To Virgins, Make Much of Time
Ashley Counts
English 102
Professor Benns
October 21, 2013
Time Never Waits
How does one “seize the day”? How would one take advantage of their time? In Herrick’s “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” exemplifies a classic case of “carpe diem.” This poem is about making the most of one’s time on earth and making your opportunities beneficial. With the use of personifications, symbolism, and metaphors Herrick’s inform his readers the importance of making the most of time while it is available. Personifications meaning to give inanimate objects human-like characteristics are present in this poem. He uses the sun to portray human qualities stating “The higher he’s-a getting / The sooner will his race be run.” (6-7). This meaning when an individual is at its peak of age use this time wisely, for eventually the younger days of one’s life will come to an end. The author also refers to time comparing the sun to being nearer to setting. A sun does not actually set by this activity is done by humans even though days do end and the sun eventually goes down representing the end of that day. Herrick uses the “virgins” as a symbolic measure to represent one’s youth in this poem. Virgins are described as being young, innocent, fresh and full of life. As he mentions to these pure individuals to gather their rosebuds while they may, he is informing the younger generation to use its youthful appearance and vitality before it is too late. Herrick is influencing the young readers not to be shy when meeting others. He also suggests marriage and fruitfulness before you age. Throughout this poem metaphors are displayed abundantly. Herrick compares the glorious lamp of heaven to the sun showing how important the sun is when referring to an individual’s life span. He also includes that old time is flying and that the flowers may die soon. The flowers are a metaphor being compared to life that could die at any time. Also shown in
English 102
Professor Benns
October 21, 2013
Time Never Waits
How does one “seize the day”? How would one take advantage of their time? In Herrick’s “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” exemplifies a classic case of “carpe diem.” This poem is about making the most of one’s time on earth and making your opportunities beneficial. With the use of personifications, symbolism, and metaphors Herrick’s inform his readers the importance of making the most of time while it is available. Personifications meaning to give inanimate objects human-like characteristics are present in this poem. He uses the sun to portray human qualities stating “The higher he’s-a getting / The sooner will his race be run.” (6-7). This meaning when an individual is at its peak of age use this time wisely, for eventually the younger days of one’s life will come to an end. The author also refers to time comparing the sun to being nearer to setting. A sun does not actually set by this activity is done by humans even though days do end and the sun eventually goes down representing the end of that day. Herrick uses the “virgins” as a symbolic measure to represent one’s youth in this poem. Virgins are described as being young, innocent, fresh and full of life. As he mentions to these pure individuals to gather their rosebuds while they may, he is informing the younger generation to use its youthful appearance and vitality before it is too late. Herrick is influencing the young readers not to be shy when meeting others. He also suggests marriage and fruitfulness before you age. Throughout this poem metaphors are displayed abundantly. Herrick compares the glorious lamp of heaven to the sun showing how important the sun is when referring to an individual’s life span. He also includes that old time is flying and that the flowers may die soon. The flowers are a metaphor being compared to life that could die at any time. Also shown in
Cited: Herrick, Robert. “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time.” LIT. Ed. Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston: Cengage Wadsworth, 2012. 374. Print.