Irony in Poem: Analysis of Herrick's 'To the Virgins' - Literature

This assignment provides an analysis of Robert Herrick's poem 'To the Virgins, to Make of Time', focusing on the use of irony as a central theme. The analysis explores the poem's structure, including the use of contrasting elements and personification, to highlight the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The assignment also examines the concept of 'carpe diem' and how Herrick uses irony to convey the message of seizing the moment and appreciating youth. Furthermore, the assignment delves into the poem's references to natural cycles and the irony inherent in the human condition, particularly the contrast between life's zenith and its eventual decline. The assignment concludes with an examination of Herrick's intent, emphasizing the importance of embracing youth and vitality before they are lost. This assignment is designed to help students understand the poem's deeper meaning, literary devices, and overall significance.

Running head: IRONY IN POEM
Irony in Poem
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1IRONY IN POEM
First published in the 17th century, Robert Herrick’s “To the Virgins, to Make Much of
Time” is a famous poem with the main theme being of “carpe diem” or “seize the day”.
Herrick begins the first stanza of the poem with various contrasts, with reference to a
blooming flower whose death is imminent. In this poem, Herrick lays out the reality of the
circle of life, the irony of living life to the fullest when death is still the final outcome. He
personifies the flower as a human, as with every minute lived is another minute closer to
death.
Herrick reiterates irony as the readers progress on to the second stanza of the poem as
continues with explaining the natural cycle of life. Another example of irony that is seen in
the poem is with his referral to what the sun means to people, not a lamp of the sky but
actually, the lamp of heaven. From this stanza, it can be seen that irony basically makes up
the entire poem where Herrick addresses the irony in the law of nature where the higher a
being gets in their life, the closer that they approach the steep fall to the end of their life.
Herrick informs his readers that this is what life is and how the world order has been. The
intention of Herrick is to say that girls should take advantage of their youthful body and spirit
because soon, they will not be worth much. The main irony lies here, a man writing about
women’s body and how they should offer themselves to him so that he is not required to
commit.