![]() ![]() The shape of the poem represents a dying or falling, then rising pattern, which is the theme of the Easter story. This style of writing poems with shapes that mirror their theme was adopted from the ancient Greeks and was popular when Herbert was writing in the early 17th century, with many poets adopting similar styles and forms of writing. In this way, he shapes both stanzas to look like wings when the poem is turned sideways, representing the ultimate flight of humanity when Christ claim his followers. ![]() Herbert is using a form of poetry called carmen figuration, manipulating the overall shape of the poem to mimic its subject. ![]() In this case, when the poem was first published in 1633, it was printed on two pages of a book, sideways, so that the lines suggest two birds flying upwards, with their wings spread out. This is a pattern poem in which the work is not only meant to be read, but its shape is meant to be appreciated by the reader. Our Easter celebrations continue today and my choice of a Poem for Easter this morning is ‘Easter Wings’ by the 17th century poet and priest George Herbert (1593-1633). a pattern poem in which the shape is meant to be appreciated by the reader ![]() ‘Easter Wings’ by George Herbert (1593-1633). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |