To His Coy Mistress

Definition

'To His Coy Mistress' is a famous poem written by Andrew Marvell in the 17th century, often classified as a carpe diem poem that encourages seizing the day and embracing love and passion. The poem's speaker tries to persuade his lover, who is hesitant about their relationship, to give in to their desires before time runs out. This poem represents the playful yet serious tone of Restoration poetry and highlights themes of love, time, and mortality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'To His Coy Mistress' is structured as a dramatic monologue, where the speaker addresses his lover directly, which adds intensity and urgency to his plea.
2. The poem is divided into three sections: the first describes the speaker's admiration for his mistress and his willingness to wait for her; the second presents the harsh reality of time's passage; and the third urges her to embrace their fleeting moments together.
3. Marvell employs vivid imagery and clever wordplay throughout the poem, using conceits to elevate his arguments about love and mortality.
4. The poem has a strong rhythmic quality that reflects the speaker's emotional progression from idealistic romanticism to practical urgency.
5. Marvell’s use of hyperbole emphasizes his devotion, as he claims he would travel vast distances and live for centuries just to woo his mistress if time were limitless.

Review Questions

• How does Marvell's use of structure in 'To His Coy Mistress' enhance its themes of love and time?
  • The structure of 'To His Coy Mistress' enhances its themes by dividing the poem into three distinct sections that progress from idealism to realism. In the first section, Marvell expresses his deep affection for his mistress, illustrating a romantic ideal where time is abundant. The second section starkly contrasts this by acknowledging the inevitable passage of time, which serves as a wake-up call. Finally, in the third section, he passionately urges her to seize their fleeting moments together, creating a sense of urgency that highlights the interplay between love and time.
• Analyze how Marvell employs metaphysical elements in 'To His Coy Mistress' to convey complex emotions regarding love.
  • 'To His Coy Mistress' showcases metaphysical elements through its intricate use of imagery and conceits that reveal deep emotional layers regarding love. For instance, Marvell's elaborate comparisons between his love and grand themes like eternity create a tension between the idealized view of romance and its temporal limitations. This complexity forces readers to engage with not only the beauty of love but also its impermanence, making it a rich exploration of human emotions.
• Evaluate the significance of hyperbole in 'To His Coy Mistress' and how it shapes our understanding of desire and mortality in Restoration poetry.
  • Hyperbole plays a crucial role in 'To His Coy Mistress,' as it illustrates the extremes of desire that the speaker expresses towards his mistress. By claiming he would wait thousands of years if necessary or travel vast distances for her affection, Marvell emphasizes both the intensity of his passion and the urgent reality of mortality. This juxtaposition serves to deepen our understanding of Restoration poetry by reflecting societal views on love's transient nature, urging individuals to act on their desires before time slips away.

Related terms

Carpe Diem: 'Carpe Diem' translates to 'seize the day' and refers to a common theme in literature that encourages making the most of present opportunities, particularly in matters of love.

Metaphysical Poetry: 'Metaphysical Poetry' is a style characterized by complex imagery, philosophical themes, and an exploration of love and relationships, with poets like John Donne and Andrew Marvell being notable examples.

Conceit: 'Conceit' refers to an extended metaphor that makes an unusual or surprising comparison between two very different things, often used in metaphysical poetry to create depth and complexity.