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“To His Coy Mistress”. 17 th century Metaphysical poetry. Who Was Andrew Marvell?. Tutor and politician Wrote many lyrics and political satires Largely unpublished until 3 years after his death 1621-1678 “To His Coy Mistress” probably written in the 1650s Died of malarial fever
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“To His Coy Mistress” 17th century Metaphysical poetry
Who Was Andrew Marvell? Tutor and politician Wrote many lyrics and political satires Largely unpublished until 3 years after his death 1621-1678 “To His Coy Mistress” probably written in the 1650s Died of malarial fever Rumored that he was poisoned by Jesuit priests
What is Metaphysical Poetry? • NOT a proper movement • Reaction to smooth/contrived verse of 16th century poets with a style that is: • Energetic • Uneven • Rigorous • Shares common characteristics • 1. Wit • 2. Inventiveness • 3. Love of elaborate stylistic maneuvers
A Critical Analysis of a Metaphysical Poet 'He affects the Metaphysics... in his amorous verses, where nature only should reign; and perplexes the minds of the fair sex with nice speculations of philosophy, when he should engage their hearts.’ John Dryden (a contemporary of the metaphysical poets) Fused reason with passion and showed a connection between thought and feeling. T.S. Eliot (poet during the early 20th century)
What Makes “To His Coy Mistress” Metaphysical?: Startling comparisons or contrasts of a metaphysical (spiritual, transcendent, abstract) quality to a concrete (physical, tangible, sensible) object. In "To His Coy Mistress," for example, Marvell compares love to a vegetable (line 11) in a waggish metaphor.
What Makes “To His Coy Mistress” Metaphysical?: Startling comparisons or contrasts of a metaphysical (spiritual, transcendent, abstract) quality to a concrete (physical, tangible, sensible) object. In "To His Coy Mistress," for example, Marvell compares love to a vegetable (line 11) in a waggish metaphor. Mockery of idealized romantic poetry through crude or shocking imagery, as in lines 27 and 28 ("then worms shall try / That long preserved virginity').
What Makes “To His Coy Mistress” Metaphysical?: Startling comparisons or contrasts of a metaphysical (spiritual, transcendent, abstract) quality to a concrete (physical, tangible, sensible) object. In "To His Coy Mistress," for example, Marvell compares love to a vegetable (line 11) in a waggish metaphor. Mockery of idealized romantic poetry through crude or shocking imagery, as in lines 27 and 28 ("then worms shall try / That long preserved virginity'). Gross exaggeration (hyperbole), as in line 15 ("two hundred [years] to adore each breast]. Expression of personal, private feelings, such as those the young man expresses in "To His Coy Mistress.”
What Makes “To His Coy Mistress” Metaphysical?: Startling comparisons or contrasts of a metaphysical (spiritual, transcendent, abstract) quality to a concrete (physical, tangible, sensible) object. In "To His Coy Mistress," for example, Marvell compares love to a vegetable (line 11) in a waggish metaphor. Mockery of idealized romantic poetry through crude or shocking imagery, as in lines 27 and 28 ("then worms shall try / That long preserved virginity'). Gross exaggeration (hyperbole), as in line 15 ("two hundred [years] to adore each breast]. Expression of personal, private feelings, such as those the young man expresses in "To His Coy Mistress.” Presentation of a logical argument, or syllogism. In "To His Coy Mistress," this argument may be outlined as follows: (1) We could spend decades or even centuries in courtship if time stood still and we remained young. (2) But time passes swiftly and relentlessly. (3) Therefore, we must enjoy the pleasure of each other now, without further ado. The conclusion of the argument begins at Line 33 with "Now therefore."
