To his coy mistress - Marvell Flashcards
How does the speaker present the concept of time in relation to love?
The speaker emphasizes the passing of time, urging his lover to be with him now as they are running out of time, creating a sense of carpe diem.
‘Had we but world enough and time’ - image of what could have been, regret.
verbs used throughout are relatively slow actions - ‘sit down’ ‘think’ ‘walk’ how their love could be more indulgent if they had the time
What imagery is used to describe the urgency of time?
‘Time’s winged chariot hurrying near’
classical imagery personifies time as rushing on. it is hyperbolic, exaggerating the threat posed - evidence of his sexual desire. It presents a clever argument typical of the metaphysical poets with a philosophical air - suggesting a false veneer of sophistication to mask his base, animal desires
What does the phrase ‘deserts of vast eternity’ imply?
It evokes a barren image, reflecting the emptiness of eternity in contrast to the urgency of love and time.
How does the poem juxtapose death and sex?
‘Nor in thy marble vault…then worms shall try that long preserved virginity’ - grotesque juxtaposition of death and sex contrasts with the exotic imagery of ‘ganges’ and ‘vegetable love’. The fact the poem doesn’t mention the afterlife is also reflecting of carpe diem
What gothic imagery is presented regarding death?
‘The grave’s a fine and private place’ evokes a gothic dystopia, exploring the powerful and isolating nature of death and the subsequent loneliness - love is not more powerful than time.
How is love and desire presented in terms of persuasion?
‘Now let us sport us while we may and now like am’rous birds of prey’ uses simile to create an intense physical image of love and sex.
What does ‘our time devour’ signify in the context of persuasion?
subverts previously sophisticated and reasonable argument about time, into merely asking for sex
What violent imagery is used to describe the taking of virginity?
‘Tear our pleasures with rough strife’ employs violent imagery, further emphasized by inclusive personal pronouns, creating an ironic image of unity.
