Why is the pulley by George Herbert classified as a subtle shape poem?
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Answer:
The term 'metaphysical' simply means beyond the physical; and metaphysical poems treat subjects or give answers to questions that are beyond the physical. Metaphysical poetry flourished in England in the 17th century - a period characterized with religious activities. Due to the fact that society influences literature, poets who wrote during that period were not only secular but also religious as most of their works allude to some biblical stories. With John Donne being the originator of metaphysical poetry, other metaphysical poets include: Andrew Marvel, George Herbert, Richard Cashaw and Henry Vanghan.
Metaphysical poems are spiced with unique features which distinguish them from other poems; and George Herbert's 'The Pulley' is not devoid of such unique features; thus, making it a metaphysical poem.
One unique feature of metaphysical poems is that they give answers to questions that are beyond the physical. An in-depth analysis of George Herbert's 'The Pulley' will expose you to why human wants are insatiable. In other words, George Herbert's 'The Pulley' explains why man is never tired of satisfying his want irrespective of all he has acquired. According to George Herbert's 'The Pulley,' after God created man, He blessed him abundantly and endowed him with all precious gifts except rest. God withheld rest in order to always bring man closer to Himself. This is evident in the last stanza of the poem: