Shakespeare and Marvell: Love Poems Quiz

Study Notes

Shakespeare utilizes a satirical tone to subvert traditional love poetry conventions.
He deliberately lists imperfections of his mistress, contrasting them with stereotypical idealizations.
The speaker claims his mistress' eyes "are nothing like the sun", her lips are not as red as coral, and her breasts are not white as snow.
The speaker further emphasizes his mistress' lack of idealized beauty by comparing her negatively to roses and perfumes.
The speaker admits that he enjoys her voice, but acknowledges "music hath a far more pleasing sound."
Despite the negative comparisons, the speaker concludes by declaring his love for his mistress is just as "rare" as any woman falsely compared to idealized beauties.

The poem is a metaphysical love poem that explores the concept of time and its impact on love.
The speaker addresses a coy woman, urging her to seize the moment and embrace their love.
The speaker initially imagines an idyllic scenario where they would have "world enough and time" to develop their love slowly.
He uses hyperbolic examples to express his devotion, such as loving her for "ten years before the flood" and dedicating an "age" to each part of her body.
The speaker then abruptly shifts tone, reminding the woman of the inevitable passage of time and death.
He emphasizes the ephemeral nature of beauty and the certainty of decay, warning that after death, her beauty will be lost and his love will turn to dust.
The speaker concludes by urging the woman to "sport us while we may" and embrace their desires before time runs out.

This poem is a critique of the social injustices and spiritual repression prevalent in London during the Industrial Revolution.
The speaker journeys through the city, observing the suffering of its inhabitants.
He describes the "charter'd" streets and the "charter'd Thames," suggesting a sense of corruption and control.
The speaker encounters marks of "weakness" and "wo" in the faces he sees, reflecting the hardships endured by the people.
He hears the cries of the Chimney-sweepers and the infants, symbolizing the exploitation of the working class.
Blake uses imagery of blood and plagues to highlight the moral decay and violence that pervade the city.
The speaker criticizes the "marriage hearse," implying the institution of marriage is corrupted and oppressive.

The poem is a dramatic monologue revealing the sinister personality of the Duke of Ferrara.
The Duke is speaking to an envoy who has come to arrange his marriage to another woman.
He reveals details of his former Duchess’ life, which are subtly suggestive of her murder.
The Duke reveals his jealousy and possessiveness, highlighting her “too easily impressed” nature.
He implies that his Duchess was too easily pleased with others' attention, which angered and threatened him.
The poem explores themes of control, power, and the destructive nature of jealousy.