Critical Appreciation of the poem TO HIS COY MISTRESS | BRITISH POETRY | MEG-1 | BLOCK - 3

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Critical Appreciation of the poem TO HIS COY MISTRESS | BRITISH POETRY | MEG-1 | BLOCK - 3

            Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was an English poet, satirist, and politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1659 and 1678. During the Commonwealth period, he was a colleague and friend of John Milton (1608-1674). His poetry shows many of the qualities that are associated with what has come to be known as metaphysical poetry.


                    Metaphysical poetry deals with abstract ideas such as religion, faith, love, etc. His poems are highly philosophical and reflective. Much of his poetry deals with love, the nature of the human soul, and religion. "To His Coy Mistress" is a love poem in which the poet has applied the 'carpe diem' theory.

 

                    In the poem To His Coy Mistress, unified sensibility is paramount that is why T.S. Eliot in his critical essay "The Metaphysical Poets" has appreciated Marvell as the perfect successor of John Donne. The passion of this poem has been connected with "if, but and therefore". The speaker persuades his shy beloved in such a way that we cannot but accept it as the vehement expression of passion mixed with convincing thought. Overall, the lover means to say that human beings have been given a limited and short duration of life span and they are all forced to utilize their time. So, this shyness may not have any objection if the time were unlimited.

    Epigrammatic Style

 

                    In this poem, the Petrarchan hyperbole and Elizabethan conceits combine with a metaphysical condemnation of style which is almost epigrammatic.

My vegetable love should grow

    Vaster than empires and more slow;

 

                    Marvell has shown his skills in the use of words. The style of the poem is mocked by compression of ideas and economy of words. Each line is burdened with serious meaning. The idea of time passing very quickly has admirably been compressed into a few words. An example of epigrammatic manner of writing is given below:

 

    Thy beauty shall no more be found; Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound.

 

    Seduction and Temptation

 

                In To His Coy Mistress, Marvell crafts a scene of seduction and temptation, as the speaker endeavors to woo his reluctant mistress. He employs eloquent language to express his longing and impatience, stating,

"Had we but world enough and time,

This coyness, lady, were no crime"

 (Marvell, lines 1-2).

Here, the speaker laments the limitations of time, suggesting that if they had eternity at their disposal, there would be no need for restraint. The imagery of endless time underscores the urgency of his desires, while the coy demeanor of the mistress adds tension to the encounter.

 

    Syllogistic Structure: Condition to Conclusion

The poem is written in the form of what is known as a syllogism. A syllogism means an argument developed in a strictly logical form and leading to a definite conclusion. A syllogistic argument consists of these stages and each stage begins with three words, “If,” “But,” and “Therefore.” In this poem, we find three clearly marked sections. The first section begins with “If”:

 

    Had we but world enough, and time.

 

The first word of this sentence, “Had” conveys the sense of “If” and the sentence means,

 “If we had only enough space and time at our disposal.”

 

The second section of the poem begins with “But”:

 

    But at my back I always hear.

 

And the third section begins with “Therefore”:

 

    Now therefore, while the youthful hue.

 

Thus, the poem states a condition in the first section and in the second section, the reasons why this condition cannot be fulfilled have been given and finally, the arguments end in a conclusion. The conclusion of the poem is that the lovers should lose no time in enjoying the pleasure of love. The conclusion that Marvell draws in the poem justifies the “carpe diem” theme that one should seize the opportunity when offered without losing the present.

 

    Carpe Diem: Seizing the Moment

Central to the poem is the theme of carpe diem, or "seize the day." The speaker implores his mistress to embrace the present moment, lest they succumb to the ravages of time. He vividly depicts the passage of time with imagery such as 

"Time's wingèd chariot hurrying near"

(Marvell, line 22),

evoking a sense of urgency and impermanence. Through persuasive language, the speaker urges his mistress to forsake her reserve and yield to passion before it's too late. He argues,

 "Thus, though we cannot make our sun 

 Stand still, yet we will make him run" 

(Marvell, lines 45-46), 

suggesting that while they cannot stop time, they can defy its constraints by embracing the fleeting moments of life.

 

    The Shadow of Death

Beneath the surface of seduction lies a stark reminder of mortality. The speaker paints a vivid picture of decay and desolation, warning that

 "Thy beauty shall no more be found"

 (Marvell, line 27)

in the cold embrace of death. This juxtaposition of passion and mortality serves to heighten the urgency of the speaker's plea, as he implores his mistress to seize the fleeting moments of life before they slip away. He argues,

"The grave's a fine and private place,

 But none, I think, do there embrace"

(Marvell, lines 31-32),

highlighting the finality of death and the importance of living life to the fullest while one still can.

 

    Rhetorical Devices: Hyperbole

Marvell employs a range of rhetorical devices to persuade his mistress to yield to his advances. From hyperbolic flattery to logical reasoning, the speaker employs a variety of tactics to overcome the mistress's reluctance. For example, he uses hyperbole when he claims,

"I would

Love you ten years before the Flood"

 (Marvell, lines 7-8),

appealing to the timeless nature of his affection.

    RELATED WORKS

1. "The Flea" by John Donne

2. "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe

3. "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" by Sir Walter Raleigh

 

 Conclusion:

        In conclusion, Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress, is a masterful exploration of love, time, and mortality. Through its vivid imagery, persuasive rhetoric, and profound themes, the poem captivates readers, inviting them to ponder the transient nature of life and the imperative of seizing the present moment. Marvell's skillful use of language and argumentation makes To His Coy Mistress,not only a seductive ode to love but also a compelling meditation on the human condition.

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