To His Coy Mistress (Mini Essay)

It is clear in the poem To His Coy Mistress, that author Marvell is extremely passionate about the women he is talking to. But are his kind and persuasive words hiding the true meaning behind what he is actually intending to say? Throughout the poem, Marvell constantly talks about the essence of time, and how they must act fast, in order to really fulfill their love. But behind the multiple compliments he is giving to his woman, there is a sense of misogyny towards his "Mistress". If he were truly and deeply in love with this woman, wouldn't he be less concerned with the time aspect and more focused on loving her, getting to know her, and growing as soul mates?  Marvell uses a technique of writing romantically, and luring her in by making her feel wanted and beautiful, when in fact, he is using her.

Marvell's prime focus in the poem is his concern with time going by too quickly. He expresses that they need to demonstrate their love now while they are in their youth, or their chances of being together in the future are slim. He says, "And your quaint honour turn to dust, and into ashes all my lust, The grave's a fine and private place, But none I think do there embrace"(29). Here, Marvell hides his true feelings behind romantic writing. Although, the writing sounds complimentary and romantic, Marvell uses this line as a threat to his Mistress. He explains that they will die, turn to dust, be buried in a grave, and rot before they ever got to express their true feelings. Oh, how romantic! Marvell wishes throughout the poem that by complimenting her, and hiding his sly and cruel remarks by beautiful words that he will persuade her to be with him here and now. But if he truly loved her, he wouldn't mention death, he would simply live in the moment, and let their love grow. Isn't patience a necessity in loving someone? The beauty of love is that, if true, love will continue to grow, in various ways, at multiple times. Marvell is being forceful and demanding with his requests, instead of letting nature takes it's course.  As the poem goes on, his aggressiveness grows, his language becomes rougher, and he grows in angst. He says, in the third and final stanza, "Tear our pleasures with rough strife thorough the iron gates of life" (43). His anger and want for her increases and he slowly becomes more eager to control her. Marvell hides his misogynistic attitude and demanding requests, behind romantic writing, in hopes to persuade his mistress to give in, and to let him take control of their future and their relationship.