The Daily Poem George Herbert's "Anagram"
Nov 21, 2025
Explore George Herbert's clever wordplay in 'Anagram,' where he links Mary and army in a delightful pun. Dive into the meaning of 'Lord of Hosts' and its Hebrew roots, unveiling connections to armies and Mary. Discover the significance of the Theotokos, celebrated on November 21, and learn about Mary's unique role as both a dedicated servant and the dwelling of Christ. Enjoy a captivating reading of the poem that showcases the depth hidden in its brief lines.
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Mary As Army And Dwelling Place
- George Herbert links the name 'Mary' to 'army' as a revealing linguistic and theological play.
- The anagram underscores Mary as both a temple-dweller and the dwelling place of Christ, a dramatic irony.
Title Drives The Poem's Meaning
- The poem's title signals the linguistic trick that drives its meaning.
- Herbert uses wordplay to connect personal names to cosmic roles in Christian theology.
Mary's Early Life And Feast Day
- Sean Johnson recounts the feast of the entrance of the Theotokos on November 21st.
- He summarizes Mary's childhood story: born to barren parents, dedicated to temple service, then entering Joseph's care.
