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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
George Wither's poem "A Nymph's Song; In Praise of the Lover of Virtue" is a celebration of a lover who values virtue above all else. The poem is written in the form of a dialogue between a nymph and the lover, with the nymph questioning the lover about his preferences in love. The lover responds that he values a virtuous woman over all else, and that he is not interested in superficial beauty or wealth. George Wither was an English poet, pamphleteer, and satirist who lived from 1588 to 1667. "A Nymph's Song; In Praise of the Lover of Virtue" was likely written in the early 17th century The poem is notable for its praise of inner beauty and virtue, rather than external qualities. Wither emphasizes that true love is not based on physical attraction or material possessions, but rather on the character and goodness of the beloved. The poem also touches on themes of faith and morality, with the lover emphasizing the importance of living a virtuous life. Wither's use of the pastoral tradition in the poem adds to its timeless and universal appeal. The dialogue between the nymph and the lover takes place in a natural setting, with references to flowers, birds, and other elements of the natural world. This setting creates a sense of idyllic simplicity and purity, which further emphasizes the poem's focus on virtue and inner beauty. Overall, "A Nymph's Song; In Praise of the Lover of Virtue" is a beautiful and uplifting poem that celebrates the power of true love and the importance of living a virtuous life.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DEATH OF THE VIRTUOUS by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD MY GOOD FATHER by CAROLYN KIZER ARCADY TOMBEAU by DONALD REVELL LIFE'S MIRROR by MARY AINGE DE VERE IDEA: TO THE READER OF THESE SONNETS, INTRODUCTION by MICHAEL DRAYTON VIRTUE [OR, VERTUE] by GEORGE HERBERT |
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