Redemption by George Herbert

Context

"Redemption" by George Herbert was written during the early 17th century, a time marked by religious upheaval and the early stages of the English Civil War.
The poem reflects Herbert's deep Christian faith and his belief in God's mercy and grace.
Herbert was part of the metaphysical poets, known for their complex imagery and elaborate conceits.
The poem's theme of redemption is central to Christian theology, representing forgiveness and a new beginning through Christ's sacrifice.

Structure and Form

Form, Meter, and Rhyme

The poem is an English sonnet, consisting of 14 lines of iambic pentameter.
The rhyme scheme initially follows the traditional pattern of ABAB CDCD but then shifts to EFFE GG, creating a distinctive rhythm and emphasizing key thematic elements.
The unconventional rhyme scheme introduces a pattern of threes in the final lines, possibly evoking the Holy Trinity.

Speaker and Setting

The speaker is a tenant farmer seeking a new lease from his landlord, a metaphor for the speaker's quest for divine forgiveness and a fresh start.
The setting spans from heaven to various earthly locations, ultimately concluding among thieves and murderers, representing the crucifixion of Christ and his humble sacrifice.

Poetic Devices

Conceit**:** The central conceit is the comparison of the tenant-landlord relationship to humanity's relationship with God. The tenant seeking a new lease represents a sinner seeking redemption.
Allusion**:** The poem alludes to Christian theology, particularly the Incarnation and Crucifixion, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and humanity's redemption.
Imagery**:** Vivid imagery is used to contrast the earthly grandeur with the humble circumstances of Christ's sacrifice.
Repetition**:** The repetition of words like "great" and "sought" underscores the speaker's quest and the contrast between earthly and divine greatness.
Pun**:** The title "Redemption" plays on both the literal and theological meanings, emphasizing the poem's dual focus on earthly transactions and spiritual salvation.
Alliteration**:** Alliteration enhances the poem's rhythm and draws attention to significant phrases.
Assonance**:** Subtle assonance adds musicality and emphasizes key moments in the poem.

Key Themes

God's Humble and Stunning Generosity

"Who straight, 'Your suit is granted,' said, and died."

The theme of God's generosity is highlighted by the landlord's immediate and self-sacrificial response to the speaker's request.
This generosity is depicted as unexpected and boundless, extending even to the greatest sinners.

Similar Poems

"The Collar" by George Herbert: Another poem exploring the poet's relationship with God and the quest for spiritual peace.
**"**The Pulley" by George Herbert: A poem that uses an extended metaphor to discuss God's relationship with humanity.

Line by Line Analysis

Lines 1-4

Having been tenant long to a rich lord,

Not thriving, I resolvèd to be bold,

And make a suit unto him, to afford

A new small-rented lease, and cancel th' old.

"Having been tenant long to a rich lord,"

The speaker establishes his long-term but unproductive relationship with his landlord, setting up the need for change.
The term "tenant" suggests dependence and a subservient position.

"Not thriving, I resolvèd to be bold,"

The speaker's lack of success ("not thriving") motivates him to take bold action.
The use of "resolvèd" indicates a firm decision, underscoring the speaker's determination.

"And make a suit unto him, to afford"

The speaker decides to formally request a new arrangement, seeking a "suit" (petition) for a new lease.
The word "afford" suggests a desire for something more manageable and beneficial.

"A new small-rented lease, and cancel th' old."

The speaker seeks a "new small-rented lease", symbolizing a desire for a fresh start and release from past burdens.
"Cancel th' old" implies a complete severance from the previous unproductive arrangement.

Lines 5-8

In heaven at his manor I him sought;

They told me there that he was lately gone

About some land, which he had dearly bought

Long since on earth, to take possessiòn.

"In heaven at his manor I him sought;"

The speaker metaphorically searches for his lord in heaven, elevating the landlord to a divine figure.
"Manor" suggests a grand, noble residence, aligning the landlord with God.

"They told me there that he was lately gone"

The speaker learns that his lord is not present, having gone on an important mission.
The word "lately" implies recent activity, creating a sense of immediacy.

"About some land, which he had dearly bought"

The landlord's mission involves land he has purchased at great cost, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice for humanity.
"Dearly bought" alludes to the Crucifixion, where Christ paid the ultimate price for redemption.

"Long since on earth, to take possessiòn."

The land was bought long ago, emphasizing the longstanding nature of God's covenant with humanity.
"Take possessiòn" suggests the process of claiming what rightfully belongs to him, reinforcing the theme of divine ownership.

Lines 9-11

I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,

Sought him accordingly in great resorts—

In cities, theaters, gardens, parks, and courts:

"I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,"

The speaker quickly returns to earth, confident in the lord's noble status ("great birth").
The word "straight" indicates urgency and determination.

"Sought him accordingly in great resorts—"

The speaker searches for the lord in places befitting his noble status, such as "great resorts".
"Resorts" refers to locations of leisure and importance.

"In cities, theaters, gardens, parks, and courts:"

The speaker's search spans various prestigious locations, expecting to find the lord among the elite.
These places symbolize the height of earthly grandeur and power.

Lines 12-14

At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth

Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied,

Who straight, 'Your suit is granted,' said, and died.

"At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth"

The speaker eventually hears the chaotic sounds of a disreputable crowd, contrasting with the previous noble settings.
"Ragged noise and mirth" suggests rough, uncontrolled laughter and noise.

"Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied,"

Among the lowly criminals, the speaker unexpectedly finds his lord.
The lord's presence among "thieves and murderers" highlights his humble and sacrificial nature.