Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Herrick's "His Farewell to Sack" is a poem that explores the theme of moderation and the dangers of excessive drinking. The poem was first published in 1648 as part of Herrick's collection of poems, "Hesperides". 

"His Farewell to Sack" is a poem that tells the story of a man who has become disillusioned with excessive drinking. The speaker bids farewell to sack, a type of white wine, and expresses regret for the way that he has let drinking control his life. The poem's refrain, "Farewell, thou thing called pleasure," underscores the speaker's decision to leave behind his old ways and seek a more moderate and fulfilling life.

"His Farewell to Sack" is written in iambic tetrameter and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's use of rhyme and rhythm creates a sense of musicality and adds to its beauty. The poem also features a number of poetic devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition.

The metaphor of sack as a symbol of excess and temptation is a recurring theme throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-control. The vivid imagery of the speaker's regrets, such as "the smart of discontent," creates a powerful image of the pain and suffering that can be caused by excessive drinking. Finally, the repetition of the refrain, "Farewell, thou thing called pleasure," emphasizes the speaker's commitment to leaving behind his old ways and seeking a more fulfilling life.

"His Farewell to Sack" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of moderation and the dangers of excessive drinking. The poem's emphasis on the speaker's decision to leave behind his old ways and seek a more moderate and fulfilling life underscores the importance of recognizing the harms of excessive drinking.

Additionally, the poem can be read as a commentary on the nature of pleasure and the importance of finding fulfillment in moderation. The speaker's recognition of the pain and suffering that excessive drinking has caused emphasizes the need for moderation and self-control in our pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment.

"His Farewell to Sack" is a powerful poem that emphasizes the importance of moderation and self-control in our pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment. Herrick's use of poetic elements, such as metaphor, imagery, and repetition, creates a vivid and emotional image of the speaker's decision to leave behind his old ways and seek a more moderate and fulfilling life. The poem's focus on the harms of excessive drinking underscores the need for moderation and self-control, and the importance of finding fulfillment in moderation.

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