The nature of love of the poet and his beloved in The Definition of Love

Question: What are the nature of love of the poet and his beloved in The Definition of Love?


Introduction

Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) is the striking star of English Literature and one of the members of the Metaphysical school of poetry. His metaphysical poem “The Definition of Love” is the proper elaboration of true love which is mentioned below with the reference to the poem “The Definition of Love”.

Click here for more notes of Poetry

Unattainable

The poem “ The Definition of Love” illustrates the nature of love which is unattainable because the love between the poet and his beloved is like the two-ending point of a straight line. The poet asserts that this type of love is perfect but unattainable.

Despair and Impossibility

The poet describes his love which has a rare quality. In their love, there is no need for physical union. There is only a union of true soul. So, this love leads the poet to despair and impossibility. The poet has not any hope to attain his love-

 “My love is of a birth as rare

As ‘tis for object strange and high:

It was begotten by despair

Upon Impossibility…………”

Perfect love

A Union between two perfect lovers is the sign of perfect love. Marvell’s poetry “The Definition of Love” is a fine example of perfect love here there is no need for physical attraction. We see in the poem that two lovers are so passionate about their love that there is no attempt to achieve their love. So, it can be said that this type of love is undoubtedly called perfect love.

Platonic love

If we judge the classification of love, we can say that the nature of love which Marvell has shown in the poem “The Definition of Love” bears the features of platonic love. In the case of platonic love, there is no attempt at a physical attraction. So, it is proved that the Poet’s love for his beloved is platonic.

Click here for more notes of Poetry

Conclusion

To sum up, we can say that Marvell’s poetry “The Definition of Love” illustrates the ideal kind of love. The nature of love works as a suggestion for young lovers.

S Ridoy Kumar
S Ridoy Kumar
Articles: 78

Leave a Reply