Essay on Glass: Alcoholic Beverage and Technological Advancements

Submitted By Mandeep98
Words: 314
Pages: 2

The poem “Glass” by Anne Finch explores mankind’s technological advancements and the concerns that follow them. Specifically, the poem asks how mankind figured out the complicated process of creating glass; “T’extract from Embers by a strange Device, Then polish fair these Flakes of solid Ice.”

In addition, the poem talks about the uses of glass. There are many uses of glass discussed in the poem. First, glass can be used to divide “Light and Air” or allow in “Beams of Day” or sunlight. Second, glass gives is our reflection; “And give thee back they well or ill-complexion’d Face.” Third, glass can be used to make “Vessels blown,” such as making drinking glasses or cups.

The topic of drinking glasses raises the issue of wine and drinking excessively. Although the cup could control “Wine’s full excellence,” it does not have the same effect on man. That is to say, that wine changes people who cannot hold it down or control their liquor. The second to last line, “Tho’ yet th’ Excess the Preacher warns to flee,” can be interpreted in two ways. First, the preacher could be warning mankind not to rely so heavily on technology and the technological advancements made for people would become to dependent on them. Second, the preacher could be warning against drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. If this is the case, the last line, “Lest Men at length as clearly spy through Thee” can be interpreted as when one drinks too much wine, it lets others see through them like a