In Our Time: George Herbert

Host: Melvyn Bragg
Guests: Simon Jackson, Victoria Mole, Helen Wilcox
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction to George Herbert

George Herbert (1593-1633) emerges as a central figure in English devotional poetry. Although prolific in Latin verse, Herbert's enduring legacy primarily rests on his English devotional poems, which, though unpublished during his lifetime, have profoundly influenced the English poetic tradition. In this episode of In Our Time, Melvyn Bragg engages with experts Simon Jackson, Victoria Mole, and Helen Wilcox to explore Herbert's life, works, and lasting impact.

Early Life and Influences

Helen Wilcox delves into Herbert's formative years, emphasizing his Welsh heritage and the significant role of his mother:

“He was born in 1593... his Welshness is something that we shouldn't overlook.” [00:03:35]

Herbert was the seventh of ten children, born in Montgomery, Wales. Tragedy struck early as he lost his father at the age of three, placing his mother, Magdalene Herbert, at the forefront of his upbringing. Her resilience in raising a large family single-handedly profoundly shaped Herbert's spiritual and intellectual development. Helen highlights Magdalene’s influence:

“She was the recipient of his earliest poems... a great spiritual guide to the family.” [00:03:46]

The family’s relocation from Shropshire to Oxford and finally London exposed young Herbert to significant historical events, such as the Gunpowder Plot and the Essex Rebellion, instilling in him a sense of religious and political instability.

Latin Poetry in Early Modern England

Victoria Mole provides insights into the bilingual literary culture of early modern England, explaining why Herbert was prolific in Latin:

“Latin was the international language at this period... the medium of education.” [00:05:39]

Latin served as the lingua franca for scholarly and literary endeavors, enabling exchange across Europe. Herbert's Latin poetry, rich in imagery and theological depth, circulated widely among his contemporaries. Mole underscores the integration of Latin and English literary traditions, noting that Herbert's work was in constant dialogue with both Protestant and Catholic European poets.

George Herbert as an Orator

Herbert's role as an orator at Cambridge is examined by Victoria Mole:

“He became orator in 1620 at Cambridge University... a distinguished scholar.” [00:07:40]

As orator from 1620 to 1627, Herbert honed his skills in formal correspondence and public speaking. An illustrative moment discussed is Herbert’s Latin epigram at a dinner during the collapsed Spanish Match, showcasing his ability to navigate delicate political atmospheres through poetry.

The Role of Music in Herbert's Life

Simon Jackson elaborates on the integral role of music within Herbert’s household:

“Music was extremely important for the entire Herbert household.” [00:09:42]

Under Magdalene Herbert's guidance, music permeated family life. Regular Sunday psalm singing and connections with composers like William Bird and John Ball enriched Herbert's musical education. This musical foundation influenced his poetry, blending theoretical concepts of divine harmony with practical musical expression.

Jackson further discusses Herbert's philosophical view of music as both a symbol of divine order and a pragmatic expression of faith:

“Herbert is very involved in the pragmatic, practical side of music making as well.” [00:11:16]

The Temple: A Devotional Collection

Helen Wilcox introduces The Temple, Herbert's seminal collection of English devotional poems published in 1633:

“The Temple is a book of English poems published in 1633... a three-part construction.” [00:13:52]

Structured into three sections—The Church Porch, The Church, and Church Militant—The Temple mirrors the architectural elements of a church, symbolizing the journey of faith. The collection encompasses over 160 short lyrics that navigate the complexities of Herbert’s spiritual life, blending narrative with lyrical introspection.

Notable Poems and Themes

Several of Herbert’s poems are highlighted for their theological and emotional depth. Helen Wilcox reads "Love (III)", renowned for its profound simplicity and layered meaning:

“Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back... I shall sit and eat.” [00:16:03]

This poem exemplifies Herbert’s ability to intertwine personal struggle with divine grace, resonating with readers through its portrayal of an intimate dialogue with God.

Simon Jackson discusses "The Collar," a dramatic monologue expressing inner turmoil and eventual submission to divine will:

“What shall I ever sigh and pine?... child.” [00:20:43]

The poem reflects Herbert's grappling with faith and obedience, ultimately finding solace in God's call.

George Herbert's Chronic Illness and Priesthood

Herbert's chronic illness significantly influenced his work and spiritual outlook. Simon Jackson suggests ailments like tuberculosis may have plagued him:

“It's very difficult to reverse engineer that kind of diagnosis... TOUCHES OF FRUSTRATION IN THAT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.” [00:22:07]

Despite his struggles, Herbert pursued priesthood, as Helen Wilcox explains his pastoral vocation:

“He became a deacon... a small parish.” [00:28:34]

His pastoral writings, such as The Country Parson, emphasize the importance of a holy life over scholarly pursuits, highlighting his commitment to serving his community with humility and practical wisdom.

Influence on Later Poets

Herbert's work has left an indelible mark on subsequent generations of poets. Helen Wilcox enumerates his extensive influence:

“Henry Vaughan... Richard Crashaw... Coleridge, T.S. Eliot, Seamus Heaney...” [00:34:35]

Herbert's blend of technical precision and heartfelt devotion has inspired a diverse array of poets, from metaphysical contemporaries like Richard Crashaw to modern poets such as Seamus Heaney and T.S. Eliot.

Legacy and Modern Reception

Herbert remains a cherished figure in both literary and religious circles. Victoria Mole observes his unique ability to render contemporary poetic trends into what now appears timeless:

“He made what was actually highly fashionable... seem almost immediately classic.” [00:36:42]

His poems continue to be read and sung, bridging communal worship and personal reflection. Herbert's integration of music, visual imagery, and theological discourse ensures his relevance across centuries, allowing individuals to find comfort and inspiration in his exploration of faith and humanity.

Conclusion

In this episode, the panel underscores George Herbert's multifaceted contributions as a poet, orator, and priest. His ability to navigate the turbulent religious landscape of early 17th-century England through his devotional poetry and music has cemented his place as a unifying and enduring literary figure. Herbert's work not only provided solace to his contemporaries but also continues to inspire and comfort readers today, embodying the profound connection between faith, art, and the human experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Helen Wilcox on Herbert’s mother:

  “She was clearly a great spiritual guide to the family.” [00:03:46]

• Victoria Mole on the bilingual culture:

  “Latin is the access point for knowledge in general.” [00:05:39]

• Simon Jackson on music's importance:

  “Music was extremely important for the entire Herbert household.” [00:09:42]

• Helen Wilcox reading "Love (III)":

  “Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back...” [00:16:03]

• Simon Jackson on "The Collar":

  “What shall I ever sigh and pine?... child.” [00:20:43]

This comprehensive exploration of George Herbert through In Our Time offers a nuanced understanding of his life, literary prowess, and the enduring spiritual resonance of his work.