Metaphysical and Cavalier Poetry Analysis
Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to analyze some of the most famous poems written by the
metaphysical and cavalier poets. You will choose 5 of the following 6 poems to analyze using either the
TPCASTT format or the Poetry Explication suggestions form UNC. You will be writing up your answers,
but it need not be in formal essay structure. It is expected that you will reference specific words, lines,
etc from the poems when analyzing. You may include a copy of the poem with annotations as part of
your analysis if you wish. Overall, your goal is to show that you have a thorough understanding of each
poem.
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A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning – John Donne
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Song: To Celia – Ben Johnson
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To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time – Robert Herrick
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Why So Pale and Wan, Fond Lover? – Sir John Suckling
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To Lucasta, Going to the Wars – Richard Lovelace
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To His Coy Mistress – Andrew Marvell