How does Marvell combine passion and intellect in “The Definition of Love”?

Answer

“Passion and intellect are combined in the poem ‘The Definition of Love.” Justify it? [NU. 2022]

Or, How does Marvell combine passion and intellect in “The Definition of Love”? [NU. 2020]

In “The Definition of Love” (1681), Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) combines two things: passion (strong emotions of love) and intellect (deep thinking or logic). He does not only talk about feelings, but also uses smart ideas, symbols, and geometry to explain love.

Deep and Painful Love: Marvell uses strong passion to express his deep love. He says the love between him and his beloved is strong and pure. But it is also rare and painful. Because his love was born from “Despair” and “Impossibility.” Here, Marvell means that their love can never be fulfilled. He feels sad because Fate keeps him away from his beloved.

Logic and Ideas: Along with passion, Marvell uses logic and smart thinking. He talks about Fate, geometry, and symbols to explain love. He says that Fate puts “iron wedges” between him and his beloved. These iron wedges are a symbol. They mean that Fate makes a strong wall between the two lovers, so they can never come close. Fate becomes jealous when it sees two perfect loves. So, Fate cannot allow them to come close to each other. As Marvell writes:

“For Fate with jealous eye does see

Two perfect loves, nor lets them close;”

Then, Marvell uses another intellect. He says Fate also keeps the lovers far away from each other, like at the North Pole and South Pole. Moreover, Marvell says their love is “truly parallel.” Parallel lines go side by side forever but never touch. He says:

“But ours so truly parallel,

Though infinite, can never meet.”

These are smart images that show how their love is strong but painfully impossible.

In conclusion, Marvell’s poem is full of emotion, but also full of clever ideas. His intellect makes