George Herbert (1593–1633) is one of the most celebrated figures in 17th-century British poetry, known for his deeply spiritual verse and his mastery of religious and metaphysical themes. His work stands as a significant contribution to the development of English poetry during the Renaissance, and his influence continues to resonate in both British poetry and the broader tradition of Christian literary thought. Herbert’s poetry explores the intersection of faith, doubt, human nature, and divine grace.
As a poet, Herbert blended intellectual rigor with profound devotion, which allowed him to create a distinct style within the metaphysical poetry movement. His work offers a unique vision of the human relationship with God, addressing themes of spiritual growth, humility, and salvation. In this article, we will examine Herbert’s life, his poetic style, his major works, and his lasting influence on British poetry.
Early Life and Education
George Herbert was born on April 3, 1593, into a prominent family in the kingdom of England. His father, Richard Herbert, was a landowner and a man of some influence, while his mother, Magdalen Newport Herbert, was from a well-connected family. Herbert’s upbringing was one of privilege, and it allowed him access to excellent education, which would deeply influence his later work.
Herbert’s education began at Westminster School, where he demonstrated an early interest in literature and classical studies. He was then admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge, at the age of 14, where he studied rhetoric, philosophy, and theology. Herbert’s academic career at Cambridge flourished; he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1613 and his Master of Arts in 1616. His time at Cambridge helped him develop a profound understanding of classical literature, particularly the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as the emerging English literary tradition.
It was at Cambridge that Herbert began his poetic career, though his religious beliefs and commitment to the Christian faith would soon become the central focus of his writing. His education was not just in literature but also in theology, and Herbert’s early experiences at Cambridge contributed to his later decision to pursue a religious life. He was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1626, a decision that profoundly impacted both his life and his poetry.
Herbert’s Religious Life and Vocation
In 1626, after completing his education and experiencing a period of uncertainty regarding his future, George Herbert was offered the position of priest at the rural parish of Bemerton in Wiltshire. He accepted the position, and it marked a decisive shift in his life. Despite his promising career in public service and his position at the court of King James I, Herbert chose a life of devotion to the church and to pastoral care. He devoted himself entirely to his religious work, preaching regularly, providing counsel to his parishioners, and organizing charitable activities for his community.
Herbert’s life as a clergyman was deeply intertwined with his work as a poet. His poetry from this period reflects his intense devotion to God, his struggle with spiritual doubts, and his desire to use his gifts in service to God’s glory. For Herbert, poetry was not just an artistic pursuit but an act of devotion. His works often explore the tension between the human need for grace and the divine love that offers redemption.
Herbert’s commitment to his religious vocation also meant that his poetic output was relatively small compared to some of his contemporaries. He composed his best-known works over a period of less than a decade, and his collection The Temple, published posthumously in 1633, was the result of his final years of poetic labor.
Major Works and Themes
Herbert’s poetry is often described as devotional, reflecting his deep Christian faith and his role as a clergyman. However, his work also addresses universal themes such as human suffering, redemption, the search for meaning, and the relationship between the individual and the divine. In this section, we will explore some of the most important aspects of Herbert’s poetic style and his major works.
The Temple (1633)
The most significant collection of Herbert’s poetry is The Temple, published posthumously in 1633, a year after his death. This collection is composed of a series of lyric poems that explore the themes of divine love, spiritual devotion, and the inner conflict between sin and redemption. It is one of the central works of 17th-century British poetry and a hallmark of metaphysical poetry. The title The Temple refers to the Christian idea of the body as a temple of God, a theme that runs throughout the collection.
Herbert’s poetry in The Temple reflects both intellectual and emotional dimensions, blending theological reflections with personal feelings. The poems are marked by an intellectual rigor that reflects Herbert’s classical education, but also by an emotional honesty that demonstrates his genuine spiritual struggles. The collection includes some of Herbert’s most famous poems, including “The Altar,” “The Sacrifice,” and “Love (III).”
In “The Altar,” Herbert uses a form of poetry known as the “shape poem,” where the structure of the poem itself mimics the theme. The poem takes the shape of an altar, symbolizing the speaker’s devotion to God. The altar, in this case, represents both the physical manifestation of the speaker’s faith and the sacrifice that is inherent in devotion. The poem explores the idea of offering oneself to God, suggesting that true devotion is an act of self-sacrifice.
In “The Sacrifice,” Herbert extends this theme of sacrifice, examining Christ’s ultimate act of sacrifice on the cross and reflecting on how humans can model their lives after this example. Through this deeply spiritual poetry, Herbert both celebrates the Christian faith and struggles with the challenges of doubt and sin. His poems reflect the complex emotions that accompany the search for divine grace, and they invite readers to explore the themes of atonement, forgiveness, and redemption.
Perhaps one of Herbert’s most famous poems is “Love (III),” which is a dialogue between the speaker and the personification of divine love. In this poem, Love speaks to the speaker, offering them the chance for redemption despite their unworthiness. The poem is often interpreted as an exploration of God’s unconditional love for humanity, with Love inviting the speaker to accept grace despite their sins. The poem’s simplicity and emotional depth make it one of the most enduring examples of Herbert’s work.
The Metaphysical Style
Herbert is often classified as one of the leading figures in the metaphysical poetry movement, a style of poetry that flourished in 17th-century England. Metaphysical poets are known for their use of intellectual conceits, intricate metaphors, and a focus on the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of human existence. Like other metaphysical poets, Herbert employed elaborate conceits, such as comparing human life to a building or describing God as a physician who heals the soul. These metaphors create a highly intellectual and cerebral dimension to his poetry, but they are also deeply personal and emotional.
Herbert’s metaphysical style is characterized by its precise and direct language, as well as its use of structured forms. He often employed the traditional forms of the sonnet, lyric, and hymn, but he adapted them to suit his theological concerns. His use of rhyme and meter is precise and controlled, yet his emotional engagement with his subject matter allows for a wide range of expression.
Herbert’s poems frequently explore the tension between human imperfection and divine grace, a recurring theme in metaphysical poetry. His works grapple with themes of sin, redemption, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This tension between intellectual rigor and emotional depth is one of the defining features of Herbert’s poetry, and it is what sets him apart from other poets of the period.
The Role of the Poet in Spiritual Life
One of the central themes of Herbert’s poetry is the role of the poet in the life of faith. For Herbert, poetry was not merely an artistic pursuit but a form of spiritual expression. In many of his poems, the act of writing becomes an act of worship and devotion. Poetry serves as a means of contemplating and expressing the divine, and the poet’s craft is an offering to God.
In his poem “The Poem,” Herbert directly addresses the nature of the poet’s calling. The poem reflects on the difficulty of the poet’s work and the moral responsibility of the poet to speak the truth. The poet, for Herbert, must not simply entertain or amuse but must seek to communicate spiritual truths. This sense of moral responsibility is an essential aspect of Herbert’s understanding of the poetic vocation.
The poet’s relationship with God is a constant theme in Herbert’s work, and he often portrays the poet as a mediator between the divine and human realms. In this sense, Herbert’s poetry is not just about personal expression but about offering insight into the relationship between humanity and God. His poetry invites readers to reflect on the mysteries of faith and to approach spiritual life with humility, devotion, and a deep sense of awe.
Legacy and Influence on British Poetry
Herbert’s influence on British poetry has been profound and long-lasting. His poetry helped to shape the development of metaphysical poetry and, through his direct engagement with Christian themes, he contributed significantly to the tradition of religious poetry in English literature. His work continued to inspire later poets, particularly those who sought to explore the relationship between faith and poetry, such as John Donne, Henry Vaughan, and Richard Crashaw.
Herbert’s emphasis on the inner life and the tension between human imperfection and divine grace influenced many poets who followed in his wake. His exploration of spiritual and philosophical themes, as well as his ability to craft poems that are both intellectually sophisticated and emotionally resonant, continues to make him an essential figure in the history of British poetry.
In addition, Herbert’s work has inspired countless readers to think deeply about the nature of faith, doubt, and redemption. His poetry remains relevant today for its powerful expression of universal themes and its ability to speak to the human condition in all its complexity. Through his skillful blending of intellectual rigor and emotional depth, Herbert’s poetry transcends its historical moment and continues to speak to readers across generations.
Conclusion
George Herbert stands as one of the most important 17th-century British poets, and his contributions to English poetry have left an enduring legacy. His poetry is marked by a deep spiritual devotion, an intellectual rigor, and a unique ability to express the complexities of the human experience. Through works like The Temple, Herbert explored themes of divine love, redemption, and the role of the poet in spiritual life. His metaphysical style, characterized by intricate metaphors and intellectual conceits, continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.
Herbert’s work remains a touchstone for understanding the development of British poetry in the 17th century and beyond. His ability to blend personal faith with artistic expression makes him a key figure in the history of British literature. As a poet, a priest, and a thinker, Herbert exemplifies the intersection of religious devotion and literary craft. His poetry speaks across centuries, offering a window into the complexities of faith, doubt, and redemption, while also providing a profound meditation on the human soul’s relationship with God.
