Idea, by definition, is an opinion or belief. In literature it is primarily the authors opinion or belief. In Andrew Marvel’s “To His Coy Mistress”, Marvels main idea is to live for today because tomorrow is promised to no one. The idea is broken down into three categories. The piece contains Marvels three ideas of, thesis (idealism), antithesis (realism), and synthesis (therefore), which become apparent as the piece continues. Each category represents something new in the poem. He takes different turns and looks at the same situation differently each time.
In the thesis statement “had we but world enough and time” it becomes evident that Marvel is referring to a “what if”. As he begins to tell his mistress, that if they had enough time then he would spend each precious moment with her, but because time is limited they must act on their lust for each other while they are still young and fruitful. Ideally it would be the authors dream to be with his mistress for centuries or even eternities on end. The idea is to show how everything is based on time and without time we would have no boundaries. “Had we but World enough, and Time…. We would sit down, and think which way to walk, and pass our long loves day… An hundred years should grow to praise.” (Lines 1-12, Marvel)
The second idea is that of realism in which the reality of his situation kicks in. He realizes and brings to her attention that they don’t have unlimited time and they are not getting any younger. So the virginity that she so willingly holds on to, she might end up taking it with her to her grave. “But at my back I hear times winged chariot hurrying near…then worms shall try that long preserv’d virginity…. The grave’s a fine and private place but none I think do there embrace”(lines 13-20, Marvel) The idea remains the same but takes a different turn as it was when referring to idealism. He knows that time is winding down, but instead of living in the “land of make believe” he wants to live for now. He doesn’t want to have any regrets, and not acting oh his instincts would mostly defiantly be a regret.
The Essay on To what extent are business start up ideas down to luck?
There are many ways in which a business opportunity and idea is spotted and created. Sometimes the creations of these are ideas are sometimes down to luck, at other times due to creativity and knowledge. Many ideas for a successful business come from people who have experience working in a particular market or industry. This creates many advantages for the success of this idea: it provides a ...
The last idea demonstrated in Marvels work is synthesis, meaning therefore. After the author tells his young mistress of all the reasons why they should act upon there feelings for each other and what will happen if they don’t he slips into a world of actuality. He states that they are here together, the time is right, the feeling is mutual, so it only makes sense, after hearing his thoughts of idealism and realism, that they engage in an act of lust. The whole piece worked its way up to this specific moment. “Rather at once out time devour, than languish in his slow-chapt pow’r. Let us roll all our strength, and all our sweetness, up into one ball and tear our pleasures with rough strife”(lines 25- 32, Marvel).
The author makes it evident that the only thing left to do is the deed. Everything that was to be said was said and everything that is to be done shall, hopefully, be done.
Andrew Marvel’s “To His Coy Mistress” is a piece of literature that goes through three ideas: idealism, realism and actuality. The author’s idea of living for today because tomorrow is promised to no one is consisted and is expressed evidently throughout the work. Marvel’s idea not only relates to the piece but also can relate to any other event in everyday life.
