Metaphysical Poetry: Andrew Marvell

Question 1

Context on Andrew Marvell:

Answer 1

• Politically shifted, avoided the war by travelling to Europe and getting an education.
• A good friend of Milton, fell out became bitter and wrote accordingly.
• Loved nature.

Question 2

Summary on ‘A nymph complaining for the death of her fawn’:

Answer 2

• Young women mourns the death of her pet in the forest killed by her old partner.
• In such grief she imagines herself turning to stone and weeping for eternity.
• Fawn symbolic of a child?

Question 3

Summary of ‘To His Coy Mistress’:

Answer 3

He tells her that if he had an eternity to live, he would spend all his time building up his love for her. They wouldn’t have to rush, and he would spend years admiring every part of her body. He says he wants to love her like that, and she deserves nothing less.

Question 4

Summary of ‘The definition of love’:

Answer 4

The speaker reflects on the perfect, divine love that he shares with his beloved—a love that will never be realized.