"Delight in Disorder"
How does the speaker of Herrick's poem like his women to
be dressed? What do you suppose makes this disorder sweet?
What are the connotations of the word kindle in line two,
and how are they appropriate for the emotions the speaker
feels looking at women dressed this way? What is the paradox
in line twelve? What does this paradox mean? What is a "stomacher"
in line six? When the speaker claims that this stomacher
is enthralled by the erring lace, what poetic technique
is he using? How is this an example of psychological projection
of his own desires? Why would the speaker describe his distraction
as "fine"? Why does that ictus appear above the
letter O in that word? What are two possible meanings of
the word erring in line five? Why is the shoestring
described as "careless?" How might this poem's
theme be connected with the old courtier's idea of sprezzatura?"
How does this poem explore the relationship between nature
and art?
"To the Virgins, To Make Much
of Time": Why does the speaker suggest the
audience should gather rose-buds now? Why not wait until
a later month (i.e., what may happen to the flower tomorrow,
according to the speaker? What might rose-buds represent
on a more general level of meaning? What are some of the
images the poet uses to convey the idea of passing time?
Which age is the best age according to the speaker? Why
is it the best age? What is the possible pun on the word
"marry" in the next to last line? What mistake
might the audience make if they lose their prime?
Be able to recognize passages and comment
upon them taken from "Delight in Disorder" or "To the
Virgins, To Make Much of Time."