Comparison of the Presentation of Seduction in the Poems To His Coy Mis

Comparison of the Presentation of Seduction in the Poems To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell and The Willing Mistress by Aphra Behn Both Marvell and Behn wrote during the Renaissance period and had different styles. However, they explored similar themes. In 'To His Coy Mistress', Marvell uses a cleverly structured argument called 'syllogism' to persuade his lover to 'seize the day' and make love before their passion fades. In the first section, Marvell speculates how he would adore his mistress. He compliments his mistress saying she deserves such praise. He uses hyperbole to illustrate the extent of his love. He uses many vast geographical and biblical allusions to tell the vastness of his love. The tone in the second section is desolate and threatening. Time is personified to show it's inevitable conclusion - death confronts us all. He uses a blunt reminder that 'times winged chariot' is 'hurrying near'. Threatening images of graves and decay emphasise his point. The imagery becomes morbid and disturbing as he reminds his lover, manipulatively, that death will inevitably destroy her virginity. In the third section of the poem, Marvell draws his triumphant conclusion. His lover is young and beautiful and they desire one another. He focuses on the urgency of seduction. In contrast, Aphra Behn is revolutionary and our expectations are challenged as she writes her willingness to receivevher lover's attention in a female persona. She presents seduction from a woman's point of view. She was one of the first women to write about a woman's sexual feelings in pre-1900 poems. Aphra Behn's humorous poem follows a narrative structure in which ... ... them to consummate their love and savour her 'fleeting youth'. The metaphorical description 'iron gates of life' tells us that life is hard and full of though restrictions that ought to be and can be broken by them. 'Iron gates of life' describes boundaries as barbaric. The way in which he wishes to break such a strong boundary with just their love for each other represents his confidence at the success of his words. I preferred 'To His Coy Mistress' to 'The Willing Mistress' because it had hidden depths and meanings. I liked the way in which the poetic techniques were used to produce such a powerful effect. I also like the way in which the tone changes so often to portray his point. I did like 'The Willing Mistress' because it is playful and humorous but it is only a simple story and not a cryptic piece of poetry.