Introduction
The main style of narration exhibited in the two poems is persuasion. In the poem “Corrina’s Going A-May” the persona coaxes his beloved, Corrina, to go forth and enjoy the delights of the chilly morning as other young people usually do. He is wooing his lover to accept his call. We do not get to hear the response of the persona’s lover in the poem. This indicates the use of dramatic monologue.
The persona also tries to make his lover feel guilty of not waking up early. He stresses that she is the only one who is still sleeping while others have already gone ahead to seek happiness.
The speaker proves his point by informing his lover about other young men that have already tied the knot and are already celebrating. His intention is to make Corrina quicken her steps so that they can be together. The persona uses alliteration to stress on the urgency of the matter (Herrick line 29).
The second poem also has a form of persuasiveness. The persona is attracted to the lady in a physical manner. He is trying to convince the lady to love him so that he can make love to her. He has foreseen a form of eternity in their relationship.
This is only shown in the first few lines, but the rest of the persona’s persuasions are even more intense in the latter lines. He feels that the world will end before they achieve their goal of making love. He feels that death could rob him of the pleasure of the world and he would not have the chance to merry with his lover (Marvel lines 25-31). In this poem too, we do not get the response of the lady.
Thematic Comparison
Both poems express the theme of carpe diem. This means to seize the day or moment for the future is unseen. In the poem “Corrina’s Going A-May”, the persona tries to woo the lady to take full pleasure of the moment. He insists that the clock is ticking and old age would catch up with them (Herrick lines 57-70). The poem also illustrates that old age and death are all inevitable.
This means their desires would be lost before they practice the freedom they have. In the other poem “To His Coy Mistress”, the speaker is requesting the mistress to yield to his passion before time elapses. He argues on the reality of time, space and mortality. His idea is that the lady should seize the chance and give him her body quickly for the force of death could snatch her at any moment (Marvel lines 33-40).
Comparison of Tone
The tone in the poem “Corrina’s Going A- May” is joyful, exuberant and full of anticipation. The speaker is happy that a new morning has sprung up and that he will have the chance to be with Corrina. He will also tie the knot with her and they would live enjoyably with each other (Herrick lines 29-42). Though old age will come, the moments will not be distressing because they had seized the opportunity and enjoyed themselves.
On the other hand, the tone in Marvel’s poem is intimate. The speaker cannot wait to make love to his lady. He is full of passion and he describes how their intimacy will be carried out. His desire shows strength, sweetness and strife (Marvel lines 41-46).
Comparison of Rhyme Pattern
The rhyming pattern in Robert’s poem is the end rhyming scheme with a couplet. All the couplets end with a masculine rhyme except the final couplet. In Marvel’s poem the type of rhyme scheme is an end rhyme. It also depicts a couplet.
Conclusion
Both poems are love related, with the two speakers demonstrating their urge for love and to be with their lovers. Robert’s poem is romantic and coupled with joy whereas Marvel’s poem is more of a physical attraction. Both depict a “seize the moment” theme type.