“Now, therefore, while the youthful hue..”
Throughout “To His Coy Mistress,” the speaker presents a logical argument and finally concludes it with “therefore,” to make a final and reasoned out claim. The chronological order of which the speaker follows aims to convince and persuade his “coy mistress” that now is the time to seize all opportunities, “while the youthful hue” is still fresh and ready. The pace of this line seems to be rushed, almost as if the speaker foresees that time is of the essence. The speaker’s use of “youthful” suggests innocence, fertility, and ability; all are characteristics of which he believes is very much existent in the mistress’ present and vigorous state. He suggests that the mistress is active and able to make the most of the present moment with him because of her appropriately youthful “hue.” All of this being said, the speaker appears to offer forth the chorological order of events and mention of her “youthful hue” with the intention of first startling her by describing death and the scarcity of time, then persuading her to believe that there is no time like the present, (or carpe diem). One could say that the speaker is either deceitful or brilliant in the methods he uses to court his mistress by praising her ephemeral youth.
I totally agree with your opinion the last stanza with word "howere." I like the way the poet gives the reader a clue at the begginign of each stanza as to whether what he is about to talk about is reality or not and what the time period is. I agree with your point the the line feels rushed which contrasts with the rest of the poem which feels very slow moving. Because his resolution is to sieze the day, it would make sense for him to make his line faster.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis of the major theme of the poem. "Seize the day"is really what Marvell trumpets throughout "To His Coy Mistress." The use of the word "youthful" definitely should be noted and its also interesting to point out that the word "age"reappears many times. Eternity is mentioned and other phrases referencing some form of time are also pointed to. Seizing the day, and taking advantage of the "youthful hue" and the present state of beauty is pressed upon the reader.
ReplyDeleteI think you make some very valid points here, because ultimately this poem is an attempt to persuade his coy mistress into relations. By stressing the fact that her "youthful hue" is only in the present and that time is wasting away he can somewhat pressure and fear her, and then tries to get her on his side with his speak of seizing the day for all it's worth. However, I don't think he is deceitful or brilliant in his arguement for why she should sleep with him. I think he's both.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine conversation about 'time markers' here!
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