Andrew Marvell's 'To His Coy Mistress' is a metaphysical poem that delves into the urgency of love in the face of mortality. It employs a wealth of poetic techniques, including personification, symbolism, and allusions, to convey its message. The speaker's persuasive argument for seizing the day reflects 17th-century views on chastity and premarital sex, making a case for the immediate fulfillment of love before youth and life fade away.
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Andrew Marvell wrote "To His Coy Mistress" in the mid-17th century, but it was published posthumously in 1681
Rhetorical Sections
The poem is divided into three rhetorical sections, each with a distinct purpose in the speaker's argument
Literary Devices
Marvell uses a variety of literary devices, including personification, symbolism, and alliteration, to enhance the poem's themes and emotional appeal
The central themes of "To His Coy Mistress" include time, mortality, and the urgency of love and desire
The speaker personifies time as a relentless pursuer, creating a sense of urgency in his argument
Marvell uses symbolism and metaphors to compare the mistress's youth to fleeting natural phenomena and emphasize the speaker's longing
The poem's rhythm and mood are enhanced by the use of alliteration and assonance
Allusions, ranging from classical to biblical, and hyperbolic statements add depth and cultural references to the poem
The pacing of the poem, dictated by enjambment and end-stopped lines, mirrors the conflict between the desire for a leisurely courtship and the pressing need to act before time runs out
The speaker's argument in "To His Coy Mistress" is driven by the contemplation of mortality and the carpe diem motif
The imagery in the poem, including graves and physical decay, serves as a reminder of death's certainty and the urgency to embrace life's pleasures
The speaker contrasts the fleeting beauty of youth with the inevitability of death to persuade the mistress to act on their desires
The speaker's plea reflects the societal norms of the 17th century, where premarital sex was frowned upon and a woman's worth was often linked to her chastity
"To His Coy Mistress" exemplifies the characteristics of metaphysical poetry, known for its intellectual rigor and inventive use of conceits to explore profound themes
Marvell's masterful intertwining of philosophical inquiry and personal sentiment has influenced countless poets who followed
Despite the enigmatic nature of Marvell's life, his poetry, particularly "To His Coy Mistress," continues to captivate readers for its cleverness, expressive power, and enduring relevance
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Poem's Central Themes
Time, mortality, urgency of love and desire.
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Speaker's Persuasive Argument
Addresses reticent beloved, argues for seizing the moment due to life's brevity.
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Poem's Publication History
Written mid-17th century, published posthumously in 1681.
