I thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at what Ralegh is specifically criticizing about Marlowe's poem. It is obvious that he is critical of the over-idealistic tone. He shows this by starting the poem "if all the world and love were young." Immediately there is a condescending tone to the pastoral poem as Ralegh says the world is NOT what Marlowe has written. I think Ralegh's main criticism is that the pastoral poem wants to hold on to a spring-time paradise forever. Unfortunately "the flowers do fade" (9). And in line 11, Ralegh brings more reality to relationships. Springtime may bring the coming together of a relationship "but sorrows fall." Ultimately there will be hurt.
The last stanza softens the poem in my eyes. The nymph is almost wistful, "had joys no date nor age no need" (22). Ralegh wishes that it would be possible for there to be a happily ever after, that no one would get old and love would last forever.
Molly,
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. I think that Ralegh's the realist who has led a rough and tumble life, but wishes that the world were otherwise.