A Formalist Reading of Andrew Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress”

very important formal pattern in this metaphysical poem. It was a part of rational discourse in the 17th century, but Marvell has ‘defamiliarized’ it by transforming into rational discourse. Here, the poet is trying to persuade his beloved to allow him physical union. In fact, persuasion can be effective and enduring if it is presented logically or reasonably. In this poem, the argument of the poet is developed in a strictly logical form and leading to a definite conclusion. The pattern follows 3 stages of argument, consecutively initiating with ‘if’, ‘but’, and ‘therefore’. The 1st stage begins with a condition of the natural of metaphysical conceit, that ‘if’ he had eternity and wealth, he would spend lavish amounts of time courting and praising her. ‘But’ the condition cannot be fulfilled because time is fleeting and human is mortal. One day the mistress would be penetrated and devoured by worms in a lonely tomb where there will be no love. ‘Therefore’ they should ‘seize the day‘, i.e., enjoy their each and every opportunity of love-making as if it is their last moment. Thus, the conclusion of this syllogistic form is clearly interwoven with the content or theme of the poem.

Again, under the ‘if’ clause, Marvell has used lots of hyperboles in coherence with the impossibility of his desire’s fulfillment. This figurative device is reinforced by metaphysical conceits. Regarding this, the poem manifests exotic location: ‘Indian Ganges’, hyperbolic expansion of time:

An hundred years should go to praise

Thine eyes, and on thy Forehead Gaze.

Two hundred to adore each Breast:

But thirty thousand to the rest. (13-16)

 We also find startling comparisons or contrasts of some metaphysical

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