Annotated Bibliography
Student Name
Professor Westrick
ENGL 1102
Day Month Year
Professor Westrick
ENGL 1102
Day Month Year
“To His Coy Mistress” written by seventeenth century metaphysical poet Andrew Marvell exemplified the vivid artistic elements innate to the genre of metaphysical poetry. Marvel and other metaphysical poets of the time brought a radical reaction against the Elizabethan style of poetry from the previous century. These distinct qualities of metaphysical poetry draws largely upon the "mythic view of nature" (Hyman) and created parallels using the images of the physical world. Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress" argues the fallacy that youth and beauty are useless unless you submit to your sexual desire. This poem embodies the direct and emotionally charged approach commonly found in the metaphysical genre of poetry. My research would lead me to explore the how the social and historical constructs of of Marvell's time influenced his work, specifically "To His Coy Mistress."
Through my research I've gained new insights on Marvell and his perspective as a poet. Andrew Epstein, professor at Florida State University, provides further exploration into Marvell's professional life as a politician and how it influenced his literary works. In the short film "The Metaphysical Poets" Dr. Daniella Havenstein of Oxford University and Judith Aldridge of the University of Central England provide their interpretations of some of Marvell's best known poems. They specifically discuss the use of intellect, nature, and unconventional imagery found in Marvell's works as well as other metaphysical poets of the time. In a series written about English authors Lawrence Hyman, discusses three of Marvell's well known works discusses in detail the differences and commonalities of the referenced works. In the same series, but taken from a different volume, Thomas Wheeler discusses the legacy and reputation as a poet Marvell has left behind through his works. These articles of research provide in depth analyses on Marvell's character as well as insight on how his works were deeply influenced by the historical background yet drastically different.
Jennifer Bouchard and Michael J. Hartwell provide literary criticisms that discuss the different literary elements such as imagery, argumentative structure, and themes. Their thoughts connect the literary elements to the intellectual appeal found in metaphysical poetry. In our textbook, Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing pertinent information regarding the perspectives used in the different approaches to literature as well as the poem itself can be found. These articles were particularly useful in my research process as it allowed me to hone in on the perspective used to analyze this literary work.
One of the more notable things about Marvell were the possibilities of ambiguous interpretations and the controversial nature often associated with his literary works. Robert C. Evans discusses the sexual nature of "To His Coy Mistress" and the criticisms to the rationalizations Marvell argues in this poem. Generally Marvell is compared to and labelled as one of the great metaphysical poets of the seventeenth century however Nigel Smith and and Joan Faust would liken him not only to his predecessors but his contemporaries as well. They further discuss how Marvell's ambiguity in his poetry form seems unprecedented compared to poetic works of the time.
Through my research I've gained new insights on Marvell and his perspective as a poet. Andrew Epstein, professor at Florida State University, provides further exploration into Marvell's professional life as a politician and how it influenced his literary works. In the short film "The Metaphysical Poets" Dr. Daniella Havenstein of Oxford University and Judith Aldridge of the University of Central England provide their interpretations of some of Marvell's best known poems. They specifically discuss the use of intellect, nature, and unconventional imagery found in Marvell's works as well as other metaphysical poets of the time. In a series written about English authors Lawrence Hyman, discusses three of Marvell's well known works discusses in detail the differences and commonalities of the referenced works. In the same series, but taken from a different volume, Thomas Wheeler discusses the legacy and reputation as a poet Marvell has left behind through his works. These articles of research provide in depth analyses on Marvell's character as well as insight on how his works were deeply influenced by the historical background yet drastically different.
Jennifer Bouchard and Michael J. Hartwell provide literary criticisms that discuss the different literary elements such as imagery, argumentative structure, and themes. Their thoughts connect the literary elements to the intellectual appeal found in metaphysical poetry. In our textbook, Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing pertinent information regarding the perspectives used in the different approaches to literature as well as the poem itself can be found. These articles were particularly useful in my research process as it allowed me to hone in on the perspective used to analyze this literary work.
One of the more notable things about Marvell were the possibilities of ambiguous interpretations and the controversial nature often associated with his literary works. Robert C. Evans discusses the sexual nature of "To His Coy Mistress" and the criticisms to the rationalizations Marvell argues in this poem. Generally Marvell is compared to and labelled as one of the great metaphysical poets of the seventeenth century however Nigel Smith and and Joan Faust would liken him not only to his predecessors but his contemporaries as well. They further discuss how Marvell's ambiguity in his poetry form seems unprecedented compared to poetic works of the time.
Annotated Sources
1. Epstein, Andrew D. "Marvell, Andrew (1621-1678)." World Poets, edited by Ron Padgett, vol. 2, Charles Scribner's Sons, 2000, pp. 155-164. Scribner Writer Series, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/CX1386400067/GVRL?u=atla29738&sid=GVRL&xid=7fd44e15. Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.
Epstein generally discusses Marvell's life including his career outside of being a poet. It is noted in this article that Marvell's career as politician and general lead him to quiet retirement surrounded by "peaceful gardens and seclusion". It was there that Marvel wrote penned some of his greatest works. Epstein also mentions the quality of Marvell's works and how precisely they referenced nature and his use of subtle irony. This in depth analysis of Marvell provides further context around what influence is used in Marvell's writing style.
2. Evans, Robert C. Human Sexuality. Facts on File, Inc, 2009. Bloom's Literary Themes. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.gsu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=274096&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article focuses on the sexual themes used in "To His Coy Mistress." These themes are represented in analogies masked by the description of nature. Evan analyzes, "Marvell, if he wanted to, could easily have made this speaker praise this woman's soul as well as her body; plenty of precedent existed for such poems uniting physical desire and spiritual affection. The fact that Marvell's speaker is so obsessively focused on the mistress's flesh therefore invites us to respond ironically." Some of the rationalizations that are made compare the body to decaying nature, implying that youth and beauty are useless without consummating their sexual desires. This article provides meticulous breakdowns of the many analogies used and draw the connection they have to nature.
3. Hyman, Lawrence W. "Three Famous Lyrics." Andrew Marvell, Twayne Publishers, 1964, pp. 52-72. Twayne's English Authors Series 4. Twayne's Authors Series, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/CX1710300011/GVRL?u=atla29738&sid=GVRL&xid=3c19f92b. Accessed 28 Mar. 2018.
Lawrence Hyman explores the intricacies within the lyrical content of three of Marvell's works including:"Definition of Love," "To His Coy Mistress," and "The Garden." These works can be viewed as some of Marvell's powerful love poems. Hyman notes that, "... in their different ways, all three poems can be read as ultimate lyrical expressions of Marvell's deeply rooted impulses." Not only does Hyman discuss the lyrics, he also discusses key factors of influence on Marvell's work, such as the Platonic and neo-Platonic belief that math was essential to the nature of the universe and how poets of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era incorporated that concept into their literary works. He also explores other philosophical approaches taken to poetry that were commonly used by Marvell and other poets of his time.
4. Wheeler, Thomas. "Three Masterpieces." Andrew Marvell Revisited, Twayne Publishers, 1996, pp. 90-110. Twayne's English Authors Series 531. Twayne's Authors Series, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/CX1374400014/GVRL?u=atla29738&sid=GVRL&xid=eecfa5e8.Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.
This article provides comparison between "To His Coy Mistress" and Marvell's other notable works. Wheeler explores the vivid imagery of this poem and dissects the many analogies used. These elements are significant to Marvell's works and this article elaborates on the lasting impression of the different literary devices used.
5. Bouchard, Jennifer. "Andrew Marvel's "To His Coy Mistress." Literary Contexts in Poetry: Andrew Marvell's 'To His Coy Mistress', June 2008, p. 1. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.gsu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=33158443&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Jennifer Bouchard provides a literary criticism based on the historical, societal, religious, and biographical context of Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress." She discusses Marvell's personal endeavors at length, and mentions how many of his works are inspired by his travels as well as his position as a member of Parliament. Much of his greatest works were not known until after his death and much of his latter works were plagued by political satire venting his frustrations. This context helps me to understand Marvell's works on a deeper level and really exemplifies how his work was different from other poets of the time.
Epstein generally discusses Marvell's life including his career outside of being a poet. It is noted in this article that Marvell's career as politician and general lead him to quiet retirement surrounded by "peaceful gardens and seclusion". It was there that Marvel wrote penned some of his greatest works. Epstein also mentions the quality of Marvell's works and how precisely they referenced nature and his use of subtle irony. This in depth analysis of Marvell provides further context around what influence is used in Marvell's writing style.
2. Evans, Robert C. Human Sexuality. Facts on File, Inc, 2009. Bloom's Literary Themes. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.gsu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=274096&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article focuses on the sexual themes used in "To His Coy Mistress." These themes are represented in analogies masked by the description of nature. Evan analyzes, "Marvell, if he wanted to, could easily have made this speaker praise this woman's soul as well as her body; plenty of precedent existed for such poems uniting physical desire and spiritual affection. The fact that Marvell's speaker is so obsessively focused on the mistress's flesh therefore invites us to respond ironically." Some of the rationalizations that are made compare the body to decaying nature, implying that youth and beauty are useless without consummating their sexual desires. This article provides meticulous breakdowns of the many analogies used and draw the connection they have to nature.
3. Hyman, Lawrence W. "Three Famous Lyrics." Andrew Marvell, Twayne Publishers, 1964, pp. 52-72. Twayne's English Authors Series 4. Twayne's Authors Series, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/CX1710300011/GVRL?u=atla29738&sid=GVRL&xid=3c19f92b. Accessed 28 Mar. 2018.
Lawrence Hyman explores the intricacies within the lyrical content of three of Marvell's works including:"Definition of Love," "To His Coy Mistress," and "The Garden." These works can be viewed as some of Marvell's powerful love poems. Hyman notes that, "... in their different ways, all three poems can be read as ultimate lyrical expressions of Marvell's deeply rooted impulses." Not only does Hyman discuss the lyrics, he also discusses key factors of influence on Marvell's work, such as the Platonic and neo-Platonic belief that math was essential to the nature of the universe and how poets of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era incorporated that concept into their literary works. He also explores other philosophical approaches taken to poetry that were commonly used by Marvell and other poets of his time.
4. Wheeler, Thomas. "Three Masterpieces." Andrew Marvell Revisited, Twayne Publishers, 1996, pp. 90-110. Twayne's English Authors Series 531. Twayne's Authors Series, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/CX1374400014/GVRL?u=atla29738&sid=GVRL&xid=eecfa5e8.Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.
This article provides comparison between "To His Coy Mistress" and Marvell's other notable works. Wheeler explores the vivid imagery of this poem and dissects the many analogies used. These elements are significant to Marvell's works and this article elaborates on the lasting impression of the different literary devices used.
5. Bouchard, Jennifer. "Andrew Marvel's "To His Coy Mistress." Literary Contexts in Poetry: Andrew Marvell's 'To His Coy Mistress', June 2008, p. 1. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.gsu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lfh&AN=33158443&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Jennifer Bouchard provides a literary criticism based on the historical, societal, religious, and biographical context of Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress." She discusses Marvell's personal endeavors at length, and mentions how many of his works are inspired by his travels as well as his position as a member of Parliament. Much of his greatest works were not known until after his death and much of his latter works were plagued by political satire venting his frustrations. This context helps me to understand Marvell's works on a deeper level and really exemplifies how his work was different from other poets of the time.
Analyzed Sources
6. Faust, Joan. Andrew Marvell's Liminal Lyrics : The Space Between, University of Delaware Press, 2012. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/lib/gsu/detail.action?docID=1034732.
Joan Faust discusses how Marvell's work blurs the boundaries of his predecessors and contemporaries. She explores the "in-between" aspects of his work. This study invites Marvell's readers to view some of his representative lyrics in the context of the anthropological concept of liminality. This source is particularly helpful because it provides detail about the technique that Marvell used. Rather than discussing how life events influenced Marvell's works, Faust approaches this analysis by discussing the transitions within Marvell's life instead, the concept of liminality. I will use this source to see how Marvell molded his literary work outside of the confines and constructs that were already present.
7. Hartwell, Michael J. ”To His Coy Mistress, An Introduction to." Poetry Criticism, edited by Lawrence J. Trudeau, vol. 144, Gale, 2013. Literature Criticism Online,http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/NWCBSR077702984/LCO?u=atla29738&sid=LCO&xid=99dbe88e. Accessed 25 Mar. 2018.
Hartwell examines the literary, biblical and cultural allusions in "To His Coy Mistress." He also further discusses the argumentative structure of this work. The most significant aspect of this research item is how Hartwell links the allusions found in "To His Coy Mistress" to the works of other poets. This criticism also discusses the reception to the work by Marvell's readers. I think this will be helpful in my paper since my approach is more about how influence plays a factor with how Marvell introduces his literary elements in "To His Coy Mistress." These influences can be historical, cultural, or societal.
8. Roberts, Edgar V. and Zweig, Roberts. Literature An Introduction To Reading And Writing Sixth Edition. p. 721, 784, 1570. Pearson Education, 2008, 2012, 2015
One of my key sources is our textbook, of course. From our textbook I am able to reference the poem itself. I also rely heavily on my textbook to provide information on the what I need to be discussing for the approach that I have chosen. In addition, I will also be using my textbook to help during the drafting process.
9. Smith, Nigel. Andrew Marvell : The Chameleon, Yale University Press, 2010. ProQuest Ebook Central,https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/lib/gsu/detail.action?docID=3420924.
Much of my research has led me to believe that Andrew Marvell, despite being a public figure, was shrouded in mystery. Nigel Smith pens one of the most detailed biographies of Andrew Marvell. In this biography Smith brings up Marvell's identity as a patriot, spy, conspirator, concealed homosexual, father to the liberal tradition, and incendiary satirical pioneer. This account is especially important because it not only provides historical context, but very personal and life altering events that Marvell's works could have been influenced by.
10. “The Metaphysical Poets.” Films Media Group, 1998, fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=96311&xtid=8668. Accessed 6 Apr. 2018
This short film is pertinent to my research because it provides context on the shape of poetry prior to Marvell's time and how his artistry fits or does not fit within the boundaries of his time period. On a basic level this short film analyzes Marvell's best known poems as well as works of other metaphysical poets.
Joan Faust discusses how Marvell's work blurs the boundaries of his predecessors and contemporaries. She explores the "in-between" aspects of his work. This study invites Marvell's readers to view some of his representative lyrics in the context of the anthropological concept of liminality. This source is particularly helpful because it provides detail about the technique that Marvell used. Rather than discussing how life events influenced Marvell's works, Faust approaches this analysis by discussing the transitions within Marvell's life instead, the concept of liminality. I will use this source to see how Marvell molded his literary work outside of the confines and constructs that were already present.
7. Hartwell, Michael J. ”To His Coy Mistress, An Introduction to." Poetry Criticism, edited by Lawrence J. Trudeau, vol. 144, Gale, 2013. Literature Criticism Online,http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/apps/doc/NWCBSR077702984/LCO?u=atla29738&sid=LCO&xid=99dbe88e. Accessed 25 Mar. 2018.
Hartwell examines the literary, biblical and cultural allusions in "To His Coy Mistress." He also further discusses the argumentative structure of this work. The most significant aspect of this research item is how Hartwell links the allusions found in "To His Coy Mistress" to the works of other poets. This criticism also discusses the reception to the work by Marvell's readers. I think this will be helpful in my paper since my approach is more about how influence plays a factor with how Marvell introduces his literary elements in "To His Coy Mistress." These influences can be historical, cultural, or societal.
8. Roberts, Edgar V. and Zweig, Roberts. Literature An Introduction To Reading And Writing Sixth Edition. p. 721, 784, 1570. Pearson Education, 2008, 2012, 2015
One of my key sources is our textbook, of course. From our textbook I am able to reference the poem itself. I also rely heavily on my textbook to provide information on the what I need to be discussing for the approach that I have chosen. In addition, I will also be using my textbook to help during the drafting process.
9. Smith, Nigel. Andrew Marvell : The Chameleon, Yale University Press, 2010. ProQuest Ebook Central,https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/lib/gsu/detail.action?docID=3420924.
Much of my research has led me to believe that Andrew Marvell, despite being a public figure, was shrouded in mystery. Nigel Smith pens one of the most detailed biographies of Andrew Marvell. In this biography Smith brings up Marvell's identity as a patriot, spy, conspirator, concealed homosexual, father to the liberal tradition, and incendiary satirical pioneer. This account is especially important because it not only provides historical context, but very personal and life altering events that Marvell's works could have been influenced by.
10. “The Metaphysical Poets.” Films Media Group, 1998, fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=96311&xtid=8668. Accessed 6 Apr. 2018
This short film is pertinent to my research because it provides context on the shape of poetry prior to Marvell's time and how his artistry fits or does not fit within the boundaries of his time period. On a basic level this short film analyzes Marvell's best known poems as well as works of other metaphysical poets.