Donne's compass metaphor works in 'A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning'
Metaphysical Conceit: An elaborate, surprising comparison between two very different things
Donne's Innovation: Compares separated lovers to a drafting compass - seemingly unrelated, yet profoundly connected
These animations help visualize complex literary concepts that might be difficult to understand through text alone. Each animation is designed to enhance your understanding of the author's unique contributions to English literature.