Question

Write Critical Appreciation of the poem in a paragraph format.

Points:

• Title
• Poet
• Rhyme scheme
• Favourite line
• Theme/Central idea
• Figures of speech
• Special features - Type of the poem, language, tone, implied meaning, etc.
• Why I like/dislike the poem.

Answer 1

The Pulley

The title of the poem is ‘The Pulley’. The poet is George Herbert.

The central idea of the poem is the reason for man’s continual restlessness throughout his life. According to the poet, this is because God withheld the quality of rest from man, so that man’s thoughts would ultimately turn towards God, his creator

Each verse of the poem has five lines. The rhyme scheme of each verse is a-b-a-b-a.
The chief figure of speech used in the poem is Metaphor. The glass of blessings signifies the sum of all human qualities bestowed on man. The quality of ‘rest’ or ‘contentment’ is implicitly compared to a jewel. The other figures of speech are Pun, Inversion, Paradox, etc.

This is a metaphysical poem with a message. And the message is that, however rich we may be, or whatever the abundance of qualities we may have, we must always turn our thoughts to God and thank Him for the many blessings He has bestowed on us. The poem is rich in imagery and monologues. It is an example of an extended metaphor.

My favourite line in this poem is ‘Let him be rich and weary’. This brings out the paradox of man’s nature so well. Even the richest man in the world eventually grows tired and becomes discontented. This is what God intended for man.

I like this poem very much because it teaches me not to be self-satisfied and contented but to always remember and thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed on me.