Virtue by George Herbert: Summary, Analysis & Themes

George Herbert’s poem "Virtue" is a profound meditation on the transitory nature of life and the enduring quality of virtue. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Herbert explores the inevitable decay of all things earthly, contrasting them with the eternal strength of a virtuous soul.

"Virtue" Poem Text by George Herbert

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky:
The dew shall weep thy fall to-night;
For thou must die.
Sweet rose, whose hue angry and brave
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye:
Thy root is ever in its grave,
And thou must die.
Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie;
My music shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.
Only a sweet and virtuous soul,
Like season'd timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives.

Quick Facts

Summary of "Virtue" by George Herbert

In "Virtue," George Herbert reflects on the fleeting beauty of the natural world and contrasts it with the lasting value of a virtuous soul. The poem begins by addressing a "sweet day" that is "cool, calm, and bright," a perfect union of earth and sky. However, Herbert reminds us that even this beautiful day must come to an end, as "the dew shall weep [its] fall to-night."

Herbert then turns his attention to a "sweet rose," whose vibrant color demands attention. Yet, despite its beauty, the rose is rooted in its grave, symbolizing its inevitable death. Similarly, "sweet spring," a season full of life and sweetness, will also come to an end. Herbert describes spring as a "box where sweets compacted lie," emphasizing the idea that all things beautiful and delightful are destined to fade.

In the final stanza, Herbert shifts focus to the "sweet and virtuous soul," which, unlike the transient beauties of nature, endures beyond the decay of the physical world. He likens the virtuous soul to "season'd timber," strong and resilient, able to withstand the trials of time. While everything else may turn to coal, the virtuous soul "chiefly lives," suggesting the soul’s eternal nature.

Critical Analysis of "Virtue" by George Herbert

George Herbert's "Virtue" is a masterful exploration of the contrast between the ephemeral nature of the physical world and the enduring quality of virtue. The poem's structure is carefully crafted, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of the natural world before culminating in the final reflection on the virtuous soul. This progression from day, to rose, to spring, and finally to the soul, creates a sense of inevitability and reinforces the central theme of mortality.

The poem's language is rich with imagery and symbolism. The "sweet day," "sweet rose," and "sweet spring" all represent the beauty and transience of life, while the "season'd timber" of the virtuous soul symbolizes strength and permanence. Herbert's choice of the word "sweet" to describe each of these elements emphasizes their value and desirability, making their eventual demise all the more poignant.

Herbert's use of contrasts is also noteworthy. The "cool, calm, and bright" day is contrasted with the "dew" that will "weep [its] fall to-night," highlighting the inevitability of death even in the midst of life’s beauty. Similarly, the vibrant rose is juxtaposed with its "grave," and the lively spring with the "closes" of music, underscoring the idea that all things must come to an end. The final contrast, between the world turning "to coal" and the virtuous soul that "chiefly lives," encapsulates the poem’s message of spiritual endurance.

Themes in "Virtue" by George Herbert

• Mortality: The poem reflects on the inevitable decay of all things earthly, emphasizing that no matter how beautiful or cherished, everything in the physical world must eventually perish.
• Virtue: Herbert contrasts the fleeting nature of the physical world with the enduring strength of virtue, suggesting that a virtuous soul transcends the limitations of mortality.
• Eternal Life: The final stanza hints at the concept of eternal life, implying that while the physical body may decay, the virtuous soul continues to live on, unaffected by time.

Literary Devices in "Virtue" by George Herbert

• Imagery: Herbert uses vivid imagery to paint pictures of the "sweet day," "sweet rose," and "sweet spring," allowing readers to visualize the beauty and transience of these elements.
• Symbolism: The "season'd timber" represents the virtuous soul's resilience and strength, while the "coal" symbolizes the decay of the physical world.
• Contrast: The poem is built on contrasts, such as the brightness of the day versus the dew of night, and the vibrant rose versus its grave, highlighting the tension between life and death.

Stylistic Analysis of "Virtue" by George Herbert

Herbert's "Virtue" is a carefully structured poem that adheres to a regular rhyme scheme of ABAB in each stanza. This consistency in form mirrors the poem's thematic exploration of order and the natural progression of life towards death. The steady rhythm and rhyme create a sense of inevitability, reinforcing the poem's meditation on mortality.

The poem is also notable for its use of concise and clear language. Herbert's diction is simple yet powerful, allowing the profundity of his message to shine through without unnecessary embellishment. This stylistic choice aligns with the poem’s focus on the essential truths of life and death, as Herbert strips away any extraneous details to reveal the core of his contemplation.

Herbert’s use of repetition, particularly the repeated phrase "must die," serves to hammer home the poem’s central theme. This repetition, coupled with the progression from day to rose to spring, creates a rhythmic build-up that culminates in the final, hopeful reflection on the virtuous soul. The shift in tone from the melancholy acceptance of death to the triumphant declaration of the soul’s endurance is a testament to Herbert’s skill in guiding the reader through a complex emotional journey within the confines of a short lyric poem.