Poetry analysis metaphysical poetry

Poetry Analysis: To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time by Robert Herrick

This poem by Robert Herrick in the 17th century can be considered as a carpe diem (seize the day) poem. Overall it provokes women, especially virgins (young, pure, innocent) to have sexual relationship with men when they can before time runs out. It has four quatrains with a rhyming scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH. The first stanza has personifications, time flying, flower that smiles. The rosebuds and the flower are metaphorically to mean men in general or sex. Seize your opportunities, rosebuds, before time is gone because tomorrow, they won’t be as good or as pretty as it was. Second stanza is emphasizing the time and how he, the sun (personification), will set soon and will end the day, or the life. Third stanza talks about how young age is good for having sexual relationship, but reminds the readers that time is invincible and therefore the youth will be gone soon. Last stanza says don’t be too hesitant but go marry (this is pun; it could mean marriage or lay together). If you lose the opportunity for the prime (most flourishing state or stage), you’ll forever wait. The tone of the poem is a bit light-hearted but also didactic at the same time. It tries to convince the readers casually, to have sex before it is too late.