Robert+Herrick

Robert Herrick, 17th Century English poet

__Life__ August 24, 1591 - October, 1674 (age 83)

__Important facts/Accomplishments__ - Attended Westminster School - Graduated from St. John's College, Cambridge in 1617 - Was a member of the Sons of Ben (poetry group) - Was twice named vicar of the parish of Dean Prior, Devon - Was a bachelor all his life - Best known for works //Hesperides// and //Noble Numbers// - Made frequent references to lovemaking and the female body in his works - His later works focused on spirituality and philosophy - He dealt with English country life and its seasons, as well as village customs - Strong supporter of the idea of //carpe diem//

__Essential Questions__ 1. What was Herrick's background? Robert was baptized upon his birth in Cheapside, London. He was the seventh child and fourth son of prosperous goldsmith, Nicholas Herrick. Robert was only a year old when his father committed suicide. In 1607, at the age of 16, the future poet became an apprentice to his uncle, goldsmith Sir William Herrick, who was a jeweler to the King. However, that apprenticeship lasted only six years, as Robert matriculated to St. John's College.

2. What was Herrick's poetic style and stature? As previously mentioned, Robert placed a strong emphasis upon lovemaking and the female body in his earlier works. Later, he switched to creating poetry of a more spiritual and philosophical nature. He was noted for using short poetical sayings, one of the most famous being, "Thus I / Pass by / And die,/ As one / Unknown / And gone." Again, he dealt with English country life and its seasons, village customs, and created complimentary poems to various ladies and his friends. Having never married, Robert loved the richness of sensuality and the variety of life. This can be viewed in such works //as Upon Julia's Clothes//. Lastly, Herrick was a strong supporter of the carpe diem theme.

3. Did any one person have a particular influence upon Herrick? Yes. Shortly after graduating from St. John's College, Robert joined the poetic group, Sons of Ben. This group of Cavalier poets centered around an admiration for the works of Ben Jonson. A style similar to Jonson's can be seen in Robert's work. However, the classical Roman writers, along with the poems of the late Elizabethan age, influenced him as well.

__Summary of__ //__To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time__// In this poem, the references to lovemaking and the female body are evident. The main theme of this particular poem is //carpe diem//.

__Link__ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Herrick_%28poet%29

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