Literal comprehension:
“To His Coy Mistress” by the English Metaphysical poet Andrew Marvell, is a love poem where the speaker addresses his hesitant mistress, expressing that if they had enough time, her coyness would not be a crime.
He envisions a scenario where they could leisurely decide their path and spend their days together. The speaker compares their potential experiences, with him finding rubies by the Indian Ganges while she accompanies him by the Humber River. He declares his love for her, even before the biblical flood, and is willing to wait until the conversion of the Jews if she wishes to refuse. He vividly describes his devotion, stating that his love would grow slowly and immensely, like a vast empire. He expresses a desire to spend an extensive amount of time admiring and praising her different body parts, culminating in reaching her heart.
But he also knows that time is passing quickly, shown by Time’s fast chariot. He knows her beauty will fade and her virginity will be lost. He tells her to enjoy the present while she still looks young. He encourages her to follow their passions and not let time hold them back. The poem ends by saying that although they can’t stop time, they can make it feel faster by embracing their desires and making the most of the time they have together.
Interpretation:
“To His Coy Mistress” delves into the themes of love, sexual desire, time, and mortality.
The poem depicts the speaker’s passionate pursuit of his hesitant lover, expressing his intense longing for physical intimacy emphasizing the urgency to indulge in it before time erodes their opportunities.
Time is a significant theme in the poem, representing its fleeting nature. The speaker acknowledges the passage of time and highlights the importance of seizing the present moment, as time passes quickly and life is short. It encourages us to embrace love and desire in the present moment, as beauty fades and time ultimately brings an end to everything.
It’s a call to live fully and passionately, making the most of our limited time.
Critical Thinking:
- Is sex the sole foundation of love, or does love encompass more than just sexual intimacy?
- Can’t a couple fully express their love for each other without engaging in sexual activities?
- The poem was written back in the 17th Century, how could the guy be so free and write about asking his mistress to have sex with him?
Assimilation:
Before reading “To His Coy Mistress,” I had a limited perspective on the significance of time in relationships and the urgency it brings. However, after immersing myself in the poem, I now realize the brevity of life and the need to make the most of our time. The urgency expressed in the poem has encouraged me to embrace my passions and live fully in the present. It serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and not let opportunities slip away.