"Delight in Disorder" by Robert Herrick

After reading “Delight in Disorder,” a poem by Robert Herrick, the idea of “wild civility” becomes apparent. Throughout the poem, the author praises disorder within people’s clothing – a sense of confusion or distraction. Through this theme, the author successfully transmits the idea that being perfect or striving for perfection is not as desirable as it may seem. The poem shows that no one really wants a perfect person, because it is, in fact, people’s imperfections that create the interest and intrigue behind their personalities. The poem states, “A sweet disorder in the dress, kindles in clothes a wantonness,” (Herrick, 979). This restates the idea that a little disorder creates a sense of intrigue in people. Furthermore, perfection sets a person on a pedestal above others, while a sense of disorder creates more of a sense of accessibility to a person. It places them on the same level as everyone else. By avoiding being buttoned-down, a person can make themselves be more appealing to others, as a person who is not intimidating. Perfection is not always the best thing, and Herrick’s poem proves this point.