Introduction
“The Pulley” is one of George Herbert’s most famous metaphysical poems, written in the 17th century. The poem is a reflection on the relationship between God and humanity, exploring the themes of divine grace, human longing, and the role of material wealth in the human experience. Herbert uses the metaphor of a pulley to explain how God’s actions in creation were designed to draw humanity closer to Him, even through human suffering and the inherent limitations of earthly desires.
Text of the Poem
Here is the full text of “The Pulley” by George Herbert:
When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessing standing by,
Let us (said he) pour on him all we can:
Let the world’s riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.
So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone, of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
For if I should (said he)
Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:
So both should losers be.
Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.
Themes in “The Pulley”
- Divine Grace and Human Limitations
The poem presents the idea that God, in His infinite wisdom, chose not to give humans the gift of rest (as represented by the pulley mechanism). By withholding rest, He ensures that humans will always seek Him, longing for divine fulfillment rather than being content with worldly pleasures. - The Dangers of Materialism
Herbert contrasts the world’s riches with the spiritual gift of rest. By denying humans this ultimate rest, God ensures that material wealth and beauty will not be enough to satisfy human desires, leading to an insatiable longing for something deeper—God’s presence. - The Role of Suffering
The poem suggests that human suffering and weariness are necessary for spiritual growth. Without hardship, humans might be tempted to rest in their earthly blessings, missing out on a deeper, spiritual connection with God. This reflects a theological idea that suffering brings one closer to God. - God’s Omnipotence and Wisdom
Through the metaphor of the pulley, Herbert highlights the omnipotence of God and His deliberate actions in shaping humanity’s spiritual journey. God’s choices are not arbitrary but stem from His deep understanding of human nature. - Human Longing for the Divine
The absence of rest in the poem symbolizes a deeper yearning within humans for spiritual fulfillment. The metaphorical “restlessness” ensures that people will seek something beyond themselves, which, in turn, leads them toward God.
Literary Devices in “The Pulley”
- Metaphor
The most prominent metaphor in the poem is the pulley, which represents God’s intervention in human life. The idea of pulling humanity toward Him through dissatisfaction and longing symbolizes divine influence. - Personification
Herbert personifies “rest” as a treasure that God decides not to give to humans, making rest an active force in the poem that plays a critical role in God’s plan. - Irony
There is a clear irony in the poem: God withholds rest (a precious gift) to ensure that humans, in their yearning, turn to Him. This highlights the paradox of how human dissatisfaction with earthly blessings leads to spiritual awakening. - Symbolism
- The glass of blessing symbolizes God’s grace and abundant gifts.
- The span represents the limited scope of human life and desire.
- Restlessness becomes a symbol of the human condition, ensuring that people do not settle for worldly pleasures but yearn for divine connection.
- Rhyme and Structure
The poem follows a regular ABAB rhyme scheme, contributing to its flowing rhythm. The structure of the poem mirrors the gradual unfolding of God’s reasoning in the creation of humans and the deliberate withholding of certain blessings.
Class Activities
- Metaphor Discussion
- Discuss the metaphor of the pulley with students. Have them explore other potential metaphors for God’s influence on humanity and share their thoughts on the significance of the metaphor in the poem.
- Characterizing God
- Ask students to analyze how God is portrayed in the poem. How does the depiction of God in this poem compare to other literary portrayals of God or divine figures?
- Comparing Themes
- Compare the theme of divine grace in “The Pulley” with that in another of Herbert’s poems, such as “Love (III).” This will help students explore Herbert’s consistent theological message throughout his poetry.
- Human Longing and Materialism Discussion
- Facilitate a discussion on the role of material wealth in human lives. Do students think that material wealth is enough for fulfillment, or does longing for spiritual fulfillment resonate more deeply in today’s world?
- Creative Writing
- Have students write a poem using a metaphor of their own to describe a divine or philosophical concept. They can use the metaphor of a physical object, like Herbert’s pulley, or create something original.
Class Assignments
- Essay on Divine Wisdom
- Write an essay exploring how divine wisdom is portrayed in “The Pulley.” Discuss whether or not you agree with the idea that God’s withholding of rest is a necessary part of the human condition.
- Analysis of Symbolism
- Identify and analyze the symbols in the poem, such as the “glass of blessing,” “span,” and “restlessness.” How do these symbols contribute to the overall message of the poem?
- Comparison Essay
- Compare “The Pulley” with another metaphysical poem that explores the relationship between humanity and God, such as John Donne’s “Holy Sonnet 14.” Focus on how both poets convey spiritual themes.
- Poetry Reflection Paper
- Reflect on the concept of “restlessness” as presented in the poem. In what ways do you think human dissatisfaction or longing for something greater could bring people closer to God?
- Thematic Exploration Project
- Research the theological underpinnings of Herbert’s work and write a research paper discussing the significance of the theme of divine grace and human longing in “The Pulley” and Herbert’s poetry as a whole.
Conclusion
“The Pulley” by George Herbert is a brilliant exploration of the human condition, where divine grace and human longing are intertwined in a way that challenges earthly desires and redirects focus toward spiritual fulfillment. Through its vivid metaphors and thought-provoking themes, the poem encourages readers to reflect on the deeper forces at work in their lives and their relationship with the divine. It is a poem that invites contemplation about what is truly necessary for fulfillment and the role of God in shaping human existence.