“To Daffodils”

"To Daffodils" is a poem written by Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet.

The poem reflects on the transient nature of beauty and life, using the metaphor of
daffodils to convey the idea. Here is a detailed analysis of each stanza:
Stanza 1:
Fair Daffodils, we weep to see
You haste away so soon;
As yet the early-rising sun
Has not attained his noon.
Stay, stay
Until the hasting day
Has run
But to the even-song;
And, having prayed together, we
Will go with you along.
Analysis:
In this opening stanza, Herrick addresses the daffodils, personifying them by
suggesting that they are leaving too soon. The poet expresses a sense of sadness at
their transience. The mention of the "early-rising sun" not yet reaching noon
implies that the day is still in its youth, and the daffodils are departing prematurely.
The speaker implores the daffodils to stay until the day is over, suggesting a desire
to prolong their beauty. The idea of praying together and going along with the
daffodils suggests a connection between nature and the speaker.

Stanza 2:
Green Girdle, do not then forego
Thy maidenhead; nor, to express
The youth and sweetness of thy close,
Adhere, but flinch with them and dress
Thyself in thine own country-sheep.
Remain a lasting mark of thee.
Be, then, thou which thou wast (and do
Go chaffer with the brisk light air)
So be not, but be thou.
Analysis:
In this stanza, Herrick uses the metaphor of a "Green Girdle" to represent the
daffodils. The speaker advises the daffodils not to lose their freshness
("maidenhead") and encourages them to remain true to their original nature. The
idea of dressing in one's own "country-sheep" suggests staying close to one's roots
and not succumbing to external influences. The speaker urges the daffodils to
retain their identity and not to change ("So be not, but be thou").

Stanza 3:
This, or what I have more to say,
Are the thoughts of a day;
First, that we best may get,
—Because you suck the sweets of spring—
We, trees, do suck the sap of the next season's spring.
Next, that we best may get
—Being born the very same—
Yet the difference of this:
This, or what I have more to say,
Are the thoughts of a day.
Analysis:
In this stanza, the speaker introduces a reflection on the relationship between the
daffodils and the trees. The idea is that both the daffodils and the trees benefit from
each other. The daffodils "suck the sweets of spring," while the trees "suck the sap
of the next season's spring." There's an interdependence between different elements
of nature. The repetition of "This, or what I have more to say, Are the thoughts of a
day" emphasizes the fleeting nature of these reflections.

Stanza 4:
Then, while we live, in love let's so
—That, when we die, our love does grow—
As, thus, we do excell
The gods in love, and in this love
We do exceed all earthly love,
And, though we die, that love doth still
—Then, while we live, in love let's so.
Analysis:
In the final stanza, Herrick concludes by advocating for a life lived in love. The
speaker suggests that by loving deeply, one can surpass even the gods in the
intensity of that love. The idea that "when we die, our love does grow" implies that
the impact of true love endures beyond death. The speaker encourages embracing
love while alive, and this sentiment serves as a counterpoint to the earlier
melancholy over the fleeting nature of the daffodils.

Literary devices:
Personification:
Herrick personifies the daffodils, attributing human qualities to them. For instance,
in the opening lines, he addresses the daffodils as "Fair Daffodils, we weep to see,"
suggesting that the flowers have emotions or provoke an emotional response.
Imagery:
The poem is rich in visual imagery, creating vivid mental pictures. For example,
the image of the daffodils "spread wide" and "fair" suggests their beauty and
abundance. The speaker encourages the flowers to "stay" and "smile," creating a
pleasant and idyllic scene.

Metaphor:
The poem employs metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings. The line
"Your beauties are like gold to us" uses the metaphor of gold to represent the value
and preciousness of the daffodils' beauty.

Alliteration:
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, and
Herrick uses this device for both rhythmic and aesthetic effects. An example is in
the line "And having spoiled your treasures, you go die," where the repeated "d"
sound enhances the musicality of the verse.

Symbolism:
Daffodils are symbolic in the poem. They are not merely flowers but represent the
brevity of life. The idea that the daffodils bloom, wither, and die quickly is a
metaphor for the fleeting nature of human existence. The speaker uses the daffodils
as a reflection on the transient beauty of youth and life.

Hyperbole:
The poem utilizes hyperbole, or exaggeration, to emphasize the brevity of life. For
instance, when the speaker says, "And this same flower that smiles today,
Tomorrow will be dying," he is exaggerating the short lifespan of the daffodil to
underscore the transience of all things.

Rhyme and Meter:

The poem follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme and is written in iambic
tetrameter. The rhyme and meter contribute to the poem's musicality and make it
aesthetically pleasing. The regular rhythm reflects the cyclical nature of life.

Irony:
There is an ironic twist in the poem as the speaker addresses the daffodils,
suggesting that they, too, should seize the day and make the most of their time.
This is ironic because, in reality, flowers do not have agency or the ability to
"gather ye rosebuds while ye may."

Repetition:
The repetition of certain phrases, such as "Fair Daffodils" and "And this same
flower," serves to emphasize key points and create a rhythmic structure.

Carpe Diem Theme:

The overarching theme of carpe diem, or "seize the day," runs throughout the
poem. The speaker urges the daffodils to enjoy their beauty while they can,
drawing a parallel to the human experience and the need to appreciate life's fleeting
moments.

In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "To Daffodils" employs a variety of literary

devices to convey its themes of the transient nature of life and the importance of
seizing the present moment. Through personification, metaphor, imagery, and other
devices, Herrick crafts a poem that resonates with readers and prompts reflection
on the passage of time. "To Daffodils" is a lyric poem that explores themes of
transience, the beauty of nature, and the enduring power of love. Through the
metaphor of daffodils, Herrick weaves together reflections on life, nature, and the
human experience.