Introduction
To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell is a clever, well-structured dramatic monologue. In the poem, the poet is persuading his beloved for the immediate fulfilment of sexual love as time is running fast. The poem commences with an initial promise; the promise then qualifies and develops in nature; and concludes with a resolution. This metaphysical poem is syllogistic in nature which is divided into three stanzas. However, the main theme is carpe diem which means to seize the day unless it flies from us.
The poem is metaphysical in nature as it contains features which qualify it be a metaphysical poetry. The poem commences in a dramatic opening where a pair of lovers sit down to discuss how to spend their courtship day.
Dramatic opening and use of Hyperbole:
A long courtship was only possible if they had enough time at their disposal. In fact, they would have numerous stuffs to do if love moved at a slow pace. The poet has used Biblical references to add emphasis to his love if they possessed enough time and space. He has alluded to the Great Deluge or the flood whose date cannot be recorded.
The lover’s tone also becomes hyperbolical when he describes that he would take unending length of time to adore her physical beauty. All the given features in the poem are the true features of metaphysical poetry like dramatic opening and use of sufficient exaggeration.
Use of metaphysical conceit
Conceit is the life blood of metaphysical poetry. The metaphysical poetry is popular for the use of shocking conceits. They incorporate such types of disparate comparisons that are never expected or usually used in daily lives. The poem abounds in these far-fetched conceits that induces surprise, hatred and love not only for intellectualism but also for humour. A number of conceits such as vegetable love, deserts of vast eternity, marble vault, quaint honour, blue-chapped power, ball of pleasure and iron gates of life.
Conceit of “vegetable love”
The conceit of “vegetable love” is used to compare the love of this couple to that of natural vegetation. The feature of comparison is the vastness of both the love and vegetation cover.
Conceit of “deserts of vast eternity”
The “deserts of vast eternity” refers to consequences after death when both the lovers will not be able to love each other. They both will die and the desire of loving each other will die with them leaving only desert of emptiness where there will be time but no more lovers like them.
Conceit of “marble vault”
The “marble vault” means the coffin of the beloved. The beloved is a great beauty and therefore, her grave cannot be an ordinary one. She deserves a coffin made up of marble where her body will be subjected to decomposition by the worms.
Conceit of “quaint honor”
The “quaint honor” refers to the dignity of the beloved. She is a shy person who does not want to easily give in to the advances of the poet beloved. Maybe, she is a woman of principles who thinks her chastity is more important than other things. For women during Renaissance, chastity and purity were important for them to gain reputation and recognition in the society.
However, the poet does not believe in such things. He preaches the philosophy of instant gratification and believes in carpe diem. Time is running fast and it is destroying the vigour , strength and youth of everything coming in its way. So , he perseuades her to engage in love making. But the beloved will not succumb to his advances, thereby preserving her dignity. This type of dignity is called as “quaint honor” as such dignity does not help them to enjoy the life to the lees.
Conceit of “ball of power” and “iron gate”
The “ball of power” and “iron gate” refers to the conviction of the poet. The poet believes that their love’ strength should be condensed in to a ball that will strike the iron gates on their path. Now, the iron gates refers to the hurdles imposed by the society. Their love will cross all the barriers and destroy the obstructions on their path.
Various images are also created by the poet like the Indian Ganges, tide of Humber, empire, grave, morning dew, amorous birds of prey, and so on. Through figures of speech like simile, metaphors, hyperbole and irony the poet has measured a beautiful, witty and humorous poem.
Allusions and diversity of Knowledge
Next we can find the use of diverse knowledge from the various fields. The poet has stated about the Indian Ganges and Humber river in the poem. This suggests that the poet possessed the knowledge and information about India when East India Company reached and established in the Indian subcontinent.
Use of wit and humour
In the second stanza we can find the use of wit and humour where the poet is seen giving warnings about the passing time. Then , he refers to the the worms who would be trying the long-preserved virginity is humorous. It shows poet’s wittiness and intellect used in meticulously in these lines.
Use of colloquial language
The metaphysical poem often possesses use of colloquial language that is prevalent in To His Coy Mistress. Throughout the poem, the poet uses the form of syllogism. With the help of such a format, the lover tries to prove how abandonment of coyness is a logical necessity for her.
Conclusion
The intellectualism along with the poetic energy render an originality to the poem. The use of carpe diem that is rather ambiguous in Marvell is in persuading the beloved for immediate intimacy.