To His Coy Mistress : Key info
To His Coy Mistress is a notable literary work by Andrew Marvell. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of To His Coy Mistress.
Key info
Title: To His Coy Mistress
Poet: Andrew Marvell (1621-1678)
Written Date: Around 1650s
Publication Date: Posthumous in 1681
Form: Metaphysical Love Poem (a passionate and witty argument for love)
Meter: Iambic Tetrameter (four beats per line; it means 8 syllables)
Rhyme Scheme: Rhyming couplets (AABBCC…) throughout the poem (every two lines rhyme together)
Total Lines: 46 lines
Tone: Passionate, Playful, Persuasive, and Urgent (the speaker argues with reason, wit, and emotion to convince his coy mistress)
Key Notes
What is ‘Carpe Diem’?
“Carpe Diem” is a Latin phrase. It means “seize the day” or “enjoy the present moment.” This idea tells people to enjoy life now because time is very short. We do not know what will happen tomorrow, so we should not waste today.
In literature, the Carpe Diem theory is used to say:
- Life is short
- Time passes quickly
- Death will come soon
So we should enjoy love and happiness now.
Many poets used this idea in their poems, especially in the 17th century. Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was one of them. His “To His Coy Mistress” is the best example of a “carpe diem” poem. This poem is an attempt by the poet to seduce his “coy mistress.” He says that time moves very fast, and if they wait too long, they will lose the chance to enjoy love. So, he proposes that they should enjoy love now, while they are young and full of energy.