Marvell’s “To his Coy Mistress” and Donne’s “Flea”

The seventeenth century was an era of beautiful poetry. Two poets in particular, Andrew Marvell and John Donne, wrote carpe diem poetry full of vivid imagery and metaphysical conceits. Each conveyed the message of “living for the now.” This message can be clearly seen in the poems “To his Coy Mistress” by Marvell and Donne’s “Flea.” By using clever metaphors and meter, the poems not only are symbolic, but have almost a physical aspect …showed first 75 words of 928 total…

…showed last 75 words of 928 total…the flea is a more creative approach to the subject than simply stating the case, but the idea is more far-fetched, and runs almost to the point of annoyance. Though wonderful as poetry, in terms of persuasiveness, it fails when compared to the eloquence of Marvell’s speaker. With such ingenious rhyme, use of metaphors, and vivid imagery, “To his Coy Mistress” exemplifies one man’s raw desire and passion, and refusal to be denied.