Upon Julia's Clothes, Robert Herrick: Summary, Analysis & Themes

Robert Herrick's poem "Upon Julia's Clothes" is a brief but vivid description of the speaker's admiration for Julia as she moves in her silk garments. The poem highlights the sensual and captivating effect of Julia's clothes on the speaker, with a focus on the flowing and shimmering qualities of the silk.

"Upon Julia's Clothes" Poem Text by Robert Herrick

Whenas in silks my Julia goes,
Then, then (methinks) how sweetly flows
That liquefaction of her clothes.

Next, when I cast mine eyes, and see
That brave vibration each way free,
O how that glittering taketh me!

Quick Facts

Title:	Upon Julia's Clothes
Author:	Robert Herrick
Published:	1648
Genre:	Lyric Poem
Theme:	Admiration, Beauty, Sensuality
Poem Length:	6 lines

Summary of "Upon Julia's Clothes" by Robert Herrick

In "Upon Julia's Clothes," Robert Herrick captures a moment of admiration for the beauty and elegance of Julia as she moves in her silk garments. The poem is a short but evocative piece that conveys the speaker's fascination with the fluidity and shimmer of Julia's clothing. Herrick uses vivid imagery to describe how Julia's clothes flow like liquid and how the glittering silk captivates the speaker's attention.

The poem emphasizes the sensual nature of the speaker's observation, focusing on the physical appearance of Julia and the way her clothing enhances her allure. The poem's brevity and the intensity of the imagery make it a powerful expression of admiration and desire.

Critical Analysis of "Upon Julia's Clothes" by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick's "Upon Julia's Clothes" is a lyrical and sensual poem that celebrates the beauty of Julia and the elegance of her silk garments. The poem's focus on the visual and tactile qualities of the silk reflects the speaker's deep appreciation for Julia's physical appearance. The imagery of "liquefaction" and "vibration" suggests a sense of fluidity and movement, which adds to the allure of Julia as she moves.

The poem is notable for its use of concise and evocative language, which creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Herrick's choice of words like "liquefaction" and "glittering" enhances the sensual tone of the poem, making it a memorable and impactful piece. The poem's structure, with its short lines and simple rhyme scheme, adds to its elegance and charm.

Themes in "Upon Julia's Clothes" by Robert Herrick

• Admiration: The poem is a celebration of the speaker's admiration for Julia's beauty and the elegance of her clothing.
• Beauty: The poem emphasizes the physical beauty of Julia and the way her silk garments enhance her allure.
• Sensuality: The poem captures the sensual appeal of Julia's clothing, focusing on the tactile and visual qualities of the silk.

Literary Devices in "Upon Julia's Clothes" by Robert Herrick

• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the flowing and shimmering qualities of Julia's silk garments.
• Alliteration: The repetition of the "s" sound in "silks" and "sweetly" adds to the musical quality of the poem.
• Metaphor: The comparison of Julia's clothes to a "liquefaction" highlights their fluidity and elegance.

Stylistic Analysis of "Upon Julia's Clothes" by Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick's style in "Upon Julia's Clothes" is marked by its conciseness and vivid imagery. The poem's brevity does not diminish its impact; instead, it allows the reader to focus on the intense admiration the speaker feels for Julia. Herrick's use of metaphor and alliteration adds depth to the poem, while the simple structure enhances its elegance.

The poem's focus on the physical and sensual qualities of Julia's clothing reflects Herrick's ability to capture fleeting moments of beauty and desire. The imagery of flowing silk and glittering fabric creates a strong visual impression, making the poem a striking example of Herrick's lyrical style.

Overall, "Upon Julia's Clothes" is a beautiful and evocative poem that showcases Robert Herrick's talent for combining simplicity with rich imagery and emotion.