The Pulley -- Summary

Metaphysical poets belonged to the 17th century. The works of the metaphysical poets are marked by philosophical exploration, colloquial diction, ingenious conceits, irony and metrically flexible lines. They wrote poems on love, religion and mortality. The metaphysical poets described these topics through unusual comparisons, frequently employing unexpected similies and metaphors in displays of wit. John Donne is the foremost figure along with George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, Abraham Cowley, Richard Crashaw and Henry Vaughan.

Conceit is a striking, strained or affected modes of expression. Conceits are common in Elizabethan poetry and metaphysical verse. Metaphysical conceits are bolder and more ingenious. For example, Donne uses “stiff twin compasses” to express the souls of two lovers.

‘The Pulley’ by George Herbert is a metaphysical poem. It is one of Herbert’s best-known poems. In the first stanza, the speaker describes the creation of mankind. The speaker is retelling the story of creation with a few more details. After the creation of mankind, God decided to “pour on him” “a glass of blessings.” The world’s riches, which lie dispersed, have come together in to a span.

Strength made a way and beauty followed. Then came wisdom, honour and pleasure. When everything was over, God made a stay. Of all his treasure, rest lies in the bottom. God is not interested in giving ‘rest’ to humanity.

Had God bestowed the jewel of ‘rest’on humanity, man would His gifts instead of Him. They would spend their time worshipping nature and not God. They should appreciate ‘the God of Nature.’ So, both should be losers.

In the last stanza, the speaker explains God’s intentions behind withholding rest. They should rest only when they feel restlessness. Man may be rich and weary. If goodness does not lead him to God, weariness will toss man into the breast of God. That is why God has withheld rest from mankind. Despite God's unkindness, however, the poet feels that he must remain submissive to God.

‘The Pulley’ is four-stanza poem consisting of five lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABABA. The first and fifth lines of each stanza are in iambic trimetre. Line numbers two, three and four are written in iambic pentameter.