Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Temper (1)" is a poem by George Herbert that explores the theme of spiritual devotion and the struggle to praise God through language. The poem was first published in Herbert's collection of poems, The Temple, in 1633.

The poem consists of three stanzas, each with six lines, following an ABABCC rhyme scheme. This form creates a sense of balance and order, reflecting the poem's focus on the struggle to find the right words to praise God.

The content of the poem focuses on the speaker's desire to praise God, but also acknowledges the limitations of language in capturing the fullness of God's greatness. The poem suggests that the search for words to praise God is a lifelong pursuit, and that it requires a great deal of effort and devotion. The poem also explores the idea of humility, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our own limitations and imperfections in the face of God's greatness.

The poem's use of metaphor is particularly noteworthy, with the image of a "straw" reflecting the idea of the speaker's own inadequacy in the face of God's infinite greatness. The poem also uses the metaphor of "flint" and "steel" to reflect the idea that the search for words to praise God requires effort and perseverance.

Overall, "The Temper (1)" is a powerful and insightful poem that explores the theme of spiritual devotion and the struggle to praise God through language. The poem's use of metaphor, form, and language creates a sense of depth and meaning that has resonated with readers for centuries. The poem's message of the importance of humility, effort, and devotion in the search for words to praise God has a universal appeal that has made it a lasting testament to the enduring power of poetry to explore the human experience.