Critical Appreciation of "The Grasshopper" by Abraham Cowley

Abraham Cowley’s poem The Grasshopper is a delightful lyrical and pastoral poem that celebrates the simple joys of life. The poem presents the grasshopper as a symbol of happiness, freedom, and harmony with nature. Through vivid imagery and a musical tone, Cowley contrasts the carefree life of the grasshopper with the struggles of human existence, offering a deeper philosophical message about the fleeting nature of joy.

Title Justification

The title The Grasshopper is appropriate as the poem revolves around this small yet joyful creature. The grasshopper is depicted as the happiest of all beings, living in harmony with nature and enjoying life without worries. The poet exclaims,

"Happy insect, what can be / In happiness compared to thee?"

This line immediately sets the tone of admiration and celebration, making the title a perfect fit for the poem’s theme.

Type of Poetry

The poem is both lyrical and pastoral in nature. It expresses the poet’s deep emotions while also portraying the beauty of rural life. The lyrical quality is seen in the rhythmic flow of words, while the pastoral elements are evident in the depiction of nature, fields, and seasons.

Imagery and Style

Cowley masterfully uses imagery to highlight the grasshopper’s joyful existence:

• Nature Imagery – The grasshopper is surrounded by abundance, as seen in:

  "All the fields which thou dost see, / All the plants belong to thee."

  This suggests that the grasshopper is the true king of nature, enjoying everything without the burden of ownership.

• Musical Imagery – The grasshopper sings joyfully:

  "Thou dost drink, and dance, and sing, / Happier than the happiest king!"

  This line emphasizes the theme that true happiness lies in freedom and simplicity.

• Seasonal Imagery – The poet contrasts summer’s warmth with winter’s harshness:

  "Happy insect! happy thou, / Dost neither age nor winter know."

  This suggests that the grasshopper lives only in moments of pleasure, untouched by the worries of passing time.

Message and Themes

The central message of the poem is that happiness comes from enjoying life’s simple pleasures. The grasshopper does not work or plan for the future, yet it is content. Cowley compares this carefree life to human existence, where people constantly labor and worry. The grasshopper’s way of living is described as luxurious yet innocent:

"Thou dost innocently enjoy; / Nor does thy luxury destroy."

This highlights the idea that pleasure and contentment need not lead to greed or excess. However, the poem also acknowledges life’s transience:

"To thee, of all things upon earth, / Life is no longer than thy mirth."

This reminds readers that joy is temporary, and all living beings must eventually face the end.

Conclusion

The Grasshopper by Abraham Cowley is a beautiful reflection on happiness, nature, and the fleeting nature of life. Through its rich imagery, joyful tone, and philosophical depth, the poem encourages readers to appreciate life’s simple pleasures while they last. The grasshopper, as an "Epicurean animal," represents the ideal of living in the present, making this poem both delightful and thought-provoking.