Loves Philosophy Flashcards
Stanza 1
The winds of heaven mix forever- religious imagery, love is never ending
Nothing in the world is single;- end stopping, definitive views, punctuating his regular thoughts, can’t argue with him, enjambment shows outpouring argument, misogynistic tone
Al things by law divine- religious imagery, indisputably true, logical reasoning applied to love quantifying it- modern readers understand this can’t happen, logic flawed, accidental irony
Why not I thine?- rhymes with divine, god has predestined their relationship
Stanza 2
VOLTA- commanding tone, condescending, she has no choice but to obey, makes argument less credible as philosophy is subjective, undermining his own readership
Mountains kiss high heaven- religious imagery repeated
No flower sister would be forgiven- darker undertone related to sexual desire, she’s going to hell is she rejects
If thou not kiss me?- repetition of question at end, Socratic method of questioning misogynistic tone
Structure
First stanza- hints infatuation
Second stanza- confirms infatuation
Both stanzas exact parallels in structure- surface looks romantic but isn’t
Semantic nature of natural imagery- wants to be free not tied down, infatuated not in love (river, winds, mountains, flower, sunlight)
Regular rhyme scheme- internally justifying, rhyming groups could show she isn’t reciprocating
Commentary on human condition- easily manipulated
Context
Pre Victorian era
Wealthy and well educated
Shocking views on religion marriage love family politics
Had many affairs
One of the romantic poets- group of people who focuses on power of nature in comparison to humanity
Autobiographical, controversial
