Compare (find the similarities) and contrast (find the differences) between the poetic techniques of Herrick and Marvell to achieve their intentions in "To the Virgins…" and "To his Coy Mistress".

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Charlotte Swain 9P

Homework                                                                          

Tuesday 20th May

17th Century Poetry

Compare (find the similarities) and contrast (find the differences) between the poetic techniques of Herrick and Marvell to achieve their intentions in “To the Virgins…” and “To his Coy Mistress”

                Both of the poems, “To the Virgins, To make much of time,” by Robert Herrick and “To his Coy Mistress,” by Andrew Marvell deal with the issue of virginity in young women and focus on the need to begin a sexual relationship as early as possible so that no time is wasted. Herrick is more openly expressing his ideas and poetic techniques in “To the Virgins…” as to build a good grounding for his argument by showing off his literary skills but most of all a refined, diligent use of imagery. Whereas Marvell in his writing, is more humble to begin with, yet, as the poem progresses becomes more insistent, almost intimidating as his language adopts a more passionate, fiery nature.

                The themes of each piece both highlight the poets’ intention – an urgency to have sex – and go on to elaborate about the passing of time. When Marvell says, ‘Time’s winged chariot hurrying near,’ he is asserting to the woman the fact that time is running out and they won’t be young forever. Similarly, in the same way, Herrick is demonstrating to all women that their times will run short when he metaphorically compares the passing of time to the setting of the sun in the line, ‘And nearer he’s to setting.’ Both poets are proving that their intentions are justified because time really is of the essence and death is ‘hurrying near.’

                The way in which the themes of each piece, which happen to be very similar, are articulated by the different poets readily reflects their stance on the poem and involvement in it. Herrick is more flamboyant, ‘Old time is still a-flying,’ yet less involved, as he is speaking in more open terms to women in general, whereas, on the other hand Marvell is more intent, ‘Nor would I love at lower rate,’ and to a certain extent threatening as he is only trying to lure one woman in particular. Both poets seem transfixed on the idea that it is almost a crime to die a virgin, showing to the reader that their stance about love – especially of a sexual nature – is similar in this way.

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                Throughout both pieces, a fluctuating tone is implanted by each of the poets, from optimistic to pessimistic in each stanza of “To the Virgins…” and then from understanding to arrogant between the first and second stanzas of “To his Coy Mistress.” These varied moods create the right atmosphere for the poets to voice their opinions by adoring and flattering the women or woman, ‘And this same flower that smiles to-day/To-morrow will be dying,’ yet, still exerting their arguments with a sinister undertone to prompt them. In the first stanza of “To his Coy Mistress” the tone is amenable, complementary and ...

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