George Herbert · English Literature

What is the central metaphor in Herbert’s poem 'Jordan (I)'?

  1. The crossing into the Promised Land after forty years of desert wandering
  2. A defense of plain religious poetry over artificial, ornamental verse
  3. The symbolic baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist
  4. A spiritual journey to the holy city of Jerusalem on a pilgrimage
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Correct answer: A defense of plain religious poetry over artificial, ornamental verse

In 'Jordan (I),' Herbert asks why poetry must always use 'fictions' and 'false hair.' He argues that plain truth, specifically the love of God, is a sufficient and beautiful subject for poetry without the need for excessive ornamentation.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 20

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