Analysis of To Lucasta, Going to the Wars

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Questions and Answers

Who is the speaker, and who is the poem written to?

The speaker is a soldier heading off to war, and the poem is written to his lover.

What is the speaker of the poem asking from his lover in Stanza 1?

The speaker is asking his lover not to think of him as mean or unkind because he has to go off to war.

What do you think it means that the word 'Sweet' is in parentheses?

It likely indicates that the speaker is addressing his love, and being in parentheses suggests it might be said softly or in a soothing tone.

In Stanza 1, what does the speaker mean when he says, 'That from the nunnery / Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind / To war and arms I fly'?

The speaker means he is leaving the peaceful life with his lover to take up arms and go to war. Signup and view all the answers

In Stanza 2, what is the 'new mistress' that the speaker of the poem is chasing?

The new mistress he chases is war, specifically the 'first foe in the field'. Signup and view all the answers

According to the speaker in Stanza 2, how does his loyalty as a soldier compare to his loyalty to his lover?

He embraces a 'sword, a horse, and a shield' with 'stronger faith' than his loyalty to his lover. Signup and view all the answers

In Stanza 3, how does the speaker expect his lover to feel about his decision? How do you know?

He believes she will come to love and respect his decision, as he says, 'This inconstancy is such / As you too shall adore.' Signup and view all the answers

In Stanza 3, what does the speaker mean when he says, 'I could not love thee (Dear) so much, / Lov'd I not Honour more'?

The speaker is stating that if he didn't love honor more than his lover, he could not love her as much as he does. Signup and view all the answers

In Stanza 2 when the speaker says, 'first foe in the field,' what type of literary device is being used?

The speaker is using alliteration. Signup and view all the answers

In Stanza 2, when the speaker says 'a new mistress now I chase,' what type of literary device is being used?

The speaker is using metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

What three things does the speaker 'with a stronger faith embrace'? What does his loyalty to these things suggest about his values?

The speaker embraces a sword, a horse, and a shield, suggesting he values freedom and honor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the inconstancy to which the speaker refers in line 9? What reason does he give Lucasta to adore 'this inconstancy'?

The inconstancy refers to his duty as a soldier. He believes she should adore it because it reflects his commitment to honor. Signup and view all the answers

This word means not constant: changeable; fickle; variable.

inconstancy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of "To Lucasta, Going to the Wars"

The poem is addressed to a lover by a soldier departing for war.
The theme revolves around loyalty, love, and the conflict between personal and patriotic duties.

Speaker's Appeal

The speaker pleads with his lover not to perceive him as unkind for having to leave for battle.
He associates his peaceful life with her to a "nunnery," indicating a serene existence.

Significance of "Sweet"

The term "Sweet" suggests an affectionate address to the lover, possibly emphasizing intimacy.
Parentheses imply a softer, more tender expression, contrasting with the weight of his departure.

Transition to War

The phrase “That from the nunnery / Of thy chaste breast” represents leaving behind a tranquil, loving relationship for the chaos of war.
Highlights the internal conflict of choosing honor and duty over love.

New Mistress Concept

The "new mistress" symbolizes war, specifically the first enemy encountered, reflecting the soldier's priority shift.
The speaker equates this commitment to a romantic pursuit.

Loyalty Discourse

The speaker asserts his loyalty to his martial responsibilities is stronger than to his lover, illustrated by his embrace of “sword, a horse, and a shield.”
This emphasizes the theme of honor versus romantic love.

Expectation of Acceptance

The speaker anticipates that his lover will eventually respect his decision, indicated by the line about her adoration for his "inconstancy."
Demonstrates his belief in the nobility of his choices.

Love and Honor Relationship

The assertion "I could not love thee (Dear) so much, / Lov'd I not Honour more" reveals the prioritization of honor as integral to his capacity to love.
Suggests that true love is intertwined with respect for virtues such as honor.

Literary Devices

Alliteration in "first foe in the field" enhances the rhythm and draws attention to this significant moment.
Metaphorical language is used when the foe is compared to a new mistress, portraying battle as alluring.

Embraced Values

The embrace of weaponry signifies a value system that prioritizes freedom and honor over romantic attachment.
The physical symbols of war are powerful metaphors for duty and sacrifice.

Inconstancy Explained

The term "inconstancy" refers to the speaker's perceived shift from love to duty.
He encourages his lover to embrace this change as a necessary part of his identity.

Definition of Inconstancy

Inconstancy entails a lack of steadfastness, highlighting the struggle between competing loyalties.

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Description

This quiz explores the poem 'To Lucasta, Going to the Wars,' highlighting its themes of loyalty, love, and the conflict between personal desires and patriotic duties. Participants will delve into the speaker's appeal to his lover and the significance of key phrases that illustrate his internal struggle. Test your understanding of this poignant piece of literature.