To His Coy Mistress

The poems “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell and “To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick exemplify youth, modesty and resistance. The topic of both poems indicates the negative consequences that can occur if one is hesitant to enjoy his or her youth; furthermore, each author expresses in words how youth is the prime of ones life, and only lasts for a small amount of time. Each piece differentiates in certain ways, while certain qualities are shared. Some ways in which these poems compare and contrast are the speaker, the tone and particular symbols. The authors write similarly due to the fact that they existed during the time era of the 1600’s, yet their writing differs in style.

“To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell depicts the woman of his interest as someone of rare beauty, modesty and honor. Marvell makes it quite obvious that she is a virgin, not because of his statement, but because he is so desperate to explore intimate wonders with her. In the beginning of his poem, he writes how her modesty would benefit if time was not an issue. Later he begins to marvel on how his mannerisms would be otherwise if aging and death would cease to exist. Approximately halfway through the poem he evokes passion, desire and aggressiveness with fierce words in order to persuade

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his mistress to give in to temptation and pleasure. At the end of his piece, he states how time is in issue, and how they should react to this phenomenon. In the second piece, “To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick, the author again announces how time is indeed an issue, and addresses his audience that one should enjoy his or her youthfulness. Herrick instructs those of young age to ignore resistance of pleasure and tradition. He elaborates on why youth is the best time of ones life, and how fate will turn out as an end result. Assuring the reader that death and old age is inevitable, it is rather intelligent to use time wisely by fulfilling enjoyment and happiness through a free spirit.

The fist poem is written in first person, addressing to only one woman, the woman of his interest. It is easy to identify that the speaker is a male individual because the title includes “Mistress” as well as certain referrals in the text. Some examples would be when Marvell writes, “For, lady, you deserve this state” (19), and connotations such as “breasts”, which normally refers to womanhood. The second poem is written in first person as well, however the author addresses a certain group of people, or rather a congregation, instead of one particular individual. This is apparent due to his statement, “Gather ye rose-buds while ye may” (1), and the obvious phrase “To the Virgins” in his title. The reader can also identify that Herrick refers to a group because he does not distinctly describe, flatter or question a single person. Instead, he uses generalizations in describing why young age is significant and why it should be celebrated.

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Andrew Marvell and Robert Herrick both inflict the same tone in their writing for this situation. In the first poem, Marvel’s tone is anxious, desperate and excited; however, it is ironic how his words create anticipation, because it seems as though he fears that the

woman he seeks might not give into to his lustful desires. The author doubts that if time is not taken captive of, youth, intimacy and passion will be lost forever. Some indications which illustrate his tone are exposed in certain phrases, “Had we but world enough and time, / This coyness, lady, were no crime” (1-2),“But at my back I always hear / Times winged chariot hurrying near,” (21-22), “The grave is a fine and private place, / But none, I think, do there embrace” (31-32), and “Thus, though we cannot make our sun / Stand still, yet we will make him run” (45-46).In the second poem, Herrick carries almost an identical tone; although, it slightly differs due to the fact that he lacks the desperation. He does not intend to steal someone’s heart, but instead hopes to send a positive message to young individuals. Perhaps this