The Pearl
By George Herbert
I know the ways of learning; both the head
And pipes that feed the press, and make it run;
What reason hath from nature borrowed,
Or of itself, like a good huswife, spun
In laws and policy; what the stars conspire,
What willing nature speaks, what forc’d by fire;
Both th’old discoveries and the new-found seas,
The stock and surplus, cause and history;
All these stand open, or I have the keys;
Yet I love thee.I know the ways of honour; what maintains
The quick returns of courtesy and wit;
In vies of favours whether party gains
When glory swells the heart and mouldeth it;
To all expressions both of hand and eye,
Which on the world a true-love knot may tie,
And bear the bundle wherever it goes;
How many drams of spirit there must be
To sell my life unto my friends or foes;
Yet I love thee.I know the ways of pleasure; the sweet strains
The lullings and the relishes of it;
The propositions of hot blood and brains;
What mirth and music mean; what love and wit
Have done these twenty hundred years and more;
I know the projects of unbridled store;
My stuff is flesh, not brass; my senses live,
And grumble oft that they have more in me
Than he that curbs them, being but one to five;
Yet I love thee.I know all these and have them in my hand;
Therefore not sealed but with open eyes
I fly to thee, and fully understand
Both the main sale and the commodities;
And at what rate and price I have thy love,
With all the circumstances that may move.
Yet through the labyrinths, not my groveling wit,
But thy silk twist let down from heaven to me
Did both conduct and teach me how by it
To climb to thee.
Summary of The Pearl
- Popularity of The Pearl The poem The Pearl was written by George Herbert and first appeared in 1633 in his collection The Temple, alongside other poems that share thematic connections. Its unique quality stems from the interwoven themes of learning, honour, pleasure, and, fundamentally, love.
- The Pearl as a Representative of Inclusivity The poem embraces inclusivity through its epigraphic reference to Matthew 13:45. Herbert assumes his readers possess biblical literacy, creating a connection with his intended audience. The pearl itself embodies the value reflected in the abstractions explored throughout the poem. It centers on relationships, but also demonstrates an underlying theme of inclusivity. The opening stanza addresses knowledge and learning, detailing how understanding originates and spreads, drawing comparisons to a housewife skillfully spinning laws and policies. Herbert asserts knowledge of natural processes, celestial movements, and historical developments. He expresses confidence in his understanding of honour, pleasure, and all these elements, ultimately culminating in a declaration of love.
- Major Themes in The Pearl Knowledge, honour, pleasure, and love are the core themes woven throughout this poem. Herbert masterfully presents each theme within its respective stanza, ultimately declaring his devotion to his beloved, perhaps representing God in a mystical sense, though open to interpretation. The first stanza explores learning and expertise, the second focuses on honour and its requirements, the third delves into pleasure and its limitations, and the final stanza expresses devotion.
In-Depth Analysis of The Pearl
Understanding the Structure and Form
The Pearl is structured in four ten‑line stanzas, each examining a different facet of human understanding – learning, honour, pleasure, and ultimately, love. The consistent structure lends a sense of order and deliberate exploration to the poem’s complex ideas. Notice how each stanza functions as a self‑contained unit while simultaneously building toward the poem’s central emotional and spiritual revelation.
Exploring Key Themes
The Pursuit of Knowledge
The poem begins with an assertion of extensive knowledge: “I know the ways of learning; both the head
And pipes that feed the press, and make it run.” Herbert does not merely claim to possess knowledge; he understands its very mechanisms – how it is acquired, disseminated, and applied. The metaphor of “pipes” suggests a systematic, almost industrial process, contrasting with the more organic image of a “good huswife” spinning laws. This blend of the mechanical and the natural highlights the multifaceted nature of learning. Consider the line: “All these stand open, or I have the keys.” It suggests not just access to knowledge, but mastery over it, a complete understanding of the world’s complexities.
Honor and Social Interaction
The second stanza shifts to the realm of honour, examining the intricacies of social interaction and reputation. “I know the ways of honour; what maintains the quick returns of courtesy and wit.” Herbert understands the subtle dance of social graces, the give and take of favors, and the performance of maintaining a good reputation. The image of a “true‑love knot” that “bear[s] the bundle wherever it goes” is particularly striking, suggesting that honour is not merely a personal attribute, but a social bond that connects individuals. He understands the value placed on social standing, even to the point of risking one’s own life to maintain it: “How many drams of spirit there must be / To sell my life unto my friends or foes.”
The Allure and Limitations of Pleasure
The third stanza explores the realm of pleasure, acknowledging its sweetness but also hinting at its potential emptiness. “I know the ways of pleasure; the sweet strains / The lullings and the relishes of it.” Herbert understands the allure of sensual gratification, but also recognizes its fleeting nature. The line “My stuff is flesh, not brass” is particularly poignant, emphasizing the vulnerability and impermanence of human existence. The reference to “one to five” senses highlights the struggle of controlling physical desires and temptations.
The Transcendence of Love
The final stanza provides the emotional and spiritual culmination of the poem. “I know all these and have them in my hand; / Therefore not sealed but with open eyes / I fly to thee…” Herbert asserts that his knowledge of these earthly realms – learning, honour, pleasure – has ultimately led him to a higher understanding, a recognition of a transcendent love. The metaphor of the “silk twist let down from heaven” is particularly powerful, suggesting a divine connection that guides and elevates the soul. It is not through intellectual prowess or worldly achievements, but through this divine grace that he is able to “climb to thee.”
Literary and Poetic Devices Employed
- Assonance The repetition of vowel sounds within words. For example, the recurrence of the short “e” sound in “the head” and “feed” in the first line adds musicality.
- Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds. Notice the repetition of “f” in “forc’d by fire,” contributing to the sound texture of the poem.
- Consonance The repetition of consonant sounds within words. An example is the repetition of the “s” sound in “stock and surplus,” creating a sense of smooth flow.
- Enjambment The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. For example, “Therefore not sealed but with open eyes / I fly to thee” creates a sense of momentum and urgency.
- Imagery The use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures. Lines like “the sweet strains / The lullings and the relishes of it” appeal to the senses and evoke a particular mood.
- Juxtaposition The placement of contrasting ideas or images side by side. The contrast between “flesh, not brass” highlights the fragility of human existence.
- Metaphor An implied comparison between two unlike things. “My stuff is flesh, not brass” compares the human body to base metal and emphasizes its impermanence.
- Personification Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. “What willing nature speaks” attributes a voice to nature, suggesting an inherent wisdom.
- Symbolism The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. The “pearl” itself symbolizes something precious and unattainable, perhaps representing divine grace or perfect love.
- Diction Herbert’s deliberate choice of words creates a formal and elevated tone, reflecting the poem’s intellectual and spiritual themes.
- Rhyme Scheme The poem’s rhyme scheme is ABABCCDEDE, a tightly controlled pattern that reinforces its structure.
- Refrain The repeated phrase “Yet I love thee” appears at the end of each stanza, underscoring the poem’s central devotion.
The Pearl invites readers to contemplate the complexities of life and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through its disciplined form and rich array of poetic devices, it remains a timeless exploration of what it means to seek knowledge, uphold honour, pursue pleasure, and ultimately, find love that transcends the earthly realm.