To His Coy Mistress

In what sense is the speaker in this poem celebrating his beloved? He is writing about her in fondness. Throughout the poem he is telling her how much he loves her. An example would be in line 20 "For, Lady, you deserve this state, Nor would I love at lower rate." It seems to me he is saying he would never show her less than what she deserves. In what sense is the speaker celebrating himself? Towards the end of the poem, he says "Rather at once our time devour Than languish in his slow-chapped power. Let us roll our strength and all Our sweetness up into one ball. In those two lines he is celebrating his love for her by telling her to not waste time. He wants her to be with him now and enjoy life now - not waste it.

Is his portrayal of her entirely positive? Which elements, if any, are negative? To me it doesn't seem entirely positive. He says "Time's winged chariot hurrying near, And yonder all before us lie. " He is saying that we are all mortal. Everyone will age and not be beautiful forever, even his beloved. He also says in line 30 "And your quaint honor turn to dust, And into ashes all must lust." I believe he means that someday she won't look like she does now and he may not desire her the way he does now. He wants them to live in the moment. There are some words in this poem that make it seem a little harsher than just praise. The words ashes, worms, prey, iron gates. All seem to reflect a negative portrayal of what is to come as they age.

“Delight in Disorder” - an appreciation for less than perfection

In “Delight in Disorder” by Robert Herrick the Title tells us that the author is to be delighted in his following statements of disorder. The authors word choice “kindles in clothes a wantonness” shows us the speaker sensual pleasure in viewing this person whom he sees having a “sweet disorder. “ “A fine distraction” he thinks as he refers to the shawl this person is wearing, he finds it appealing and agreeable to look upon this person. The words disorder, thrown, erring lead me to believe that maybe she is a saloon type girl. As the imagery of this loose thrown together, disorderly object of desire seems to not be describing a perfected style of a so called finer person. Or maybe it is a youthful person whom is not perfected in their style. The word enthralls is one of several words which shows he feels powerless over his perception of her. “A cuff neglectful….ribbons to flow confusedly,” He finds her interesting to look upon and to think about. The fact that things are not completely in order provokes an interest in her. Her clothing very much provoking his desire. He notes her wave as winning and deserving, viewing her alone has set his mind on her but he is aware that it is temptation which calls him to look upon her and does not wish to fight against it, but instead relishes in and enjoys to be “bewitched.” He would rather look upon a person with qualities of imperfection openly displayed or seen, than to look at someone seemingly perfect by their way of appearance.