Huswifery
by Edward Taylor
Make me, O Lord, thy spinning wheel complete.
Let thy holy word be my distaff for me.
Make my affections, swift flyers, neat
And let my soul be thy holy spool to be.
Make my conversation the reel that turns
And reel the yarn that is spun by thy wheel.Make me thy loom then, knit therein this twine:
And let thy holy spirit, Lord, wind quills:
Then weave the web thyself. The yarn is fine.
Thine ordinances make my fulling mills.
Then dye the same in heavenly colors of choice,
All painted with varnished flowers of paradise.Then clothed therewith my understanding, will,
Affections, judgment, conscience, memory
My words, and actions, that their shine may fill
My ways with glory and thee glorify.
Then my apparel shall display before thee
That I am clothed in holy robes for glory.
Summary of Huswifery
- What is “Huswifery” About? “Huswifery,” penned by Edward Taylor, is a deeply spiritual poem exploring the speaker’s fervent desire for a closer relationship with God. It’s a petition, almost a plea, expressed through an elaborate and inventive metaphor—the spinning wheel and the process of weaving.
- The Central Idea: The poem’s core rests on the speaker’s wish to be entirely transformed into an instrument of God’s will. He doesn’t just want to do good, but to be remade, component by component, into a device for divine creation. This transformation is not about losing oneself but about achieving a perfect union with the divine.
- Key Things to Know: “Huswifery” is significant for its conceits—extended metaphors that draw surprising and complex connections. The poem uses the familiar, domestic image of a woman’s work—spinning and weaving—to illuminate profound theological longing. It exemplifies the Puritan tradition of introspective, allegorical poetry, where everyday objects serve as symbols for spiritual truths.
Analysis of Huswifery
Understanding the Extended Metaphor
The power of “Huswifery” lies in its central, extended metaphor: the comparison between the speaker and a spinning wheel. Taylor doesn’t simply say he wants to be closer to God; he asks to become the very tools used in divine creation. Let’s break down how this works. The opening lines immediately establish this: “Make me, O Lord, thy spinning wheel complete.” This isn’t a literal request. Taylor asks that God transform his entire being into an instrument of grace.
The various parts of the spinning process are equated with aspects of the speaker’s inner life. “Let thy holy word be my distaff for me” asks that scripture guide and shape his thoughts and actions. The “swift flyers, neat” represent his affections, the driving force behind his desires, needing to be aligned with God’s will. “Make my soul thy holy spool to be” suggests that his very essence should be the repository of divine inspiration. This meticulous mapping of inner qualities onto the machinery of spinning creates a vivid and compelling image of spiritual longing.
Delving into Poetic Devices
Imagery and Symbolism
Taylor masterfully employs imagery to bring this metaphor to life. Consider the lines, “Then dye the same in heavenly colors of choice, all painted with varnished flowers of paradise.” This isn’t simply about aesthetics; it’s about the speaker yearning for a soul imbued with divine beauty and grace. The image evokes a radiant, otherworldly perfection.
Symbolism is woven throughout the poem. The “reel” of yarn on the “reel” symbolizes his conversation, indicating a desire for speech guided by God’s truth. “Thine ordinances make my fulling mills” equates religious practices—the ordinances—with the process of cleansing and refining. The “quills” wound by the Holy Spirit represent divine inspiration, essential to the weaving process.
Exploring Sound Devices
Assonance and Alliteration
Taylor’s poetic skill extends to his use of sound devices. Notice the assonance—the repetition of vowel sounds—in lines like “All painted with varnished flowers of paradise,” where the repetition of the short ‘i’ sound creates a musical effect. Similarly, alliteration—the repetition of consonant sounds—can be found in phrases like “Make my affections swift flyers neat,” where the repetition of the ‘s’ sound adds emphasis.
Analyzing Structure and Form
Rhyme and Stanza
“Huswifery” is structured in three sestets—six‑line stanzas—and adheres to an ABAB rhyme scheme. This consistent structure contributes to the poem’s overall sense of order and harmony. The tight rhyme scheme emphasizes the connections between ideas, creating a sense of unity and purpose. The regular form mirrors the precision and meticulousness of the spinning process itself.
Enjambment
While the poem maintains a regular structure, Taylor occasionally employs enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—to create a sense of flow and momentum. Consider the lines:
“My words, and actions, that their shine may fill
My ways with glory and thee glorify.”
The thought doesn’t pause at the end of the first line but continues seamlessly into the second, drawing the reader forward.
Literary Devices in Huswifery
- Metaphor: The entire poem is an extended metaphor, comparing the speaker to a spinning wheel and the process of weaving.
- Symbolism: Various elements within the poem symbolize different aspects of the speaker’s spiritual life (e.g., the reel symbolizing conversation).
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions create a sensory experience, enhancing the poem’s meaning and emotional impact.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds adds emphasis and musicality.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds enhances the poem’s musical quality.
Quotes to Remember
“Then dye the same in heavenly colors of choice,
All painted with varnished flowers of paradise.”
This image of vibrant, heavenly colors represents the speaker’s longing for a soul imbued with divine beauty and grace.
In conclusion, “Huswifery” is a remarkable poem that demonstrates Taylor’s skill as a poet and his deep spiritual conviction. Through its inventive metaphor and skillful use of language, the poem continues to resonate with readers centuries after it was written. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human desire for connection with the divine.