'Tom May's Death' by Andrew Marvell
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As one put drunk into the Packet-boat,
Tom May was hurry'd hence and did not know't.
But was amaz'd on the Elysian side,
And with an Eye uncertain, gazing wide,
Could not determine in what place he was,
For whence in Stevens ally Trees or Grass.
Nor where the Popes head, nor the Mitre lay,
Signs by which still he found and lost his way.
At last while doubtfully he all compares,
He saw near hand, as he imagin'd Ares.
Such did he seem for corpulence and port,
But 'twas a man much of another sort;
'Twas Ben that in the dusky Laurel shade
Amongst the Chorus of old Poets laid,
Sounding of ancient Heroes, such as were
The Subjects Safety, and the Rebel's Fear.
But how a double headed Vulture Eats,
Brutus and Cassius the Peoples cheats.
But seeing May he varied streight his song,
Gently to signifie that he was wrong.
Cups more then civil of Emilthian wine,
I sing (said he) and the Pharsalian Sign,
Where the Historian of the Common-wealth
In his own Bowels sheath'd the conquering health.
By this May to himself and them was come,
He found he was tranflated, and by whom.
Yet then with foot as stumbling as his tongue
Prest for his place among the Learned throng.
But Ben, who knew not neither foe nor friend,
Sworn Enemy to all that do pretend,
Rose more then ever he was seen severe,
Shook his gray locks, and his own Bayes did tear
At this intrusion. Then with Laurel wand,
The awful Sign of his supream command.
At whose dread Whisk Virgil himself does quake,
And Horace patiently its stroke does take,
As he crowds in he whipt him ore the pate
Like Pembroke at the Masque, and then did rate.
Far from these blessed shades tread back agen
Most servil' wit, and Mercenary Pen.
Polydore, Lucan, Allan, Vandale, Goth,
Malignant Poet and Historian both.
Go seek the novice Statesmen, and obtrude
On them some Romane cast similitude,
Tell them of Liberty, the Stories fine,
Until you all grow Consuls in your wine.
Or thou Dictator of the glass bestow
On him the Cato, this the Cicero.
Transferring old Rome hither in your talk,
As Bethlem's House did to Loretto walk.
Foul Architect that hadst not Eye to see
How ill the measures of these States agree.
And who by Romes example England lay,
Those but to Lucan do continue May.
But the nor Ignorance nor seeming good
Misled, but malice fixt and understood.
Because some one than thee more worthy weares
The sacred Laurel, hence are all these teares?
Must therefore all the World be set on flame,
Because a Gazet writer mist his aim?
And for a Tankard-bearing Muse must we
As for the Basket Guelphs and Gibellines be?
When the Sword glitters ore the Judges head,
And fear has Coward Churchmen silenced,
Then is the Poets time, 'tis then he drawes,
And single fights forsaken Vertues cause.
He, when the wheel of Empire, whirleth back,
And though the World disjointed Axel crack,
Sings still of ancient Rights and better Times,
Seeks wretched good, arraigns successful Crimes.
But thou base man first prostituted hast
Our spotless knowledge and the studies chast.
Apostatizing from our Arts and us,
To turn the Chronicler to Spartacus.
Yet wast thou taken hence with equal fate,
Before thou couldst great Charles his death relate.
But what will deeper wound thy little mind,
Hast left surviving Davenant still behind
Who laughs to see in this thy death renew'd,
Right Romane poverty and gratitude.
Poor Poet thou, and grateful Senate they,
Who thy last Reckoning did so largely pay.
And with the publick gravity would come,
When thou hadst drunk thy last to lead thee home.
If that can be thy home where Spencer lyes
And reverend Chaucer, but their dust does rise
Against thee, and expels thee from their side,
As th' Eagles Plumes from other birds divide.
Nor here thy shade must dwell, Return, Return,
Where Sulphrey Phlegeton does ever burn.
The Cerberus with all his Jawes shall gnash,
Megera thee with all her Serpents lash.
Thou rivited unto Ixion's wheel
Shalt break, and the perpetual Vulture feel.
'Tis just what Torments Poets ere did feign,
Thou first Historically shouldst sustain.
Thus by irrevocable Sentence cast,
May only Master of these Revels past.
And streight he vanisht in a Cloud of Pitch,
Such as unto the Sabboth bears the Witch.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tom May's Death: A Masterpiece of Andrew Marvell
Andrew Marvell's poem Tom May's Death is a masterpiece of English literature. This poem is an elegy, written in the memory of the young English soldier, Tom May, who died during the Thirty Years' War. Marvell has used various literary techniques to portray the tragedy of war and the death of a young soldier. This literary criticism and interpretation of the poem will analyze the themes, literary devices, and the overall impact of the poem.
Background Information
Before we delve into the poem's analysis, it is important to understand the background of the poem's subject matter. Tom May was a young English soldier who fought in the Thirty Years' War. The war was fought between 1618 and 1648 in Central Europe, primarily in Germany. Tom May was a drummer boy, which means he was responsible for communicating various commands and signals to the soldiers through his drumming. He died during the war, and his death inspired Andrew Marvell to write this elegy.
Themes
The central themes of this poem are death, war, heroism, and grief. Marvell has explored these themes using various literary techniques. The poem is an elegy, which is a form of poetry that is written in the memory of a deceased person. The elegy is a form of mourning and expressing grief, and Marvell has done an excellent job of portraying the sadness and tragedy of war and the loss of a young life.
The poem also explores the theme of heroism. Tom May was a young soldier who gave his life for his country. Marvell has portrayed him as a hero who deserves to be remembered for his sacrifice. The poem is a tribute to Tom May and all the soldiers who gave their lives for their country.
Literary Devices
Marvell has used various literary devices to create a powerful and moving elegy. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a form of meter that consists of ten syllables per line. This form of meter creates a rhythm that mimics the beating of a drum.
The poem also contains several metaphors and similes. For example, Marvell has compared Tom May to a flower that was plucked before it had a chance to bloom. This metaphor is a powerful depiction of the tragedy of war and the loss of a young life. Marvell has also used a simile to describe the sound of the drums, comparing it to the sound of thunder.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Marvell has used vivid and descriptive imagery to create a sense of the battlefield and the horrors of war. The imagery is graphic and disturbing, which is a testament to Marvell's ability to paint a picture with words.
Interpretation
The poem Tom May's Death is a powerful and moving elegy that explores the themes of death, war, heroism, and grief. Marvell has used various literary devices to create a vivid and emotional portrayal of the tragedy of war and the loss of a young life. The poem is a tribute to Tom May and all the soldiers who gave their lives for their country.
Marvell's use of iambic pentameter and other literary devices creates a powerful rhythm that mimics the beating of a drum. This creates a sense of urgency and tension in the poem, which is appropriate given the subject matter.
The metaphor of Tom May as a flower that was plucked before it had a chance to bloom is a powerful depiction of the tragedy of war and the loss of a young life. Marvell has portrayed Tom May as a hero who gave his life for his country, and this is a theme that is repeated throughout the poem.
The imagery in the poem is graphic and disturbing, which serves to create a sense of the battlefield and the horrors of war. Marvell has used imagery to create a visceral and emotional response in the reader, which is appropriate given the subject matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Andrew Marvell's poem Tom May's Death is a masterpiece of English literature. The poem is an elegy, written in the memory of the young English soldier, Tom May, who died during the Thirty Years' War. Marvell has used various literary techniques to portray the tragedy of war and the death of a young soldier. The poem is a powerful and moving tribute to Tom May and all the soldiers who gave their lives for their country. Marvell's use of iambic pentameter, metaphors, similes, and imagery creates a vivid and emotional portrayal of the tragedy of war and the loss of a young life. This poem is a testament to Marvell's skill as a poet and his ability to create a powerful and moving elegy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tom May's Death: A Masterpiece of Andrew Marvell
Andrew Marvell, one of the greatest poets of the seventeenth century, is known for his metaphysical poetry and political satires. His poem "Tom May's Death" is a masterpiece that showcases his poetic genius and his ability to blend different themes and emotions into a single piece of art. In this analysis, we will explore the various aspects of this poem and understand why it is considered a classic in English literature.
The poem "Tom May's Death" is a tribute to Thomas May, a poet and historian who died in 1650. May was a friend and contemporary of Marvell, and his death deeply affected the poet. The poem is written in elegiac couplets, a form commonly used for elegies, and consists of 48 lines. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of May's death.
The first part of the poem is a lament for May's death. Marvell begins by describing the sorrow and grief that he and his contemporaries feel at May's passing. He compares May's death to the loss of a star, which leaves the sky dark and gloomy. Marvell uses vivid imagery to convey the sense of loss and despair that he and his contemporaries feel. He describes May as a "mighty oak" that has fallen, leaving a void that cannot be filled. The use of natural imagery is a common feature of elegies, and Marvell uses it effectively to convey the sense of loss and emptiness that May's death has created.
The second part of the poem is a tribute to May's achievements as a poet and historian. Marvell praises May's literary works and his contribution to English literature. He describes May as a "learned bard" who has left behind a legacy that will endure for generations. Marvell's admiration for May's literary achievements is evident in his words, and he uses the elegiac couplets to create a sense of solemnity and reverence.
The third part of the poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Marvell uses May's death as a reminder that all human beings are mortal and that death is an inevitable part of life. He reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the fact that all human achievements are ultimately insignificant in the face of death. Marvell's contemplation of death is not morbid or depressing but rather a celebration of life and a reminder to live each moment to the fullest.
One of the most striking features of "Tom May's Death" is Marvell's use of language and imagery. He uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey the sense of loss and grief that he and his contemporaries feel. He also uses natural imagery to create a sense of continuity and permanence. The use of elegiac couplets adds to the solemnity and reverence of the poem and creates a sense of continuity and tradition.
Another notable feature of the poem is Marvell's ability to blend different themes and emotions into a single piece of art. The poem is not just a lament for May's death but also a tribute to his achievements and a reflection on the transience of life. Marvell's ability to blend these different themes and emotions into a single poem is a testament to his poetic genius and his mastery of the elegiac form.
In conclusion, "Tom May's Death" is a masterpiece of English literature and a testament to Andrew Marvell's poetic genius. The poem is a tribute to Thomas May, a friend and contemporary of Marvell, and explores different themes and emotions related to May's death. Marvell's use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and his ability to blend different themes and emotions into a single poem is remarkable. "Tom May's Death" is a classic elegy that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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