Metaphysical poets, selected poems Contents
Structure and versification in Death
Death is a good example of the simplicity of Herbert's verse structure. It is almost song-like: quatrains with lines shortening to the centre, then lengthening out again. This allows interesting movements of rhythm. The rhyme scheme takes advantage of the two central shorter lines, so the b-rhyme becomes more noticeable, especially
is a good example of the simplicity of Herbert's verse structure. It is almost song-like: quatrains with lines shortening to the centre, then lengthening out again. This allows interesting movements of rhythm. The rhyme scheme takes advantage of the two central shorter lines, so the b-rhyme becomes more noticeable, especially
- bones/groans
- face/grace
- doomsday/array
- There are several internal rhymes to re-enforce this effect:
- gay/doomsday
- and, more removed, fair/wear
Each stanza is a complete sense unit, so the poem moves forward at an even pace, unfolding its logic in a gradual way. It is all so firmly controlled, we cannot possibly fear death in such an ordered structure.
- Look at the structure of Death
- Can you see how the poem as a whole has the same movement as each individual stanza?
- Do you see any counter-movements, or use of counterpoint, either in rhythm or sense?
Resources: Some of Herbert's poetry has been set to music by Vaughan Williams in his Five Mystical Songs (Easter, I got me flowers, Love bade me welcome, The Call, Antiphon).
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