To His Coy Mistress Analysis

The poem, To His Coy Mistress, is written in iambic tetrameter with rhyming couplets. The purpose of these literary devices is to effect the rhythm of the poem. This rhyme scheme brings attention to the idea that the poem is not meant to be taken seriously. On the surface to his coy mistress is interpreted as a love letter from a man to his love interest. However, the real purpose of the poem is to seduce his mistress into having sex with him. The poem suggests that we can not know what lies ahead because the human mind can only experience the present. Thus, introducing the theme Carpe Diem (seize the day). 

In the first stanza the speaker attempts to seduce his mistress with flattery. He says how if they had more time, shyness would not be an issue. The speaker also explains that if they had more time, he would spend years admiring her and loving her forever. Starting off sweet and praising his love interest is why the poem is perceived as a love letter at first glance. However, the mood of the poem shifts in the second stanza when the speaker dismisses everything he said previously. The speaker explains that time passes too quickly to wait. His patience is running out and he can not love her at such a far distance. The romantic feel moves toward a sexual feel when he states that he does not want to wait to seek his desires (sex). He tells his mistress how life is too short but death is forever. And he explains that if they don't have sex now, then when she dies worms will come into her coffin and take her "virginity." In the last stanza the speaker appears to be confident of his persuasive argument when he says "Now therefore, while the youthful hue.." He concludes that due to the reasons he just listed, they should therefore have sex now. He acts as if he knows his argument was successful and that she is going to listen to his commands. But on a lighter note, he ends the poem by complimenting her youth and beauty. Ultimately, the poem suggests that people must not wait to meet their desires, rather they should seize the day! And in the speakers situation this pertains to having sex with his "coy mistress."