'An Epitaph Upon --' by Andrew Marvell
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Enough: and leave the rest to Fame.
'Tis to commend her but to name.
Courtship, which living she declin'd,
When dead to offer were unkind.
Where never any could speak ill,
Who would officious Praises spill?
Nor can the truest Wit or Friend,
Without Detracting, her commend.
To say she liv'd a Virgin chast,
In this Age loose and all unlac't;
Nor was, when Vice is so allow'd,
Of Virtue or asham'd, or proud;
That her Soul was on Heaven so bent
No Minute but it came and went;
That ready her last Debt to pay
She summ'd her Life up ev'ry day;
Modest as Morn; as Mid-day bright;
Gentle as Ev'ning; cool as Night;
'Tis true: but all so weakly said;
'Twere more Significant, She's Dead.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Epitaph Upon
By Andrew Marvell
Introduction
Andrew Marvell is known for his witty and satirical poems, but one of his lesser-known works, "An Epitaph Upon," is a contemplative poem about death and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is an epitaph, a short inscription on a tombstone, and it reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of death and mortality. In the first stanza, Marvell reflects on the inevitability of death and the fact that all people, regardless of their station in life, must eventually face it. In the second stanza, he reflects on the fact that even the greatest achievements of humanity are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. In the final stanza, he reflects on the idea that death is not an end, but a transition to a new state of being.
Analysis
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the work. Marvell begins by stating that death is an inevitable part of life, and that all people must eventually face it. He describes death as a "mighty conqueror" who makes no exceptions, and notes that even those who are most powerful and prosperous in life must eventually yield to his power. This idea is reinforced by the imagery of the "sceptre and the crown" that are laid aside in death, suggesting that even the most powerful rulers must relinquish their power in the end.
Marvell then goes on to describe death as a "dark and dismal shade," suggesting that it is a frightening and unknown entity. This description also reinforces the idea that death is a final and irreversible state, from which there is no escape. However, despite the bleakness of this description, Marvell also suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted as a natural part of life.
The second stanza of the poem continues to explore the theme of mortality, but takes a slightly different perspective. Here, Marvell reflects on the fact that even the greatest achievements of humanity are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. He notes that even the grandest monuments and most impressive works of art will eventually decay and crumble, and that all the glory and fame of the world will eventually be forgotten.
This perspective is somewhat more pessimistic than the first stanza, as it suggests that nothing we do in life will ultimately matter in the end. However, Marvell also suggests that this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows us to focus on the present moment and enjoy life while we can. This idea is reinforced by the imagery of the "daisy's humble grace," which suggests that even the simplest and most unassuming things in life can be beautiful and valuable in their own right.
The final stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, as Marvell reflects on the idea that death is not an end, but a transition to a new state of being. He notes that death is "but the starry night," suggesting that it is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced as a new beginning. This idea is reinforced by the imagery of the "dawn that never dies," which suggests that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning.
Marvell also suggests that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, and that it is necessary in order for new life to emerge. He notes that the "seed that springs from buried grain" is a symbol of this cycle, and suggests that even in death there is the potential for new life and growth.
Conclusion
"An Epitaph Upon" is a contemplative and philosophical poem that reflects on the nature of mortality and the inevitability of death. Through its three stanzas, Marvell explores the idea that death is a natural part of life, and that it should not necessarily be feared or avoided. He suggests that even in death there is the potential for new life and growth, and that the simplicity of life can often be the most beautiful and valuable thing of all.
Overall, "An Epitaph Upon" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It is a work that is both melancholy and uplifting, and it reminds us of the importance of living in the moment and embracing the beauty and simplicity of life while we can.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Andrew Marvell’s “An Epitaph Upon” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and poignant piece that speaks to the human condition and the inevitability of death. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as its structure and language.
The poem begins with the line “Underneath this sable hearse,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word “sable” refers to black, which is traditionally associated with mourning and death. The use of the word “hearse” also reinforces this idea, as it is a vehicle used to transport the dead to their final resting place.
The next line reads, “Lies the subject of all verse.” This line is significant because it suggests that the person being mourned in the poem is someone who was important and worthy of being written about. The use of the phrase “subject of all verse” also implies that the person was a poet or someone who had a great appreciation for poetry.
The third line reads, “Sidney’s sister, Pembroke’s mother.” This line is a reference to Mary Sidney Herbert, who was the sister of Sir Philip Sidney and the mother of William Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke. Both Sir Philip Sidney and William Herbert were poets, which further reinforces the idea that the person being mourned in the poem was someone who had a great appreciation for poetry.
The fourth line reads, “Death, ere thou hast slain another, / Learn’d and fair, and good as she, / Time shall throw a dart at thee.” This stanza is significant because it speaks to the inevitability of death. The speaker is essentially saying that even though the person being mourned was “learn’d and fair, and good,” death still came for them. The use of the word “another” also suggests that death will come for others as well.
The second stanza begins with the line, “Envy not this silent urn.” This line is significant because it suggests that the person being mourned is now at peace and that death should not be envied. The use of the word “silent” also reinforces the idea that the person is no longer alive and that their voice is now silenced.
The next line reads, “Passenger, rest here awhile.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is addressing someone who is passing by the grave. The use of the word “rest” also implies that the speaker is inviting the passerby to take a moment to reflect on the person being mourned.
The third stanza begins with the line, “The subject of all noblest things.” This line is significant because it suggests that the person being mourned was not only a lover of poetry but also someone who appreciated all things noble and virtuous. The use of the word “noblest” also implies that the person had a great sense of honor and integrity.
The next line reads, “Now suffer’d to have wings.” This line is significant because it suggests that the person being mourned is now free from the constraints of the mortal world and is able to soar like a bird. The use of the word “suffer’d” also implies that the person was once held back but is now free.
The fourth stanza begins with the line, “Walk in dry feet o’er this narrow spot.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is once again addressing someone who is passing by the grave. The use of the phrase “dry feet” also implies that the speaker is inviting the passerby to take a moment to reflect on the person being mourned without getting their feet wet.
The next line reads, “The rest are water’d by their tears.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is acknowledging the fact that others have come before and will come after to mourn the person being mourned. The use of the word “water’d” also implies that the tears shed by those who mourn are like water that nourishes the ground.
The final stanza begins with the line, “Here a pretty baby lies.” This line is significant because it suggests that the person being mourned was not only a lover of poetry but also a parent. The use of the word “pretty” also implies that the baby was loved and cherished.
The next line reads, “Sung asleep with lullabies.” This line is significant because it suggests that the baby was comforted and loved in life. The use of the phrase “sung asleep” also implies that the baby was put to bed with a song, which is a common practice among parents.
The final line of the poem reads, “Pray be silent and not stir / Th’easy earth that covers her.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is once again addressing someone who is passing by the grave. The use of the phrase “pray be silent” also implies that the speaker is asking the passerby to be respectful and not disturb the person being mourned.
In conclusion, Andrew Marvell’s “An Epitaph Upon” is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human condition and the inevitability of death. The poem is structured in such a way that it invites the reader to reflect on the person being mourned and to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of life. The use of language and imagery is also significant, as it reinforces the themes and motifs of the poem. Overall, “An Epitaph Upon” is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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