To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell Analysis

The Poem 'To His Coy Mistress'

• The main theme of the poem is the speaker's urgent desire to persuade his mistress to reciprocate his love.

The Significance of Time

• The speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of time by mentioning 'Time's wingèd chariot hurrying near', highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Potential Length of Love

• The speaker describes the potential length of his love as eternal, stating that it would last until the 'conversion of the Jews' and 'the end of time'.

Imagery of Beauty

• The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the mistress's beauty, comparing her to a 'milky way' and suggesting that she is so beautiful that she could make 'youths' and ' Beauties' wait upon her.

The Effect of Time on Beauty

• The speaker suggests that the mistress's beauty will fade with time, stating that it will eventually be 'deserts' and 'worms'.

The Argument for Embracing Love

• The speaker argues that the mistress should embrace love now, rather than waiting, because time is passing quickly and beauty is fleeting, suggesting that they should seize the moment while they are still young and beautiful.

Explore the famous poem 'To His Coy Mistress' by Andrew Marvell and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices. Delve into the poet's persuasive arguments and intricate imagery. Test your understanding of the poem's deeper meanings and messages.