LO: How does Marvell use a conceit to woo his (potential) lover?
LO: How does Marvell use a conceit to woo his (potential) lover LO: How does Marvell use a conceit to woo his (potential) lover? Background Metaphysical poet Inspired by other Metaphysical poets including John Donne. This is one of his most famous poems. Like John Donne in “The Flea”, Marvell is using a conceit (an argument) to persuade his lover to sleep with him. His tactics are even more absurd (and macabre) than John Donne’s!
Overall meaning Carpe diem poem (YOLO!) Marvell argues that seeing as we are only alive for such a brief time, we should disregard the concept of honour and sleep with people outside of marriage. He does this through an absurd and rather syllogism. (Three part argument) We are going to deconstruct the poem in groups today focusing on the BIG ideas he explores in his poem as well as the way in which l/s/f are used to present these ideas about passion and desire. * I will be playing some songs linked to the poem whilst you discuss the answers to the question. How similar/different are the ideas about love and passion presented in the songs played to THCM? * If the speakers work!
Group One – Part One The first premise of the syllogism. What is his general argument in your verse? How is he trying to persuade his lover to submit to him? Line 13 – 17: He catalogues his Lady’s attractive features (as is typical of a blazon) What do you notice about the time he assigns to different body parts? Largely rhyming couplets throughout – what is the effect of this? (Think about message and tone) Alliteration in lines 3/4/ - effect: How does this suit his message/image he is trying to build? Lines 5 – 7: How different are The Ganges and the river Humber as locations and why are they used? Full stop after “complain”. What is the effect to pace and tone? “My vegetable love” – What positive and negative interpretations of this image can you think of? How might this image be considered as sexual? Biblical references to The Flood – why has he drawn on religious references and what is this reference is this?
Group Two Overall message of your part of the syllogism/conceit? Compare your section with the length of the first section (which is primarily about the lovers having lots of time available to them to prolong the courtship without consummating the relationship) Why is this shorter length effective in terms of helping Marvell deliver his message in this section? How does the quickened pace reinforce his message? What is personified and why? How does this link to other poems studied? The personification of …. as a charioteer is a common image from mythology. How does Marvell make it effective? “Desserts of vast eternity” Love poetry often emphasises the enduring nature of love even after death. Why is Marvell’s presentation of love so different and how does the imagery used in your section contribute to this rather bleak and macabre presentation of love? Line 26 – 30: What imagery is used? Effect? His intention here? “quaint honour” euphemism for vagina – How does this add to your understanding of the poem? Honour/dust/ashes – Common book of prayer references – Why refer to bible like this? Humour on line 32.. Why? Effect?
Group Three Group Three What is the overall meaning of the conclusion to the conceit? What is the significance of the word “Now” at the start of the conclusion? Effect of sibilance – line 31? The word “transpires” is used – Biologists amongst you: How does this word relate to photosynthesis and how does this word therefore help to reinforce his ideas/proposition? “Now” is repeated – effect? Why does action seem appealing after previous verse/imagery? (you can ask Group two for help) Shorter vowel sounds than in first verse “Am’rous” – effect of this? List the violent words in your verse? How is this different to stereotypical love poetry? Lines 41/2 – effect of the imagery of the ball? Conclusion – what about the imagery used in the conclusion? What did people believe at the time about the sun ?
Contextual food for thought The Bodleian Library (Oxford University – it’s really inspiring and anyone can visit it. They also show you around lots of places where Harry Potter was filmed; double win!) omitted lines 29 – 32. What does this show us about attitudes towards the poem and its rather racy contents in the past? Why might a modern reader find this poem funny/offensive/disturbing? What do you think about the poem? Read John Donne – The Sun Rising. What similarities and differences can you find between these poems. Complete questions about context for home learning. (Blog)