Easter Wings

George Herbert

21 pages 42-minute read

George Herbert

Easter Wings

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1633

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The speaker is a devout Christian believer who adopts a humble, reflective tone throughout his prayer. He acknowledges his own "fallen" and shrunken state, experiencing sorrow, sickness, and spiritual struggle as a result of both inherent and personal sin. Despite his afflictions, he earnestly desires spiritual redemption and hopes to share in the joy of the resurrection.

Key Relationships

Worshipper of God

Follower of Jesus Christ

Spiritual Descendant of Adam

God is the omnipotent creator of the universe and humankind. He initially provides a perfect, wealthy existence for humanity in the Garden of Eden but enforces strict consequences after early humans disobey his instructions. Despite punishing sin with physical and spiritual affliction, he sets in motion a plan for humanity's ultimate salvation.

Key Relationships

Creator and Judge of The Speaker

Father of Jesus Christ

Creator of Adam

Creator of Eve

Supporting Characters

Jesus Christ is the divine son of God who takes on human form and is crucified. His resurrection from the dead, celebrated at Easter, represents a triumph over sin and mortality. He provides the perfect spiritual "wing" that allows fallen humans to soar above their earthly afflictions.

Key Relationships

Son of God

Savior of The Speaker

Adam is the first man created by God and placed in the Garden of Eden. He foolishly disobeys God's direct instruction by eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, an act that leads to his expulsion from paradise and curses all future generations with original sin.

Key Relationships

Creation of God

Partner of Eve

Ancestor of The Speaker

Eve is the first woman in the Garden of Eden. Tempted by a serpent, she eats the forbidden fruit and gives some to Adam, directly precipitating the loss of humanity's original bliss and the introduction of sin into the world.

Key Relationships

Creation of God

Partner of Adam