The Book By Henry Vaughan Literary Devices

The Book by Henry Vaughan: A Deep Dive into Literary Devices

Henry Vaughan, a 17th-century Welsh poet often overshadowed by his contemporaries, crafted a body of work rich in spiritual exploration and innovative literary techniques. While his name might not resonate as widely as Milton's or Donne's, understanding the literary devices employed in Vaughan's poetry unlocks a deeper appreciation for his profound insights into nature, faith, and the human condition. This comprehensive guide will delve into the multifaceted artistry of Henry Vaughan, exploring the key literary devices he masterfully employed to create lasting impact. We will examine specific examples from his poems, revealing how these techniques contribute to his unique voice and enduring appeal. Prepare to unlock the secrets of Vaughan's poetic mastery and gain a newfound appreciation for his often-overlooked genius.

I. Metaphor and Simile: Unveiling Spiritual Truths through Nature

Vaughan frequently uses nature as a vehicle to express complex spiritual ideas. His metaphors and similes aren't merely decorative; they are central to his meaning. He doesn't just compare the soul to a flower; he uses the flower's life cycle – its budding, blooming, and eventual withering – to symbolize the journey of the soul towards God. For instance, in "The Retreat," the "happy garden" represents a state of innocence and communion with the divine, a metaphor powerfully illustrating the longing for spiritual purity. The simile in "The World" comparing the world to a "broken lute" effectively conveys the disharmony and imperfection of earthly existence. Analyzing these comparisons reveals the depth of Vaughan's theological concerns and his ability to communicate them through evocative imagery.

II. Symbolism: Unlocking Hidden Meanings in Vaughan's Poetry

Symbolism is a cornerstone of Vaughan's poetic style. He employs recurring symbols laden with religious and philosophical significance. Light, for instance, often represents divine grace and spiritual illumination, while darkness symbolizes sin and the fallen world. The imagery of childhood in poems like "Childhood" is symbolic of a state of pre-lapsarian innocence, a pure connection with God that is lost but yearned for. Understanding these symbols is crucial to deciphering the deeper layers of meaning embedded within his verses. Each symbol is not simply a representation, but rather a doorway to a complex spiritual narrative. Examining the repeated use of specific symbols across his poems reveals a consistent theological framework.

III. Personification: Giving Voice to Nature and the Divine

Vaughan animates the natural world through vivid personification. He doesn't merely describe a tree; he presents it as a living entity, a witness to human experience and a participant in the divine order. This bestows upon nature a sense of sentience and spiritual significance. By imbuing nature with human qualities, Vaughan elevates its status, reflecting his profound respect for the natural world as a manifestation of God's creation. This technique enhances the reader's connection with the poem's imagery and intensifies the emotional impact of his work. Analyzing these personified elements reveals the interconnectedness that Vaughan perceived between humanity and the divine through the lens of nature.

IV. Religious Imagery and Allusion: Connecting to Sacred Texts and Traditions

Vaughan's poetry is deeply rooted in Christian faith. He skillfully employs religious imagery and allusions, drawing upon biblical narratives and theological concepts to enrich his poetic language and convey spiritual truths. References to Eden, the Fall, and the redemption offered by Christ permeate his work. These allusions aren't mere decorations; they are integral to understanding the context and meaning of his poems. By engaging with these allusions, Vaughan connects his poetry to a rich historical and spiritual tradition, inviting readers to contemplate these themes within a broader religious framework. This engagement strengthens the thematic coherence and resonance of his poetry.

V. Use of Conceits and Paradox: Exploring the Intricacies of Faith

Vaughan sometimes utilizes conceits, extended metaphors that create unexpected and striking comparisons. He also employs paradox, presenting seemingly contradictory statements to highlight the complexities of faith and the human experience. These techniques challenge conventional ways of thinking and force the reader to confront the inherent contradictions in spiritual life. The juxtaposition of opposing ideas creates a dynamic tension that enhances the philosophical depth of his work. The use of conceits and paradoxes emphasizes the ineffable nature of spiritual experience and the limitations of language in fully capturing it.

VI. Simple Language and Directness: A Powerful Simplicity

Despite the richness of his imagery and symbolism, Vaughan often employs a relatively simple and direct language. This simplicity avoids obfuscation and allows the reader to focus on the core themes and emotional impact of the poems. The clarity of his language doesn't diminish the poetic power; rather, it enhances its accessibility and immediacy, connecting directly with the reader's emotional core. This direct approach complements the complex themes explored in his work, providing a powerful contrast between the simplicity of expression and the depth of meaning.

VII. The Influence of Metaphysical Poetry: A Unique Voice within a Tradition

While possessing a unique voice, Vaughan is often categorized as a Metaphysical poet. He shares with this group a penchant for intellectual exploration, a willingness to employ complex imagery, and a deep engagement with religious and philosophical themes. However, his focus on the natural world and his intensely personal spirituality distinguish him from other Metaphysical poets. Understanding Vaughan's relationship to this tradition helps situate his work within a larger literary context while simultaneously recognizing his unique contributions.

VIII. Analyzing Specific Poems: Case Studies in Vaughan's Mastery

The best way to understand Vaughan's literary devices is to analyze specific poems in detail. For example, a close reading of "The Retreat" reveals the rich layering of metaphor and symbolism, while "The World" showcases his use of paradox and concise language. Examining these poems individually allows for a deeper understanding of the nuances of his technique and the effectiveness of his artistic choices. This detailed examination demonstrates the interconnectedness of his literary devices and their contribution to the overall impact of the poem.

Sample Book Outline: "Decoding Henry Vaughan: A Study in Literary Devices"

Introduction: A brief biography of Henry Vaughan and an overview of his poetic style.
Chapter 1: Metaphor and Simile in Vaughan's Poetry: Analysis of specific examples.
Chapter 2: Symbolism and its Religious Significance: A detailed examination of recurring symbols.
Chapter 3: Personification and the Animation of Nature: How Vaughan brings nature to life.
Chapter 4: Religious Imagery and Allusion: Connections to Biblical texts and theological concepts.
Chapter 5: Conceits and Paradox: Exploring the intricacies of faith and experience.
Chapter 6: Language and Style: Simplicity, Directness, and Impact.
Chapter 7: Vaughan's Place in the Metaphysical Tradition: Comparisons and contrasts.
Chapter 8: Close Readings of Selected Poems: In-depth analysis of key works.
Conclusion: A summary of Vaughan's artistic achievements and enduring legacy.


(The expanded version of each chapter would delve deeply into the points mentioned above, providing specific examples from Vaughan's poems and scholarly analyses to support the arguments.)

FAQs:

1. What is the most significant literary device used by Henry Vaughan? While all are crucial, his masterful use of symbolism, particularly relating nature to spiritual truths, stands out.

2. How does Vaughan's use of nature differ from other Metaphysical poets? Vaughan uses nature more directly as a spiritual conduit, less as a backdrop for intellectual debate.

3. What is the religious context of Vaughan's poetry? It's deeply rooted in Christian mysticism and reflects a personal struggle for spiritual understanding.

4. Are Vaughan's poems difficult to understand? While sophisticated, his direct language often makes the core message accessible, although understanding the religious and historical context enhances appreciation.

5. How does Vaughan's use of simple language contribute to his poetic impact? The simplicity allows the reader to focus on the emotional and spiritual resonance of his themes.

6. What are some key themes explored in Vaughan's poetry? Central themes include spirituality, nature, innocence, the passage of time, and the longing for divine connection.

7. Why is Henry Vaughan less well-known than other Metaphysical poets? Various factors, including historical context and a later rediscovery, contribute to his relatively lesser fame.

8. Where can I find more information on Henry Vaughan's work? Scholarly articles, critical essays, and anthologies of Metaphysical poetry are excellent resources.

9. What makes Vaughan's poetry unique within the Metaphysical tradition? His intense focus on the natural world as a path to spiritual understanding sets him apart.

Related Articles:

1. Metaphysical Poetry: A Comprehensive Overview: Explores the characteristics and key figures of the Metaphysical movement.

2. The Influence of Christianity on 17th-Century English Poetry: Discusses the impact of religious beliefs on poetic themes and styles.

3. Symbolism in Religious Poetry: A Comparative Study: Examines the use of symbols in religious verse from various periods and traditions.

4. Nature Imagery in Early Modern Poetry: Analyzes the portrayal of nature in the works of poets from the 16th and 17th centuries.

5. A Close Reading of Henry Vaughan's "The Retreat": Provides a detailed analysis of one of Vaughan's most famous poems.

6. Henry Vaughan and the Concept of Innocence: Examines the theme of innocence and its significance in Vaughan's work.

7. Comparing Henry Vaughan and John Donne: Similarities and Differences: Compares and contrasts the poetic styles and themes of two prominent Metaphysical poets.

8. The Use of Paradox in Metaphysical Poetry: Focuses on the use of paradox as a literary device within the Metaphysical tradition.

9. Henry Vaughan's Legacy and Enduring Influence: Discusses the impact of Vaughan's poetry on subsequent literary movements and its lasting relevance.


  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: To His Coy Mistress Andrew Marvell, 1996 An enigmatic men, whose poems balance opposing principles-Royalism and Republicanism, spirituality and sexuality.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Epistrophies Brent Hayes Edwards, 2017-06-05 In 1941 Thelonious Monk and Kenny Clarke copyrighted “Epistrophy,” one of the best-known compositions of the bebop era. The song’s title refers to a literary device—the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses—that is echoed in the construction of the melody. Written two decades later, Amiri Baraka’s poem “Epistrophe” alludes slyly to Monk’s tune. Whether it is composers finding formal inspiration in verse or a poet invoking the sound of music, hearing across media is the source of innovation in black art. Epistrophies explores this fertile interface through case studies in jazz literature—both writings informed by music and the surprisingly large body of writing by jazz musicians themselves. From James Weldon Johnson’s vernacular transcriptions to Sun Ra’s liner note poems, from Henry Threadgill’s arresting song titles to Nathaniel Mackey’s “Song of the Andoumboulou,” there is an unending back-and-forth between music that hovers at the edge of language and writing that strives for the propulsive energy and melodic contours of music. At times this results in art that gravitates into multiple media. In Duke Ellington’s “social significance” suites, or in the striking parallels between Louis Armstrong’s inventiveness as a singer and trumpeter on the one hand and his idiosyncratic creativity as a letter writer and collagist on the other, one encounters an aesthetic that takes up both literature and music as components of a unique—and uniquely African American—sphere of art-making and performance.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Poetry and Drama-I (English Literature Book) B.A First Sem UOR NEP-2020 Dr. Smriti Pareek, Dr. Vipula Mathur, 2023-10-18 Buy Latest ( English Literature ) Poetry and Drama-I Book in English Language for B.A 1st Semester University of Rajasthan, Jaipur NEP-2020 By Thakur publication.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Quite Early One Morning Dylan Thomas, 1954 A dazzling collection of prose from one of the greatest poets and storytellers of the twentieth century.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Highwayman Alfred Noyes, 2013-12-12 The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, And the highwayman came riding- Riding-riding- The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door. In Alfred Noyes's thrilling poem, charged with drama and tension, we ride with the highwayman and recoil from the terrible fate that befalls him and his sweetheart Bess, the landlord's daughter. The vivid imagery of the writing is matched by Charles Keeping's haunting illustrations which won him the Kate Greenaway Medal. This new edition features rescanned artwork to capture the breath-taking detail of Keeping's illustrations and a striking new cover.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Bible, Protestantism, and the Rise of Natural Science Peter Harrison, 2001-07-26 An examination of the role played by the Bible in the emergence of natural science.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Doctrine and Devotion in Seventeenth-century Poetry R. V. Young, 2000 English devotional poets of 17c set in a wider European and Catholic context.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Delight in Disorder , 2011
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The One Year Book of Poetry , 1999 This daily devotional of Bible-inspired poetry contains some of the most eloquent, inspiring, and profound poetry ever written. Readers will glean understanding, wisdom, and inspiration for life's struggles and victories. But most of all, they will learn more about their Savior and be inspired to devote their lives to him wholeheartedly. Includes indexes.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Once Upon a River Diane Setterfield, 2019-07-02 From the instant #1 New York Times bestselling author of the “eerie and fascinating” (USA TODAY) The Thirteenth Tale comes a “swift and entrancing, profound and beautiful” (Madeline Miller, internationally bestselling author of Circe) novel about how we explain the world to ourselves, ourselves to others, and the meaning of our lives in a universe that remains impenetrably mysterious. On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the river Thames, an extraordinary event takes place. The regulars are telling stories to while away the dark hours, when the door bursts open on a grievously wounded stranger. In his arms is the lifeless body of a small child. Hours later, the girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or can science provide an explanation? These questions have many answers, some of them quite dark indeed. Those who dwell on the river bank apply all their ingenuity to solving the puzzle of the girl who died and lived again, yet as the days pass the mystery only deepens. The child herself is mute and unable to answer the essential questions: Who is she? Where did she come from? And to whom does she belong? But answers proliferate nonetheless. Three families are keen to claim her. A wealthy young mother knows the girl is her kidnapped daughter, missing for two years. A farming family reeling from the discovery of their son’s secret liaison stand ready to welcome their granddaughter. The parson’s housekeeper, humble and isolated, sees in the child the image of her younger sister. But the return of a lost child is not without complications and no matter how heartbreaking the past losses, no matter how precious the child herself, this girl cannot be everyone’s. Each family has mysteries of its own, and many secrets must be revealed before the girl’s identity can be known. Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, this is “a beguiling tale, full of twists and turns like the river at its heart, and just as rich and intriguing” (M.L. Stedman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Light Between Oceans).
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Reader's Guide to Literature in English Mark Hawkins-Dady, 1996 First Published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Playing in the Dark Toni Morrison, 2007-07-24 An immensely persuasive work of literary criticism that opens a new chapter in the American dialogue on race—and promises to change the way we read American literature—from the acclaimed Nobel Prize winner Morrison shows how much the themes of freedom and individualism, manhood and innocence, depended on the existence of a black population that was manifestly unfree--and that came to serve white authors as embodiments of their own fears and desires. According to the Chicago Tribune, Morrison reimagines and remaps the possibility of America. Her brilliant discussions of the Africanist presence in the fiction of Poe, Melville, Cather, and Hemingway leads to a dramatic reappraisal of the essential characteristics of our literary tradition. Written with the artistic vision that has earned the Nobel Prize-winning author a pre-eminent place in modern letters, Playing in the Dark is an invaluable read for avid Morrison admirers as well as students, critics, and scholars of American literature.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: CLASSICAL LITERATURE AND HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE (English Book) Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Arora , Dr. Prabhat Kumar Dixit, Dr. Ashok Kumar , 2023-07-01 Read e-Book of CLASSICAL LITERATURE AND HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE (English Book) for B.A. 5th Semester for all UP State Universities Common Minimum Syllabus as per NEP. ये ई-बुक्स खासतौर पर यूपी राज्य विश्वविद्यालय के लिए डिजाइन की गई हैं। जैसे भीम राव अंबेडकर विश्वविद्यालय आगरा, चौधरी चरण सिंह विश्वविद्यालय मेरठ, महात्मा गांधी काशी विद्या पीठ, वाराणसी, गोरखपुर विश्वविद्यालय, रज्जू भैया विश्वविद्यालय प्रयागराज, रुहेलखंड विश्वविद्यालय, बरेली, पूर्वांचल विश्वविद्यालय आदि।
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-Communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc , 1871
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Routledge History of Literature in English Ronald Carter, John McRae, 2001 This is a guide to the main developments in the history of British and Irish literature, charting some of the main features of literary language development and highlighting key language topics.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Reading Cy Twombly Mary Jacobus, 2016-08-16 Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS -- INTRODUCTION: TWOMBLY'S BOOKS -- 1 MEDITERRANEAN PASSAGES: RETROSPECT -- 2 PSYCHOGRAM AND PARNASSUS: HOW (NOT) TO READ A TWOMBLY -- 3 TWOMBLY'S VAGUENESS: THE POETICS OF ABSTRACTION -- 4 ACHILLES' HORSES, TWOMBLY'S WAR -- 5 ROMANTIC TWOMBLY -- 6 THE PASTORAL STAIN -- 7 PSYCHE: THE DOUBLE DOOR -- 8 TWOMBLY'S LAPSE -- POSTSCRIPT: WRITING IN LIGHT -- NOTES -- BIBLIOGRAPHY -- INDEX
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Literary World , 1872
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Emblemes Francis Quarles, 1660
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Platonism and the English Imagination Anna Baldwin, Sarah Hutton, 2005-11-03 This is the first compendious study of the influence of Plato on the English literary tradition, showing how English writers used Platonic ideas and images within their own imaginative work. Established experts and new writers have worked together to produce individual essays on more than thirty English authors, including Shakespeare, Milton, Blake, Wordsworth, T. S. Eliot, Auden and Iris Murdoch; and the book is divided chronologically, showing how every age has reconstructed Platonism to suit its own understanding of the world.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: William Langland's "Piers Plowman" William Langland, George Economou, 1996-12 A gifted poet has given us an astute, adroit, vigorous, inviting, eminently readable translation. . . . The challenging gamut of Langland's language . . . has here been rendered with blessed energy and precision. Economou has indeed Done-Best.—Allen Mandelbaum
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Dissertation Abstracts International , 1984
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Metaphysical Poets John Donne, Andrew Marvell, George Herbert, 2014-05-10 These poems are done by 17th-century writers who devised a new form of poetry full of wit, intellect and grace, which we now call Metaphysical poetry. They wrote about their deepest religious feelings and their carnal pleasures in a way that was radically new and challenging to their readers. Their work was largely misunderstood or ignored for two centuries, until 20th-century critics rediscovered it.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: A Great Ring of Pure and Endless Light Henry Vaughan, 2017-10-23 A Great Ring of Pure and Endless Light: Selected Poems By Henry Vaughan A cluster of the very best of Henry Vaughan's Metaphysical poems, which are filled with a 'deep, but dazzling darkness'. Lesser known Vaughan works, including some love poems, are collected here beside the famous pieces such as 'The Morning Watch', 'The World' and 'The Night'. Henry Vaughan is the Metaphysical poet from the Welsh borders (he was born at Newton-upon-Usk, Breconshire, in 1621). He went up to Oxford, studied law in London, wrote some astounding religious poetry, and died in 1695. The dazzling night pervades Henry Vaughan's poetry. It is a cosmic night, a night of regeneration. Many of the Vaughan poems collected here pivot around an experience of the cosmic, religious night, from 'The World', with its famous, much-anthologized opening lines: 'I saw Eternity the other night Like a great Ring of pure and endless light'. It is a night of rebirth, the night as a dark womb, in which the world is reborn. Cosmic rebirth is one of the major themes in Vaughan's poetry, and especially in his collection or series of sacred poems, Silex Scintillans. Henry Vaughan is one of the most radiant of British poets. Like other Metaphysical poets (poets such as George Herbert, Richard Crashaw, Andrew Marvell and John Donne), the deep darkness of the alchemical ferment in Vaughan's poetry is balanced by a radiance, a light shining out of the darkness. It is a divine light, as found in the Mystical Theology of the influential Christian writer, Dionysius the Areopagite. Dionysius' Neoplatonic visions of divinity and the celestial hierarchies of angels influenced Dante Alighieri, among many others poets. Henry Vaughan's poetry moves from dark to light, with the seeds of one being always present in the other. His nights, for all their darkness, also grow light. Vaughan's poetry is about big themes, cosmic themes, religious themes, with titles such as 'The World', 'Regeneration', 'Peace', and 'The Retreat'. Vaughan is not shy of big themes, as some poets are. He dives right in. His openings are particular powerful, striking up a majestic tone immediately: I saw Eternity the other night Like a great Ring of pure and endless light... ('The World') Happy those early days! when I Shined in my Angel-infancy. ('The Retreat') 'My soul, there is a country Far beyond the stars... ('Peace') They are all gone into the world of light! And I alone sit ling'ring here... (They are all gone) Through that pure Virgin-shine, That sacred veil drawn o'er the glorious noon... ('The Night') Revised and updated text. Illustrated. www.crmoon.com
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Prayer and Performance in Early Modern English Literature Joseph Sterrett, 2018-10-25 Examines the performative aspects of prayer and how they were represented in literature in early modern England.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Track Changes Matthew G. Kirschenbaum, 2016-05-02 Writing in the digital age has been as messy as the inky rags in Gutenberg’s shop or the molten lead of a Linotype machine. Matthew Kirschenbaum examines how creative authorship came to coexist with the computer revolution. Who were the early adopters, and what made others anxious? Was word processing just a better typewriter, or something more?
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The History of Philosophy Thomas Stanley, 1656
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Elements of Surprise Vera Tobin, 2018 Elements of Surprise opens with an novel but narrow focus: how a particular cognitive bias, the curse of knowledge, underwrites stories that rely on what it calls well-made surprise, as seen in (for example) classic detective fiction--that is, surprises in novels, films, television, and plays that set us up to be fooled in ways we find pleasing and satisfying. But from there, the book expands its reach. At its core, cursed thinking underlies almost everything people write, say, and think about both other people and our own pasts. The more information we have about something, and the more experience we have with it, the harder it is to step outside that experience. What unfolds is both a fresh approach to mental heuristics and biases and an ambitious work of cognitive literary criticism. Elements of Surprise provides a new and exciting way of thinking about the mechanics of narrative, explored through thoughtful readings of classic, popular, and obscure texts.--
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Poetry and Ecology in the Age of Milton and Marvell Diane Kelsey McColley, 2017-03-02 The focus of this study is the perception of nature in the language of poetry and the languages of natural philosophy, technology, theology, and global exploration, primarily in seventeenth-century England. Its premise is that language and the perception of nature vitally affect each other and that seventeenth-century poets, primarily John Milton, Andrew Marvell, and Henry Vaughan, but also Margaret Cavendish, Thomas Traherne, Anne Finch, and others, responded to experimental proto-science and new technology in ways that we now call 'ecological' - concerned with watersheds and habitats and the lives of all creatures. It provides close readings of works by these poets in the contexts of natural history, philosophy, and theology as well as technology and land use, showing how they responded to what are currently considered ecological issues: deforestation, mining, air pollution, drainage of wetlands, destruction of habitats, the sentience and intelligence of animals, overbuilding, global commerce, the politics of land use, and relations between social justice and justice towards the other-than-human world. In this important book, Diane McColley demonstrates the language of poetry, the language of responsible science, and the language of moral and political philosophy all to be necessary parts of public discourse.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Hesperides Robert Herrick, 1869
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: English and American studies in German , 2002 Summaries of theses and monographs.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Soul Says Helen Vendler, 1995 This work comprises essays on American, British and Irish poetry, showing contemporary life and culture captured in lyric form. It explains the power of poetry as the voice of the soul, rather than the socially marked self, speaking directly through the stylization of verse.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Songs and Sonnets John Donne, 2015-06-02 Songs and Sonnets from John Donne. English poet, satirist, lawyer and a cleric in the Church of England (1572-1631).
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Book of the Duchess Geoffrey Chaucer, 2022-08-10 The Book of the Duchess is a surreal poem that was presumably written as an elegy for Blanche, Duchess of Lancaster's (the wife of Geoffrey Chaucer's patron, the royal Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt) death in 1368 or 1369. The poem was written a few years after the event and is widely regarded as flattering to both the Duke and the Duchess. It has 1334 lines and is written in octosyllabic rhyming couplets.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Intimations of Immortality William Wordsworth, Thomas B Mosher, 2018-10-30 This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Oxford Guide to Literature in English Translation Peter France, 2000 This book, written by a team of experts from many countries, provides a comprehensive account of the ways in which translation has brought the major literature of the world into English-speaking culture. Part I discusses theoretical issues and gives an overview of the history of translation into English. Part II, the bulk of the work, arranged by language of origin, offers critical discussions, with bibliographies, of the translation history of specific texts (e.g. the Koran, the Kalevala), authors (e.g. Lucretius, Dostoevsky), genres (e.g. Chinese poetry, twentieth-century Italian prose) and national literatures (e.g. Hungarian, Afrikaans).
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: The Works of Abraham Cowley Abraham Cowley, 1806
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: A Reader's Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory Raman Selden, 1989 Unsurpassed as a text for upper-division and beginning graduate students, Raman Selden's classic text is the liveliest, most readable and most reliable guide to contemporary literary theory. Includes applications of theory, cross-referenced to Selden's companion volume, Practicing Theory and Reading Literature.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: From Puritanism to Postmodernism Richard Ruland, Malcolm Bradbury, 2016-04-14 Widely acknowledged as a contemporary classic that has introduced thousands of readers to American literature, From Puritanism to Postmodernism: A History of American Literature brilliantly charts the fascinating story of American literature from the Puritan legacy to the advent of postmodernism. From realism and romanticism to modernism and postmodernism it examines and reflects on the work of a rich panoply of writers, including Poe, Melville, Fitzgerald, Pound, Wallace Stevens, Gwendolyn Brooks and Thomas Pynchon. Characterised throughout by a vibrant and engaging style it is a superb introduction to American literature, placing it thoughtfully in its rich social, ideological and historical context. A tour de force of both literary and historical writing, this Routledge Classics edition includes a new preface by co-author Richard Ruland, a new foreword by Linda Wagner-Martin and a fascinating interview with Richard Ruland, in which he reflects on the nature of American fiction and his collaboration with Malclolm Bradbury. It is published here for the first time.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: A Poem a Day Philip Wesley Comfort, 2008-07 Here is a poem for each day of the year, complemented by concise, pertinent devotions to help you reflect on important themes and to introduce you to the authors and their experiences of God. Each reading also features a Scripture passage that helps to illuminate the poem. The book includes a helpful index to authors and their works and constitutes a powerful legacy of faith from believers of previous eras. Featured poets include John Donne, Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, George Herbert, John Greenleaf Whittier, Robert Herrick and Bernard of Clairvaux.
  the book by henry vaughan literary devices: Henry, Himself Stewart O'Nan, 2019-06-06 Soldier, son, lover, husband, breadwinner, churchgoer, Henry Maxwell has spent his whole life trying to live with honour. A native Pittsburgher and engineer, he's always believed in logic, sacrifice and hard work. Now, seventy-five and retired, he feels the world has passed him by. It's 1998, the American century is ending, and nothing is simple any more. His children are distant, their unhappiness a mystery. Only his wife, Emily, and dog, Rufus, stand by him. Once so confident, as Henry's strength and memory desert him, he weighs his dreams against his regrets and is left with questions he can't answer: Is he a good man? Has he done right by the people he loves? And with time running out, what, realistically, can he hope for? Henry, Himself is a wry, warmhearted portrait of an American original - a man who believes he's reached a dead end only to discover life is full of surprises.