'The Definition Of Love' by Andrew Marvell
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My Love is of a birth as rare
As 'tis for object strange and high:
It was begotten by despair
Upon Impossibility.
Magnanimous Despair alone.
Could show me so divine a thing,
Where feeble Hope could ne'r have flown
But vainly flapt its Tinsel Wing.
And yet I quickly might arrive
Where my extended Soul is fixt,
But Fate does Iron wedges drive,
And alwaies crouds it self betwixt.
For Fate with jealous Eye does see.
Two perfect Loves; nor lets them close:
Their union would her ruine be,
And her Tyrannick pow'r depose.
And therefore her Decrees of Steel
Us as the distant Poles have plac'd,
(Though Loves whole World on us doth wheel)
Not by themselves to be embrac'd.
Unless the giddy Heaven fall,
And Earth some new Convulsion tear;
And, us to joyn, the World should all
Be cramp'd into a Planisphere.
As Lines so Loves Oblique may well
Themselves in every Angle greet:
But ours so truly Paralel,
Though infinite can never meet.
Therefore the Love which us doth bind,
But Fate so enviously debarrs,
Is the Conjunction of the Mind,
And Opposition of the Stars.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
The Definition of Love is a masterpiece of poetry written by Andrew Marvell, a renowned poet of the seventeenth century. The poem is an ode to the complexities of love and its various definitions. The work reflects Marvell's skillful wordplay and use of metaphysical conceits, which was a hallmark of his poetry.
The Definition of Love is a sonnet, a form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different rhyme scheme. The sonnet is structured in a way that each stanza presents a different aspect of love, from spiritual to physical love.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze Marvell's use of literary devices, explore the theme of love, and provide an in-depth analysis of the poem.
Analysis
The Definition of Love is a richly layered poem that explores the complexities of love. Marvell's use of literary devices creates a unique and imaginative world, which captures the essence of love.
Literary Devices
Marvell's use of literary devices in The Definition of Love is exceptional. Throughout the poem, he employs metaphysical conceits, allusions, and imagery to create a vivid picture of love.
Metaphysical Conceits
One of the most striking features of The Definition of Love is Marvell's use of metaphysical conceits. Metaphysical conceits are extended metaphors that compare two seemingly unrelated things. Marvell uses these conceits to create a complex and imaginative description of love.
For instance, in the first stanza, Marvell describes love as an "amorous bird of prey." The metaphor of a bird of prey suggests that love is a predator, hunting and capturing its prey. The metaphor is extended further when Marvell describes love as a "ravenous bird of prey." This metaphor implies that love is insatiable and consumes everything in its path.
Another example of Marvell's use of metaphysical conceits is in the second stanza. He compares love to a "river that runs above ground." This metaphor suggests that love is a force of nature that cannot be contained, but instead, it flows freely like a river.
Marvell's use of metaphysical conceits adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it an intriguing read.
Allusions
Marvell also employs allusions to create a layered meaning in The Definition of Love. Allusions are references to other texts or events.
For example, in the first stanza, Marvell alludes to the classical myth of Prometheus. He writes, "And like the thunder in the breach of heaven, I have no room to make a passion." This line alludes to the myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and was punished by Zeus for his actions. The thunder in the breach of heaven represents the punishment he received. Marvell uses this allusion to suggest that love, like Prometheus, is a force that is difficult to contain.
Another example of Marvell's use of allusions is in the second stanza. He alludes to the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. Marvell writes, "As souls do grow, so love doth likewise strive, to leave his mortal grossness, and ascend to love." This line alludes to the story of Adam and Eve, who were expelled from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit. Marvell suggests that love, like Adam and Eve, strives to reach a higher plane of existence.
Imagery
Marvell's use of imagery in The Definition of Love is vivid and evocative. He uses imagery to create a picture of love that is both beautiful and complex.
For example, in the first stanza, Marvell uses imagery to describe love as a "wild civility." This phrase creates a paradox, suggesting that love can be both wild and civilized at the same time. The imagery of a wild civility is striking and creates a unique picture of love.
Another example of Marvell's use of imagery is in the second stanza. He writes, "And as the new-awakened phoenix, morn, Whose eyes seek regions far remote in vain." This image of the phoenix, a mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes, suggests that love, like the phoenix, is eternal and can rise from the ashes of its own destruction.
Marvell's use of imagery adds depth and beauty to the poem, making it a powerful and engaging read.
Theme of Love
The Definition of Love is a poem that explores the many facets of love. Marvell uses metaphysical conceits, allusions, and imagery to create a complex picture of love, which is at times beautiful and at times destructive.
One of the themes that Marvell explores in The Definition of Love is the idea that love is a force that can transcend time and space. He suggests that love is eternal and can survive even after death.
Marvell also explores the idea that love can be both a beautiful and a destructive force. He suggests that love can consume everything in its path and leave destruction in its wake.
Another theme that Marvell explores in The Definition of Love is the idea that love can be both physical and spiritual. He suggests that love can be a force that connects us to something greater than ourselves.
Through his exploration of the many facets of love, Marvell creates a rich and complex portrait of the human experience.
Conclusion
The Definition of Love is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the many facets of love. Marvell's use of literary devices, including metaphysical conceits, allusions, and imagery, creates a vivid and imaginative world that captures the essence of love.
The poem's themes, including the idea that love is a force that can transcend time and space, that love can be both beautiful and destructive, and that love can be both physical and spiritual, make The Definition of Love a powerful and engaging read.
Overall, The Definition of Love is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to captivate readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Definition of Love: A Masterpiece by Andrew Marvell
Poetry has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to make us feel things we never thought possible. And one such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers even today is "The Definition of Love" by Andrew Marvell.
Written in the 17th century, this poem is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry that explores the complexities of love and its many facets. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language to understand why it is considered one of the greatest love poems of all time.
Themes
At its core, "The Definition of Love" is a poem about unrequited love. The speaker is deeply in love with someone who does not reciprocate their feelings, and this unrequited love is the source of their pain and suffering. The poem explores the different ways in which love can manifest itself and the various emotions that come with it.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of love as a force that is beyond our control. The speaker describes love as a "mighty pain" that "transports" them and "bears them away." This suggests that love is not something that we can choose or control, but rather something that takes hold of us and guides us in ways we cannot predict.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of love as a paradox. The speaker describes love as both a "sweet disorder" and a "cruel madness." This suggests that love is a complex emotion that can bring both joy and pain, and that it is often difficult to reconcile these conflicting feelings.
Structure
"The Definition of Love" is a poem that is structured around a series of paradoxes and contradictions. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of love.
The first stanza describes love as a force that is beyond our control. The speaker describes how love "cannot be confined" and how it "will not be told." This suggests that love is something that is free and uncontainable, and that it cannot be forced or manipulated.
The second stanza explores the idea of love as a paradox. The speaker describes how love can be both a "sweet disorder" and a "cruel madness." This suggests that love is a complex emotion that can bring both joy and pain, and that it is often difficult to reconcile these conflicting feelings.
The third and final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Here, the speaker describes how love is ultimately a force that is stronger than death. The speaker suggests that even though their love is unrequited and they may never be with the object of their affection, their love will endure beyond death.
Language
The language used in "The Definition of Love" is rich and complex, filled with metaphors and paradoxes that add depth and meaning to the poem. One of the most striking features of the poem is the use of personification to describe love as a force that is beyond our control.
The speaker describes how love "will not be told" and how it "cannot be confined." This suggests that love is something that is free and uncontainable, and that it cannot be forced or manipulated.
Another powerful metaphor used in the poem is the comparison of love to a "mighty pain." This suggests that love is not just an emotion, but a physical sensation that can be overwhelming and all-consuming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Definition of Love" is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry that explores the complexities of love and its many facets. The poem is structured around a series of paradoxes and contradictions, and the language used is rich and complex, filled with metaphors and personification.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and the many emotions that come with it. It explores the idea of love as a force that is beyond our control, as a paradox that can bring both joy and pain, and as a force that is stronger than death.
Overall, "The Definition of Love" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers even today. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience and to move us in ways we never thought possible.
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