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Post by Mr. Thomas on Sept 12, 2013 9:42:52 GMT -5
Post your responses to the poem here.
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Post by eointunney on Sept 12, 2013 16:58:32 GMT -5
Eoin Tunney
Mr. Thomas
English 11
12 September 2013
D. Throughout this short poem by Edward Taylor I found many lines, which I enjoyed very much. One line, which I really did enjoy was line 1, which reads, “Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete.” I liked how Edward Taylor incorporates the spinning wheel invention into him trying to connect with God. I also enjoyed line 18, which reads, “That I am Clothed in Holy Robes for glory.” I also enjoyed this line because like line 1 Edward Taylor connects everyday materials with him trying to connect with God on a higher level.
E. Edward Taylor seems like a very down to earth guy to me. Obviously from this poem, Edward Taylor is a very religious man. He is very strong in his belief like all puritans. Unlike some other puritans, Taylor’s poem is directly speaking about God. All of the lines in this poem directly relates to God and Taylor’s faith.
C. I really enjoyed this poem by Edward Taylor, but there are many things that I am confused with. One thing I am sort of confused with is why would Taylor connect household items like he did with God? The reason I am confused about this is because back in Taylor’s time people spent a lot of time in the nature. I feel that Taylor could have connected his faith with God better if he had used things in nature. Something compared with working in the field I think may have made a better connection. Maybe since I don’t know what things like “Swift Flyers” (line 3) are I did not understand his connection as much. Either way I felt Taylor’s poem was very creative.
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Post by emmanuelluna on Sept 12, 2013 17:36:27 GMT -5
Emmanuel Luna
Mr. Thomas
English 11
9/12/13
D. The quote, “Make me thy Loom then, knit therein this Twine” (Line 7). This quote stood out to me because it shows how willing he is to put his life in God’s hands and how he refers to himself almost as an instrument for God to use. This quote stood out to me because it shows very clearly the Puritan way, which means that they leave everything to God and expect him to do the work.
B. The quote towards the end of the poem, I feel that if it wasn’t there would give the poem a different tone. “My Words, and Actions, that their shine may fill/ My ways with glory and thee glorify.” (Line 15-16) These lines give the poem a sense that all that he does is for his glory, but also to glorify God and show others how superior the Puritan way is compared to the others. This sense of being the purest and best of them all is why the Puritans named themselves that way. I feel that these lines are there to show and convince others that the Puritans are in fact the purest and should join them if they too want to be pure.
E. Going back to the quote that I wrote for “D.” I was kind of conflicted about the fact that they just leave everything to God. For me it demonstrates just how crazy they are to think that a deity such as God will do everything for them and help them since they were completely devoted to him. It also is in its own crazy way impressive that a group of people would actually put all their faith in a deity and hope that their prayers are answered.
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Post by matthewko on Sept 12, 2013 18:08:48 GMT -5
Matthew Ko
Mr. Thomas
English 11
12 September 2013
D. I really enjoyed line 4 where it says, “And make my Soul thy holy Spool to be”. The connection Taylor makes is unique because we can understand where he is coming from by using a tool many people know. The spool being the center of the spinning wheel related to Taylor’s soul being the center of his conscience and body. This starts off the realization that the story is being compared with a wheel and helping us understand his connection eventually to the end.
G. If I were Taylor, I would be very spiritual in that moment. I would have felt myself being devoted to God and giving up everything for him. I would ask for strength and knowledge to conduct myself well. Line 18 says, “That I m Clothed in Holy robes for glory,” meaning that Taylor would be spiritually “enchanted”. Overall, I would feel the need for enchantment because the people in Westfield want me to become a pastor. Living up to this lifestyle, I would want to be the best I could be at preaching and spreading the Old Testament.
A. I can relate to this poem because this is a good example of asking for something from God. Taylor writes, “The clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory, My Words, and Actions” (Lines 13-14) which pretty much sums up what I ask for before a test or any other event. I ask for the knowledge to do well on a test and the memory to remember all the things I studied for a good grade. So basically Taylor is asking for the strength of being a pastor when I am asking for the strength of doing well on an exam or any big event.
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Post by johnmarano on Sept 12, 2013 18:31:31 GMT -5
John Marano
Mr. Thomas
English 11
12 September 2013
Edward Taylor: Huswifery
C. After reading “Huswifery” by Edward Taylor, I felt confused. There were certain lines that really puzzled me and left me curious. The last part of the poem had me lost. “Then mine apparel shall display before Ye, that I am clothed in holy robes for glory” (Taylor, 17-18). I AM COMPLETELY LOST!!! What does this line even mean? My original thought was that God was the only reason Taylor was able to demonstrate his grace. I think this because the whole poem is about Taylor explaining his desire to reach God. Another question I have about this poem is what is the importance of the wheel that comes up a few times? I kind of thought it was a symbol of God and how he can spin the wheel, like he can decide our fate.
D. Although I was desperately confused throughout the poem, I specifically enjoyed the very beginning line, “and make my soul thy holy Spool to be” (Taylor, line 4). I think this really stuck out to me because Taylor is now speaking with God and praying. He is asking God to clear his soul of all evil and cleanse him. I find this very amusing because, as humans, we all make decisions that we really know we shouldn’t. I know that after my poor decisions I pray to God and ask him to help me start fresh. With fresh starts come better endings.
I. I would like to comment on one of my peers. Matthew Ko happened to use the same quote as me, “And make my Soul thy holy Spool to be” (Taylor, line 4). I want to say that I really enjoyed what he wrote and how he explained the quote. I like how he talks about the spinning wheel being significant and how he mentions it will all connect in the end. I like this because I felt exactly the same about the wheel.
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Post by michaelannunziata on Sept 12, 2013 18:51:23 GMT -5
Michael Annunziata
Mr. Thomas
English 11
9/12/13
A. “The clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory, My Words, and Actions” (Lines 13-14). I can relate to this quote from the poem because pretty much for every big even that is going to happen in my life, I always pray to god to ask him to make sure everything goes will. For example before walking in the foot steps of xavier freshman year I prayed to god and asked him if he can help me with not only my grades but with changing my lifestyle and making new friends as well as anything else.
D. In this poem I found a lot of lines that I would catorgorize as outstanding, but out of all of those lines the one line that stood out to me was, “Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete.” Line 1. I liked this a lot because it shows me that everthing he does wants to be in what he believes in and that thing that he believes in is god. I feel like if there is something you believe in then you should embrace it most out of everything and that is exactly what he is doing when writing this line.
I. I would like to comment on my peers answer with john morano for his answer to D. I agree with his answer because I was also extremely confused throughout this poem mainly because there was lines in the poem that I had to read over and over again just to understand what was going on.
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Post by matthewchan on Sept 12, 2013 19:07:18 GMT -5
Matthew Chan
Mr. Thomas
English 11
12 September 2013
Huswifery
C. Why does Edward Taylor use a spinning wheel and yarn in this poem? Why are they so special? At first, I was extremely confused with the entire poem. What’s up with Edward Taylor and yarn? After reading the poem many times, I understood the meaning behind the poem. In the first paragraph, I think the spinning wheel represented the creation of life. In the fifth line “My Conversation make to be thy Reel” means that he is starting life and is learning his ways, such as talking, on becoming a gift of God.
D. I enjoyed the last two lines of the poem “Then mine apparel shall display before ye That I am Clothed in Holy robes for glory.” This was also confusing at first but after reading it a few times, it made sense. He is leaving his apparel behind because he doesn’t need it because he is going to be with God in heaven for eternal life. He has moved onto a new life with God and he leaves his clothes behind to let everyone know that he has left to be with God in a new life.
E. I liked the part where it talked about him living a good life. In lines 11 and 12, “Then dye the same in Heavenly Colors Choice, All pinked with Varnished Flowers of Paradise”, he is living life to the fullest and having a great time. He enjoys life and knows that it is a gift from God.
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Post by danokeefe15 on Sept 12, 2013 19:29:52 GMT -5
Danny O’Keefe
Mr. Thomas
English 11
9/12/13
C. I don’t exactly have a question about a certain part of the poem, but I was more confused by the words used in the poem and what he was exactly trying to say. The way that he wrote this poem was also very confusing because when I read some of the lines they didn’t make sense to me.
D. My favorite line of this poem is line 1 that reads, “Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete.” The reason why this is my favorite line is because the character is showing God that he needs him and that he is willing to do anything.
E. While reading the poem I didn’t really understand where it was going but at the end when he says that he is going to clothe himself with a robe, at that point I understood the whole point of the spinning wheel, yarn, etc. I thought that how the author did this was pretty interesting
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Post by bourdonm15 on Sept 12, 2013 19:52:41 GMT -5
Matthew Bourdon
English 11
Mr. Thomas
9/12/13
B. The text in the poem is very vivid and tells a lot about the writer and his beliefs. “Make me thy Loom then, knit therein this twine: And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, wind quills: Then weave the Web thyself. The yard is fine.” (Lines 7-9) This text really sets the tone of the story and reflects the Puritan belief system. It shows that they believed that each aspect of their identity was shaped by God and that all their emotions were shaped by God as well. This section of the poem adds a great value of meaning and reflection to a section of a Puritan belief.
D. This was a poem that I honestly did not enjoy. I certainly do not relate to Puritan’s so I didn’t find it easily comprehensible. It was a little interesting to get some insight on Puritan beliefs but it wasn’t to interesting to catch my attention. “Then clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory” (Lines 13 and 14). This is a very confusing line and is another reason why I didn’t like the poem, because it was confusing.
E. The idea and central meaning of the story was one that I didn’t agree with. Every aspect of a person’s identity is not shaped by God. There is free will and a unique conscience for everyone for a reason. We as PEOPLE determine what our identity is. “Then clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory” (Lines 13 and 14). This really and honestly did not make any sense to me whatsoever. The Puritan beliefs are very confusing.
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Post by poulong15 on Sept 12, 2013 20:24:59 GMT -5
Gregory Poulon
Mr. Thomas
English-11
12 September 2013
Huswifery by Edward Taylor
“Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete; Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for me.” The author Edward Taylor, in his opening statement, said these lines and it was very important to the poem. These lines acted as an extended metaphor through out the whole poem. The metaphor is a replacement for the author asking lord to cloth him in robes of religious significance. These lines are followed up through out the whole poem, with other significant metaphors that get the purpose of the poem across.
A. This poem has many aspects in which can relate to my life. First off, the author asks the lord to cover him in robe, which he presents it within a metaphor. I myself have asked the lord for many metaphorical things. Does god actually bring us the things we want when we ask for them? But I have asked the lord to pray for me and for my family and friends. I asked god to keep us safe and to help us through any major obstacles in life, and so far he has done so in a great way.
After reading the poem over many times, there is a slight confusion I have when I get to the end. Obviously I understand that the whole text is an extended metaphor, but my confusion come after lines 15. The author gets what he wants from the lord, when he asks him to cloth him in robe, but I do not understand why the author goes on to say” then mine apparel shall display before ye”.
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Post by 1adams12 on Sept 12, 2013 20:57:26 GMT -5
Michael Adams
Mr. Thomas
9/12/13
A. I can personally relate to the poem because my god-mother knits, so I can somewhat picture line 7 about “Make my thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine”. I also can relate this to my life because I used to watch people looming, so I can picture what Taylor is trying to get across. I personally also can relate, because while I was homeschooled, I knew someone who knitted and crocheted.
D. I like that because it can very hard for a person that you have never met, to control your life. It would be like offering your life to a stranger. You would never do that because you would not trust the stranger, and you would not be sure what they would do to you. I also like the fact that you can sort of picture the poem because of the many vivid details that Taylor put in it. I also like the fact that there different words to mention God. In this one, I feel that the Puritan is trying to understand God and try to let Him control his life.
C. Even though I spoke highly about this poem, I was confused about what Taylor was trying to get across. Was it just that he was trying to get the point across that he trusts God highly and would give his life to God? Or was it the fact that he knows that God would take care of him, and Taylor would let God be the loom of his life, and weave the people and things that Taylor does in his life into the loom?
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Post by georgebaroudos on Sept 12, 2013 21:09:36 GMT -5
George Baroudos
Mr. Thomas
English 11
12 September 2013
A – When Mr. Thomas warned me that the Puritans were often extreme I was skeptical. Through the Puritan literature we have analyzed everything relates back to God. This is never a bad thing, but they depend excessively on God. I know when I am in a time of distress I look to God in excess. But, I don’t think I would be able to depend on God on a daily basis. The Puritans did not have the easiest life, which warrants dependence, but it is hard from personal experience. I respect the Puritans for being able to incorporate God so strongly into their life and I truly wish I could do that. It is impressive how they open themselves up to God. But the level at which they do it as in fact extreme.
D – “Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete.” (1) is such a strong line and a good start to a poem. God essentially dictates the Puritan life. I believe Edward Taylor is searching for purpose. When we soul search as humans with beliefs in God we generally look towards God. If we cannot find it we ask for help. This help comes from God. Taylor is able to create a direct comparison to the spinning wheel and life. Taylor with the help of God may have found his destiny, but he might not have, but I know for sure he had one whether he knew it or not.
F – Taylor seeks a stronger relationship with God and it is hard. The quote “Then mine apparel shall display before ye That I am Clothed in Holy robes for glory.” (17-18) shows first hand his desire to get closer with God. Taylor feels as if God is the master spinner who makes the world go round. That is an accurate statement and wishes he could develop a stronger relationship in order to feel better about himself. I think that Edward Taylor would feel better if God and him became significantly closer. Although it is not an easy task it is attainable. With an attitude like Edward’s he will become close.
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djmat
New Member
Posts: 39 
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Post by djmat on Sept 12, 2013 21:57:49 GMT -5
Dj Mat
Mr. Thomas
English 11
9/12/13
E. The first line of the poem "Make me O lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete." is really surprising because he is basically saying he wants to become God's instrument or tool. The dedication to God is astounding because I would not think that anyone would would want to be a tool for anyone. Edward Taylor writes this poem in a way that could scare someone off because he shows so much dedication to the point that it may seem insane even if you were a strong believer in God.
D. A line that I enjoyed reading was "Thine Ordinances' make my Fulling Mills" because the line shows that Edward Taylor felt fulfilled with just following God's rules wand way of living. Although that the poem is a bit excessive about being a tool for God this line is kind of inspiring or satisfying to see because he's able to live through life with just God by his side. The line shows a sense of passion in it.
I. To answer Michael Adams question, the point of this poem can probably be split up into three parts. The First stanza talks about how he wants God to use him as a tool more specifically a Spinning Wheel. The next part is in the second stanza where Edward Taylor talks about how his life is fulfilled with just living by Gods ways and rules. The final part of the poem is in the third stanza which is the part where Edward says that he is dressed with Gods glory. will. affections,judgement,conscience,memory, words and actions.
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Post by frankclarke on Sept 12, 2013 22:09:44 GMT -5
Frank Clarke Mr. Thomas English 11 12 September 2013 C. Honestly, I don’t understand about 90% of this poem. What connection is he trying to make with the Spinning Wheel? What does this have to do with his connections with God? What type of metaphor is he trying to portray? I can understand snippets of this poem, but I cannot seem to grasp the whole concept or what exactly Edward Taylor is trying to really get across to me. All in all this is super confusing to me… D. The line I really only understood and could think about is the last line; “That I am Clothed in Holy robes for glory.” What I think he’s trying to compare here is how he wants to be clothed as a priest for the rest of his life, and that that is what God has called upon him to do. He does it for “glory” because he believes that that it is an honor to wear the robes to represent God in a religious sense. E. Like I said before, I was pretty confused about this poem in it’s entirety. Especially with the comparison of the Spinning Wheel; however, I can pick up on a few key facts. Edward Taylor is asking the Lord to “clothe” him with “Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory, My Words, and Actions” Which is a very powerful statement. This can also be compared in a sense to Edward’s physical clothing. On the page before it describes how Edward is a priest, thus showing us hoe he needs both a mental inspiration for him to help others, so he can eventually help us.   |
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Post by Sgarlato on Sept 12, 2013 22:28:03 GMT -5
Stephen Sgarlato
Mr. Thomas
English 11
9/12/13
A. Throughout the poem Taylor seems to be always asking something from God. “Make me, O Lord, thy Spining Wheele compleate. Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee. Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee. My Conversation make to be thy Reele And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele”(Taylor line 1-6). I can relate to this because I usually pray to God for a utilitarian reason rather than me just wanting to be with him. I think most people talk to God to ask for something that will benefit their own lives.
C. I am still unsure of what the main premise of the story is about. Is it that he is in prayer with God the whole poem? Does he ever leave the stage of life he is at now during the poem? These are the questions that I have asked myself that I cannot still figure out.
I. I am answering Frank Clarkes question about what he means when he refers to the wheel or what metaphor he is trying to make. I would say that the wheel could possibly be his life and he is trying to make a connection with God through that. I am also confused about the true meaning of the story so I cannot answer that but I do know that he tries to make some sort of connection with God.
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