Instruction
Instructions for Writing Exercise:
In approximately 250 words, discuss the figurative language in the final lines (33-46) of Andrew Marvell's carpe diem poem "To His Coy Mistress."
I simply want you to discuss the figurative language Marvell uses at the conclusion of "To His Coy Mistress." There are three phrases I want you to focus on: "like morning dew," "like am'rous birds of prey," and "Thorough the iron gates of life." The first two phrases are similes; the third is a metaphor. What I want you to do is identify the tenors (what is actually being talked about) and discuss the vehicles (the figurative component). Remember that vehicles always add something to the tenor; vehicles change the tenor. This is not meant to be complicated, nor is it meant to be long (each writing exercise is only approximately 250 words). We are just getting started, so do not worry about getting it "right." There is no one right answer, after all. All I want you to do is explore interpretation. This is about getting us thinking in figurative terms.
Discussion (no word limit):
About the metaphysical conceit change your feelings about that? If so, how?
What do you think about this idea of the persona? We have seen it now in both the poets we have looked at and in David Bowie's music. The persona allows the poet (or musician) to explore different perspectives, so we should always be careful about assuming anything about what the poet actually believes. Do we use personas in our lives? Are we always our one true self (if such a thing exists) or do we play roles and adopt personas based on the situation?