Question

Mavells “to his coy mistress” and Herricks “ to the virgins to make much of time” How do these poets view women what other symbols do they use to Petray women how do each of the authors choice of symbols reinforce their cultures view of women considered when these poems were written the society social structure in the role of women your answer should be at least 250 words

Answer 1

How do these poets view women?

The two poems portray women as shy and virgin. The women are shown to be taking their time and seem to be in no hurry to settle down in marriage; while the men who are courting them are getting impatient.  Robert Herrick in “To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time” and Andrew Marvell in “To His Coy Mistress” also describe women as good-looking and attractive in their youth but with the passing of time would faded and of no value just like wilted flowers.

What other symbols do they use to portray women?

Herrick resembles women to rosebuds and the sun; while Marvell compares women to time and the passing of time. Both poets depict women with a beginning; a peak of life; and an ending. Women are at the peak of beauty in their youth and are most attractive to men; but towards the end of their lives their beauty diminishes and so does their value.

How do each of the authors’ choice of symbols reinforce their cultures’ view of women considered when these poems were written the society social structure in the role of women?

These poems show how the society look at women. They are valued and sought after when they are young and beautiful. However, they lose their worth when they become old and wrinkled. This implies that women are only viewed as objects of men’s desires and if they remain unmarried and grow older, they become of no value.