Themes in Affliction I

Losing the plot

The main theme in Affliction I is Herbert's own suffering in terms of incoherence and fragmentation. At first he seemed to have his life together, and serving God was all part of that togetherness. Then troubles started coming, and he lost the plot of his own life. Devoting himself to serving God no longer seemed to make sense. Even at the end of the poem, he is still perplexed, but is determined to cling to God despite his suffering and confusion.

Investigating Affliction I
  • Look at the themes of Affliction I
    • How does Herbert's early easy existence make him vulnerable when problems come?
    • What words or phrases suggest the lack of coherence in Herbert's life?
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