To His Coy Mistress Figurative Language
“To His Coy Mistress,” a poem written by Andrew Marvell, presents a realistic view on the brevity of life. Marvell effectively presents a variety of figurative language, imagery, and a romantic tone to emphasize the theme of carpe diem: because time is one of the few things that are held certain in this world, one should take full advantage of it.
The beautiful language that Marvell uses helps communicate the reality of time’s cruel passage. In fact, the poem begins with the hyperbolic statement “Had we but world enough, and time, This coyness, Lady, were no crime.” Marvell exaggerates that the woman’s coyness is a grave crime and time is the fair enforcer. However, Marvell soon retracts his statements: “But at my back I always hear Time’s
The beautiful language that Marvell uses helps communicate the reality of time’s cruel passage. In fact, the poem begins with the hyperbolic statement “Had we but world enough, and time, This coyness, Lady, were no crime.” Marvell exaggerates that the woman’s coyness is a grave crime and time is the fair enforcer. However, Marvell soon retracts his statements: “But at my back I always hear Time’s