Use of Allusion in “To His Coy Mistress”

Categories: Andrew Marvell

Essay, Pages 2 (321 words)

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Allusion, or the use of an indirect reference to a person, place, or event from history or mythology, is one of the most common literary devices used in poetry. It can be used to illustrate a point or to add complexity to a poem's meaning.

In "To His Coy Mistress," Andrew Marvell uses allusions to make his poem as beautiful and complex as possible. His allusions are not only relevant to the topic of seduction and love, but they also help him make a greater point about the nature of time.

This can be seen in lines such as:

"But at my back I always hear

Time's winged chariot hurrying near." (lines 10-11).

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This shows that no matter how much you try to stay together, time will eventually tear them apart.

Andrew Marvell used many allusions in his poem, thus making it interesting and colorful. An example of his use of this literary tool can be seen in these lines of the poem: I would Love you ten years before the Flood; And you should, if you please, refuse Till the conversion of the Jews.

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(7-10).

Marvell uses Biblical concepts to show how much the narrator loves his mistress. In the Bible, the Flood occurs close to the time of Creation, and the Jews would convert at the end of the world.

By these lines, the narrator is seen to be able to love his mistress as long as time endures. In describing a very large distance, the author uses this allusion: “Thou by the Indian Ganges' side / Shouldst rubies find: I by the tide / Of Humber would complain” (5-7).

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This allusion to Ganges, in India, and Humber (England) means that it seemed that the narrator and his mistress are indeed separated by a very great distance.

Works Cited

Marvell, Andrew. "To His Coy Mistress. " Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature. 2 May 2010. < http://www. luminarium. org/sevenlit/marvell/coy. htm>

Essay's Scoring Result:

Expert's Assessment

The essay provides a brief exploration of allusion in Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress." While it touches on the relevance of allusions to the theme of seduction and love, the analysis remains notably concise. The essay's brevity hampers a more in-depth exploration of Marvell's intricate use of literary devices. Additionally, the analysis could benefit from a broader examination of how these allusions contribute to the overall complexity and beauty of the poem. The limited length restricts the depth of insight into Marvell's intentions, leaving the analysis somewhat underdeveloped. The inclusion of more textual examples and a more extensive discussion would enhance the essay's overall quality.

How can you enhance this essay?

Expand your analysis by delving deeper into specific examples of allusions, elucidating how they contribute to the overall theme and tone of the poem. Provide a more nuanced exploration of Marvell's choice of biblical references, connecting them to the broader cultural and literary context. Additionally, consider integrating a comparative analysis with other works or poets to highlight the uniqueness of Marvell's approach. Strengthen your essay's structure by incorporating a clearer introduction and conclusion, framing the analysis cohesively. Lastly, ensure a smoother transition between points and eliminate unnecessary repetitions to enhance the overall flow and readability of the essay.