Virtue and Naiveté Robert Herrick presents this poem through his experience of words. The title in and of itself provides proof already of such an idea; the poem focuses on "the Virgins" who, suit this title in that through the person's life experiences, basically, who have yet to remove themselves of their virtue and innocence. This poem isn't just an pep talk for those that are youthful to take hold of their own lives but is also a declaration about the regretful state of aging.
First and for most, the poem uses an ABAB rhyme format to keep the flow of the poem. This way it helps him to tell the story of living each day its fullest and helps him get his point across. The tone of this poem could be described as inspirational as Herrick seems to try to encourage everyone to live each day the best that you can. This poem is labeled a carpe diem poem, which means to seize the day.
Herrick makes an impact first on that one must "gather ye rosebuds while ye may" for time doesn't slow down or is limitless, rather it's a precious limited commodity. We then might delve into the word "rosebuds" and it's use of meaning to bring out Herrick's connotation throughout the poem. When Herrick states that the "same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying", we tend to ask ourselves why create an human representation as outlandish as a flower that smiles. While doable as a lively use of characterization, it's clear that the flower serves as a sign first and for most. Secondly, the agent of love interests could be that of the smiling flower. Those same interactions that we come by may pass us by like the flowers in the next line, "Tomorrow will be dying". Herrick unquestionably emphasizes his beliefs of carpe diem. What's more, is that the same flower might have a opportunity of any sort, not just that of love interests. Herrick pushes the virgins to jump at every opportunity that arises and implies that when in your youth you will have many accesses to them. On another note, one might see that Herrick is stating that the people of old age has no access to these chances to do and experience things like you have done in youth. Continuing along this path, we see Herrick chose to use the word, "virgin": to put emphasis on the persona of virtue and naïveté are essential to the opportunities that arise and are readily available to the young. He means that the people of old age can't ascertain these opportunities due to the fact that their persona which we see as traits such as pessimism and defeatist views.
The second stanza implements elements that add to Herrick's views on the young and old. Herrick writes "The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun," and the fact that when noon comes, "sooner will his race be run, And nearer he's to setting". Therefore, we must treat the sun like a delicate flower and relay it back to people. Just as how the sun rises and reaches noon, then eventually to its final dive and setting is the same as the birth of a baby places him/her on the lane of ruin. As a result, even the pinnacle of one's life isn't without cause for concern; seeing as it brings one's self closer to their impending ruin. By explaining the meaning of this stanza, we start seeing a better view of Herrick's nature. One must remember that Herrick does this from his own