Title: To His Coy Mistress

Poet: Andrew Marvell (1621-1678)

Written Date: Around 1650s

Publication Date: Posthumous in 1681

Form: Metaphysical Love Poem (a passionate and witty argument for love)

Meter: Iambic Tetrameter (four beats per line; it means 8 syllables)

Rhyme Scheme: Rhyming couplets (AABBCC...) throughout the poem (every two lines rhyme together)

Total Lines: 46 lines

Tone: Passionate, Playful, Persuasive, and Urgent (the speaker argues with reason, wit, and emotion to convince his coy mistress)

Key Notes

What is ‘Carpe Diem’?

“Carpe Diem” is a Latin phrase. It means “seize the day” or “enjoy the present moment.” This idea tells people to enjoy life now because time is very short. We do not know what will happen tomorrow, so we should not waste today.   

In literature, the Carpe Diem theory is used to say:

• Life is short
• Time passes quickly
• Death will come soon

Many poets used this idea in their poems, especially in the 17th century. Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was one of them. His “To His Coy Mistress” is the best example of a “carpe diem” poem. This poem is an attempt by the poet to seduce his “coy mistress.” He says that time moves very fast, and if they wait too long, they will lose the chance to enjoy love. So, he proposes that they should enjoy love now, while they are young and full of energy.