The Pulley by George Herbert Questions Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of “The Pulley”?
The poem “The Pulley” was written by George Herbert, a Welsh poet who also worked as an orator and priest.
What type of poem is “The Pulley”?
“The Pulley” is a metaphysical poem, a type of figurative language that uses complex and abstract metaphors.
What is the main theme of “The Pulley”?
The main theme of “The Pulley” is the restless nature of humanity and the reason why human beings are incapable of being satisfied.
What does the pulley symbolize in the poem?
The pulley symbolizes the connection between God and humanity. It represents the idea that God uses restlessness (the pulley) to draw humans towards Him.
How does Herbert portray God in “The Pulley”?
Herbert portrays God as a creator who deliberately withholds rest from humanity in order to draw them closer to Him.
What is the structure of “The Pulley”?
The poem is structured in quintains (five-line stanzas) that follow a structured rhyme scheme.
What literary devices are used in “The Pulley”?
The poem uses several literary devices, including conceit (a type of figurative language), personification (giving human characteristics to non-human entities), and paradox (a statement that contradicts itself but might be true).
What is the message of “The Pulley”?
The message of “The Pulley” is that human restlessness and dissatisfaction are part of God’s plan to draw humanity back into a divine embrace.
When was “The Pulley” published?
This poem first appeared in the posthumous collection “The Temple” in 1633.
How does “The Pulley” reflect Herbert’s religious beliefs?
The poem reflects Herbert’s Christian beliefs about the relationship between God and humanity. It suggests that God uses unrest as a means to draw humans closer to Him.
Short Answer Questions
How does the title “The Pulley” relate to the overall theme of the poem?
The title “The Pulley” is a metaphor for the connection between God and humanity. It represents the idea that God uses unrest (the pulley) to draw humans towards Him, which is a central theme of the poem.
What is the significance of God withholding ‘rest’ from humanity in “The Pulley”?
The withholding of ‘rest’ signifies that humans are meant to experience a sense of dissatisfaction or unrest in life. This unrest is what pulls or draws them closer to God, much like a pulley.
How does “The Pulley” reflect George Herbert’s personal beliefs and experiences?
As a priest of the Church of England, Herbert’s religious beliefs heavily influenced his poetry. “The Pulley” reflects his belief in a God who desires a close relationship with humanity and uses various means, such as unrest, to draw humans closer to Him.
How does Herbert use language and poetic devices in “The Pulley” to convey his message?
Herbert uses a variety of poetic devices, including metaphors, personification, and paradoxes, to convey his message. The language is rich and complex, reflecting the metaphysical style of poetry.
