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An Analysis of Andrew Marvell's 'To His Coy Mistress'.

 Introduction

Andrew Marvell's timeless poem, To His Coy Mistress, captures the essence of love's urgency and the fleeting nature of time. Written during the 17th century, the poem is a classic example of the metaphysical genre, delving into deep philosophical and emotional themes. Before we delve into the key elements of the poem, its significance, and its enduring relevance in modern times, it must be useful to understand a bit about the poet.


Andrew Marvell




Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was a distinguished English poet and satirist of the 17th century, known for his profound and diverse literary contributions. Marvell's works combine wit, intellectual exploration, and emotional depth, making him a notable figure in both the metaphysical poetry movement and the broader literary landscape of his time.

Born in Hull, England, Marvell's upbringing was marked by a blend of political and artistic influences. He served as a tutor and traveled extensively, acquainting himself with various cultures and perspectives. His poetry often reflects his multifaceted interests, ranging from metaphysical themes to political commentary.

One of Marvell's most famous poems, "To His Coy Mistress," encapsulates his ability to intertwine passion and contemplation. The poem's dramatic shift from flattery to urgency, as the speaker implores his lover to seize the moment, showcases Marvell's mastery in conveying complex emotions and philosophical ideas.

Marvell was also politically engaged, serving as an assistant to John Milton during the period of the English Commonwealth. His satirical poems, such as "The Last Instructions to a Painter" and "An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland," reveal his critical observations on political matters and his ability to use verse to express dissenting views.

While Marvell's poetry often grapples with grand themes of time, mortality, and love, his skill lies in grounding these concepts in relatable human experiences. His eloquent use of language and imagery creates a sense of intimacy, drawing readers into his thought-provoking explorations.

Andrew Marvell's legacy endures through his profound impact on both metaphysical poetry and English literature as a whole. His ability to combine intellectual depth with emotional resonance makes his works timeless, providing readers with a glimpse into the complexities of the human soul and the ever-changing landscape of life.


The Text:

Had we but world enough and time,

This coyness, lady, were no crime.

We would sit down, and think which way

To walk, and pass our long love’s day.

Thou by the Indian Ganges’ side

Shouldst rubies find; I by the tide

Of Humber would complain. I would

Love you ten years before the flood,

And you should, if you please, refuse

Till the conversion of the Jews.

My vegetable love should grow

Vaster than empires and more slow;

An hundred years should go to praise

Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze;

Two hundred to adore each breast,

But thirty thousand to the rest;

An age at least to every part,

And the last age should show your heart.

For, lady, you deserve this state,

Nor would I love at lower rate.

       But at my back I always hear

Time’s wingèd chariot hurrying near;

And yonder all before us lie

Deserts of vast eternity.

Thy beauty shall no more be found;

Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound

My echoing song; then worms shall try

That long-preserved virginity,

And your quaint honour turn to dust,

And into ashes all my lust;

The grave’s a fine and private place,

But none, I think, do there embrace.

       Now therefore, while the youthful hue

Sits on thy skin like morning dew,

And while thy willing soul transpires

At every pore with instant fires,

Now let us sport us while we may,

And now, like amorous birds of prey,

Rather at once our time devour

Than languish in his slow-chapped power.

Let us roll all our strength and all

Our sweetness up into one ball,

And tear our pleasures with rough strife

Through the iron gates of life:

Thus, though we cannot make our sun

Stand still, yet we will make him run.



Summary

The speaker in the poem To His Coy Mistress expresses that if they had unlimited time, the lady's coyness wouldn't be an issue. He envisions a leisurely courtship, suggesting they would decide how to spend their endless love-filled days. The speaker contrasts their locations, suggesting he would write poetry by the Humber while she would find rubies by the Ganges. He exaggerates his love by claiming he'd adore her for ages, even before Biblical events, and praises every part of her. However, he acknowledges the reality of time's passage and mortality. He asserts that her beauty will fade, and they'll be separated by eternity. He proposes they seize the present moment to enjoy their passions, comparing themselves to eager birds of prey. 

The speaker expresses his longing for a world where time is abundant, allowing for a patient and extended courtship. The opening lines suggest that the lady's coyness would be acceptable if time were limitless. They would spend their days contemplating their future together. The speaker uses extravagant imagery, contrasting their hypothetical locations and expressing how much he would love her.

He employs hyperbolic language, stating he would love her even before significant historical events and for an extended duration. The speaker humorously suggests she could delay accepting his advances until a seemingly impossible event, like the "conversion of the Jews".

The speaker's "vegetable love" growing "Vaster than empires and more slow" exemplifies the patience and depth of his affection. He playfully describes dedicating an extraordinary amount of time to appreciating different aspects of her beauty, illustrating his devotion.

However, a shift in tone occurs as the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of time's passage and mortality. He recognizes that her beauty will fade, and they will face the eternity of death. The speaker vividly portrays the decay that will affect both of them, using images of worms and dust.

The speaker's thoughts then shift to the urgency of the present moment. He urges the lady to seize the opportunity of youth and passion while they can. He compares their pursuit of pleasure to amorous birds of prey, suggesting they should passionately consume their time rather than passively allowing time to consume them.

The closing lines emphasize making the most of their time, despite their inability to stop time itself. The metaphor of making the sun "run" showcases their determination to embrace life's experiences fully.

In essence, these lines capture the tension between the speaker's desire for timeless devotion and the reality of mortality, leading to the conclusion that they should seize the present and live passionately. The poem explores themes of love, time, mortality, and the imperative to make the most of life's fleeting moments.


Themes

Now let us try to understand various themes present in the poem.

1. The Art of Seduction and Praise: At the heart of  To His Coy Mistress lies the speaker's intense desire to woo his reserved lover. He begins by employing flattery and praise, creating a tapestry of imagery that celebrates her beauty. These opening lines serve not only as a romantic overture but also as a foundation for the persuasive argument that follows. The exaggerated praises reflect the way love can magnify even the smallest details, setting the stage for the urgency that will later unfold.


2. Seizing the Moment: Marvell's poem takes a dramatic turn as the speaker transitions from admiration to urgency. He confronts the ephemeral nature of life and the certainty of death, painting a stark image of time as an unrelenting force. The concept of "Carpe Diem" (Latin for "seize the day") comes to the forefront, as the speaker argues that coyness and hesitation are luxuries they can ill afford. The imagery of a decaying body and time's chariot rushing forward serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of youth and beauty.


3. A Plea for Immortality Through Love: The central argument of the poem hinges on the idea that love can transcend the limitations of time and mortality. The speaker proposes that their passion, if seized in the present, can create a timeless legacy, defying the ravages of time. This perspective is not simply an invitation to hedonism; rather, it's an exploration of the profound connection that love can forge, capable of leaving an enduring mark on the tapestry of existence.


4. The Contemporary Resonance: While To His Coy Mistress was penned during the 17th century, its themes continue to resonate in modern times. The notion of embracing life's fleeting moments, driven by the urgency to live authentically and passionately, is a universal sentiment. The poem encourages us to reevaluate our priorities, to cast aside hesitations that hold us back, and to seize opportunities for genuine connections. And that includes you too, especially the young lads. You see, I may be all about writing analyses of poems here, but young man/woman, do what you got to do before it's too late:) 

Now, in the poem, the speaker navigates between the realm of imagination, reality, and urgency. The poem conveys themes of the fleeting nature of time, the impermanence of beauty, and the call to embrace life's opportunities before it's too late. The use of vivid imagery and the contrast between idealized timelessness and the reality of mortality create a powerful emotional impact.


Literary Devices

The poem To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell employs a range of literary devices to convey its themes and messages effectively. Here are some of the key literary devices used in the poem:

(i). Hyperbole: The speaker uses exaggeration to emphasize his devotion and the extent of his love. For instance, he speaks of loving the lady for hundreds of years and dedicating an age to praising each part of her.


(ii). Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid imagery that appeals to the senses and paints vivid pictures. The "Indian Ganges’ side," "rubies," "tide of Humber," "Time’s winged chariot," and "Deserts of vast eternity" are all examples of powerful imagery that contribute to the poem's atmosphere.


(iii). Allusion: The speaker makes Biblical and historical allusions, such as referring to the "conversion of the Jews" and the "flood." These references add depth and context to the poem's themes.


(iv). Metaphor: The metaphor of "Time’s winged chariot" rushing near conveys the rapid passage of time. The image of "Deserts of vast eternity" symbolizes the infinite expanse of time stretching before them.


(v). Personification: Time is personified as having "winged chariot," implying its swift and relentless nature.


(vi). Paradox: The idea that love could "grow / Vaster than empires and more slow" is paradoxical, suggesting that love can be both expansive and unhurried.


(vii). Anaphora: The repetition of the word "And" at the beginning of several lines ("And yonder all before us lie," "And into ashes all my lust;") creates a rhythmic pattern and emphasizes the speaker's points.


(viii). Irony: The speaker's use of irony is evident when he humorously suggests that the lady could delay accepting his advances until the "conversion of the Jews," an event that was considered unlikely.


(ix). Rhetorical Questions: The speaker employs rhetorical questions to emphasize his arguments and to engage the reader, as seen when he questions whether anyone embraces in the grave.


(x). Symbolism: The "iron gates of life" symbolize the challenges and limitations of existence.


(xi). Enjambment: The poem's lines often flow into each other without punctuation, creating a sense of continuous thought and fluidity.


(xii). Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme (AA BB) in the first two stanzas, which changes to a more varied rhyme scheme in the third stanza.

These literary devices work together to create a rich and engaging poem that explores themes of love, mortality, and the importance of seizing the present moment.


Conclusion

To His Coy Mistress stands as a testament to the power of poetry to encapsulate the complexities of human experience in a few lines. Marvell's deft manipulation of language, imagery, and emotion creates a vivid portrayal of the intersection between love, time, and mortality. The poem is a reminder that life's brevity is not a constraint but an invitation to live fully and passionately. It challenges us to embrace our desires, to cherish the present, and to let our love leave an indelible mark on the sands of time. As we reflect on Marvell's words, we find ourselves inspired to seize our own moments with the same fervor and urgency.

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