“The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

“The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell first appeared in print in 1681, though the exact publication context remains unclear. It likely debuted within a manuscript collection, showcasing Marvell’s characteristic wit and philosophical depth. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of a love both intense and unattainable. Through vivid metaphors and unexpected imagery, Marvell captures the paradoxical nature of love: a rare and divinely beautiful affection tragically destined for unfulfillment. This exploration of love’s complexities, rich with figurative language, has cemented “The Definition of Love” as a captivating contribution to the literary canon.

Text: “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Annotations: “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Stanza	Annotation
1	The speaker describes their love as exceptionally rare, born from circumstances of great despair and against insurmountable odds. This sets the tone for the poem, establishing the unique nature of their affection.
2	Here, the speaker personifies despair, portraying it as a noble force that reveals the sublime nature of love. While hope, depicted as feeble and ineffectual, could never reach such heights, despair elevates love to a divine level.
3	Despite the speaker’s belief that they could easily be united with their beloved due to the strong connection of their souls, fate intervenes. The imagery of fate driving iron wedges suggests an unstoppable force keeping them apart.
4	Fate is portrayed as a jealous entity that prevents the perfect union of two lovers. The metaphor of distant poles emphasizes the impossibility of their union under the current circumstances.
5	Even though the speaker feels that their love encompasses the entire world, fate’s decree ensures they cannot be together without cataclysmic events disrupting the natural order. This highlights the extreme measures that would be required for their union.
6	The speaker reflects on the different paths love can take, but in their case, fate and love run parallel but never intersect. Despite the infinite possibilities, they are destined to remain apart.
7	Fate’s jealousy continues to obstruct the union of the speaker and their beloved. The only connection permitted is the conjunction of their minds, symbolizing an intellectual and emotional bond, amidst the opposition of external forces represented by the stars.

Literary and Poetic Devices: “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Fixed / But Fate…” * “World / Wheel”	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis.
Assonance	“Love…Object…High” * “Meet…Parallel”	Repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a sense of musicality.
Enjambment	Lines flow into each other without a pause at the end, creating a sense of continuity. (See lines 3-4, 7-8)	Breaks in punctuation occur within a sentence rather than at the end of a line.
Hyperbole	* “Iron wedges”: “But Fate does Iron wedges drive” * “cramp’d into a Planisphere”: “And, us to joyn, the World should all / Be cramp’d into a Planisphere.”	The use of “iron wedges” and “cramp’d” exaggerates the force keeping the lovers apart.
Imagery	* “Tinsel Wing” * “Distant Poles” * “Lines so Loves oblique”	Vivid descriptions of the tinsel wing, distant poles, and oblique lines paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
Metaphor	* Love as a child: “My Love is of a birth…” * Hope with Tinsel Wings: “But vainly flapt its Tinsel Wing”	Love is compared to a child, suggesting its newness and growth. Hope’s wings are described as tinsel, highlighting its superficiality.
Metonymy	“Stars”: “Opposition of the Stars”	The stars represent the lovers’ destinies, a part for the whole.
Oxymoron	“Perfect Loves…nor lets them close”	The combination of “perfect” and “not close” creates a contradiction, emphasizing the frustration.
Paradox	“My Love is of a birth as rare / As ’tis for object strange and high: / It was begotten by despair / Upon Impossibility.”	The speaker’s love is born from despair for something unattainable, creating a seemingly contradictory situation.
Personification	* Despair: “Magnanimous Despair alone / Could show me so divine a thing” * Fate: “For Fate with jealous Eye does see”	Despair and Fate are given human qualities like showing and seeing, making them more impactful.
Repetition	* “Love” repeated throughout * “But” used repeatedly to emphasize obstacles	Repetition of words or phrases for emphasis and structure.
Rhetorical Question	“Unless the giddy Heaven fall, / And Earth some new Convulsion tear…”	A question not meant to be answered but to evoke strong emotions or emphasize a point.
Simile	“As Lines so Loves oblique may well / Themselves in every Angle greet…”	Compares two things using “like” or “as.” (See line 13)
Symbolism	* “Distant Poles”: Represent the vast separation of the lovers. * “Iron wedges”: Represent the obstacles imposed by Fate.	Objects or ideas that carry a meaning beyond their literal sense.
Synecdoche	“World”: “And, us to join, the World should all…”	A part is used to represent the whole. (World = everything)
Understatement	“Feeble Hope” (Line 4)	Deliberately downplaying something for emphasis.

Themes: “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

1. The Power and Paradox of Love: The poem explores the intense yet contradictory nature of the speaker’s love. It arises from a seemingly impossible situation: “My Love is of a birth as rare / As ’tis for object strange and high: / It was begotten by despair / Upon Impossibility.” This paradox highlights the love’s unique power, born from both hope and despair. Despite its impossibility, the love remains deeply affecting: “Magnanimous Despair alone / Could show me so divine a thing.”
2. Fate as a Cruel Force: Fate is personified as a powerful and malicious entity actively working against the lovers’ union. The poem uses strong imagery to depict Fate’s cruelty: “For Fate with jealous Eye does see / Two perfect Loves; nor lets them close: / Their union would her ruine be, / And her Tyrannick pow’er depose.” Additionally, the “Iron wedges” driven by Fate symbolize the external forces keeping the lovers apart.
3. The Mind vs. The Body: The speaker suggests that their love prioritizes the “Conjunction of the Mind” over physical closeness. This theme aligns with the concept of New Platonic love, where the focus is on the ideal form rather than the physical body. Lines like “And yet I quickly might arrive / Where my extended Soul is fixt” emphasize the connection on a spiritual level.
4. The Yearning for Unfulfilled Potential: The poem conveys a deep longing for a love that Fate prevents the speaker from experiencing fully. The speaker expresses a sense of frustration and missed opportunity: “And yet I quickly might arrive / Where my extended Soul is fixt.” The rhetorical question “Unless the giddy Heaven fall, / And Earth some new Convulsion tear…” further emphasizes the impossibility of their situation and the fleeting nature of time.
5. The Tension Between Acceptance and Desire: The poem explores the complex tension between accepting the limitations imposed by Fate and the continued desire for the unattainable love. The speaker acknowledges Fate’s power: “For Fate with jealous Eye does see…” Yet, they still express the intensity of their love: “Therefore the Love which us doth bind…” This tension creates a sense of bittersweet longing throughout the poem.

Literary Theories and “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Literary Theory	Explanation	Example from “The Definition of Love”
Metaphysical Poetry	A 17th-century style known for its intellectual wit, complex metaphors (conceits), and exploration of love and religion.	* Love’s birth from “despair / Upon Impossibility” (paradoxical situation). * Comparing love to “Lines so Loves oblique” meeting “in every Angle” (extended metaphor).
New Platonic Love	A philosophical concept where love seeks the ideal form rather than physical intimacy.	* The speaker’s love is “strange and high,” suggesting it transcends the physical. * The focus is on the “Conjunction of the Mind” despite physical separation.
Carpe Diem	A Latin phrase meaning “seize the day,” urging enjoyment of life’s pleasures before it’s too late.	* The speaker’s yearning for a love that Fate prevents them from experiencing fully. * The rhetorical question “Unless the giddy Heaven fall…” highlights the fleeting nature of time.
Determinism	The belief that all events are predetermined by fate or external forces.	* The constant presence of Fate as a jealous force keeping the lovers apart. * Lines like “Fate with jealous Eye does see” and “Iron wedges” driven by Fate.
Stoicism	A philosophy emphasizing accepting what cannot be changed and focusing on what you can control.	* The speaker acknowledges the power of Fate but still expresses their love’s intensity. * The poem explores the tension between acceptance and longing.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements: “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Topics:

• Love and Fate
• The Power of Paradox
• Unattainable Desire
• Nature of Love (Physical vs. Mental)
• Determinism vs. Free Will

Questions:

• How does the poem portray the relationship between love and fate?
• What is the significance of paradoxes in the poem’s exploration of love?
• How does the speaker grapple with the desire for a love that seems impossible?
• Does the poem value physical closeness or mental connection more in love?
• To what extent does the poem endorse the idea of determinism in love?

Thesis Statements:

• “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell presents love as a powerful force that is ultimately thwarted by the cruel hand of Fate, creating a sense of tragic longing in the speaker.
• Through the use of paradoxes, Marvell’s poem explores the complex and contradictory nature of love, where desire can be born from despair and fulfillment remains out of reach.
• While acknowledging the limitations imposed by fate, “The Definition of Love” emphasizes the enduring power of an unfulfilled desire, highlighting the yearning for love’s full potential.
• The poem challenges traditional views of love by prioritizing the “Conjunction of the Mind” over physical intimacy, suggesting a more spiritual and intellectual connection.
• “The Definition of Love” explores the tension between determinism and free will in love, portraying the speaker caught between accepting fate’s limitations and desiring a love that fate seems determined to prevent.

Short Questions/Answers about “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

• What is the speaker’s definition of love in the poem?
• The speaker’s definition of love is complex and multifaceted. It’s born from “despair / Upon Impossibility,” suggesting a love that is both intense and unattainable. The poem emphasizes a love that transcends the physical: “Therefore the Love which us doth bind, / But Fate so enviously debarrs, / Is the Conjunction of the Mind.” This focus on the “mind” aligns with the concept of New Platonic love, where the ideal form takes precedence.
• How does the poem portray the role of fate in love?
• Fate is a cruel and powerful force in the poem, actively working against the lovers’ union. The speaker describes Fate with a “jealous Eye” that sees “Two perfect Loves” and prevents them from coming together. The image of “Iron wedges” driven by Fate further emphasizes the external forces keeping the lovers apart. This portrayal suggests a sense of determinism, where the speaker’s love is ultimately powerless against fate’s will.
• What challenges does the speaker face in pursuing this love?
• The speaker faces several challenges in pursuing their love. The most significant obstacle is Fate, a seemingly unstoppable force that keeps the lovers physically separated. Additionally, the very nature of the love itself presents a challenge. It’s described as “strange and high,” suggesting it may not be reciprocated or even attainable in the traditional sense. This creates a sense of frustration and longing throughout the poem.
• What is the overall tone of the poem?
• The overall tone of “The Definition of Love” is bittersweet and melancholic. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for a love that seems impossible to achieve. There’s a sense of frustration with the limitations imposed by fate, yet the love itself remains powerful and enduring. The poem ends with a sense of acceptance, but the longing for the unfulfilled potential of the love lingers.

Literary Works Similar to “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

1. “To His Coy Mistress“ by Andrew Marvell: This poem by Marvell himself offers a compelling companion piece. It explores similar themes of love’s urgency and the fleeting nature of time. The speaker pleads with his beloved to seize the day and embrace their love before time diminishes its potential.
2. “Astrophil and Stella, Sonnet 75” by Sir Philip Sidney: A prominent figure in the English Renaissance, Sidney’s sonnet shares Marvell’s fascination with complex metaphors (conceits) and paradoxical situations. Like “The Definition of Love,” it delves into the intellectual and philosophical aspects of love, using celestial imagery to depict the yearning for a seemingly unreachable beloved.
3. “Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s timeless sonnet provides a contrasting perspective to Marvell’s melancholic tone. While both poems explore love’s enduring nature, “Sonnet 116” expresses a more confident and optimistic view. It celebrates love’s ability to transcend external challenges, offering a sense of solace and permanence absent in “The Definition of Love.”
4. “La Belle Dame sans Merci” by John Keats: Keats’ poem, like Marvell’s, explores the power of an idealized love and the potential for disillusionment. Both poems utilize dreamlike imagery and a sense of ambiguity to create a haunting atmosphere. However, Keats delves further into the darker aspects of love and obsession.
5. “Sonnet 138” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Written a century after Marvell, Browning’s sonnet presents a feminist perspective on love and desire. Like “The Definition of Love,” it explores the frustration of unfulfilled potential. However, Browning’s speaker challenges the power dynamics and societal constraints that restrict her love’s expression.

Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Books:

• Marvell, Andrew. The Complete Poems of Andrew Marvell. Edited by Nigel Smith. Pearson Education Limited, 2003. (This critical edition provides annotations and scholarly commentary on Marvell’s poems, including “The Definition of Love”.)
• Empson, William. Seven Types of Ambiguity. Third edition. Chatto & Windus, 1953. (This classic work explores ambiguity in poetry, relevant to understanding the paradoxes and complexities of “The Definition of Love”.)
• Malcolmson, Patricia Kennedy. Lyric and Anti-Lyric: Lyric Strategies in English Poetry from Donne to Dryden. Princeton University Press, 1986. (This book examines the development of lyric poetry in the English Renaissance, providing context for Marvell’s innovative style and use of metaphor.)

Articles:

• Vendler, Helen H. “Marvell’s ‘The Definition of Love.'” The Journal of English Literary History , vol. 29, no. 1, 1962, pp. 152-160. (This scholarly article offers a close reading of the poem, focusing on its imagery, paradox, and philosophical themes.)
• Greenblatt, Stephen. “Marvell’s Pastoral and the Counter-Historical.” Genre , vol. 13, no. 2, 1980, pp. 205-223. (This article explores the political and historical context of Marvell’s poetry, which can inform a deeper understanding of “The Definition of Love”.)
• Lewalski, Barbara Kiefer. “Protestantism and the Seventeenth-Century Lyric.” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 , vol. 10, no. 1, 1970, pp. 111-133. (This article examines the influence of Protestant theology on English Renaissance poetry, providing insights into the religious and spiritual dimensions of love explored in “The Definition of Love”.)

Websites:

• The Poetry Foundation (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/) offers reliable information on Andrew Marvell and his poetry, including critical essays and analysis of “The Definition of Love.”
• The Andrew Marvell Society (https://marvell.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/) is a dedicated website with scholarly articles, resources, and information about Marvell’s life and work.
• The Norton Anthology of English Literature (https://wwnorton.com/catalog/college/english/english-literature) (online edition, subscription required) provides a wealth of literary criticism and historical context for understanding “The Definition of Love.”

Quotes with Context “The Definition of Love” by Andrew Marvell

Quote	Context	Explanation
“My Love is of a birth as rare / As ’tis for object strange and high: / It was begotten by despair / Upon Impossibility.” (Lines 1-4)	The speaker opens the poem by defining their love. It’s described as “rare” and for an “object strange and high,” suggesting it’s unconventional and unattainable. Paradoxically, this love is born from “despair / Upon Impossibility,” highlighting the seemingly contradictory nature of the speaker’s emotions.	This quote establishes the central theme of the poem: the power and paradox of love. Despite its impossibility, the love remains deeply affecting.
“Magnanimous Despair alone / Could show me so divine a thing, / Where feeble Hope could ne’r have flown / But vainly flapt its Tinsel Wing.” (Lines 5-8)	The speaker reflects on the source of their love. They credit “Magnanimous Despair” for revealing this “divine” love. This suggests a love so profound it could only be revealed through the depths of despair. “Feeble Hope” is contrasted with despair, its “Tinsel Wing” symbolizing its superficiality and inability to reach such a love.	This quote explores the complex relationship between hope and despair in love. Despair, surprisingly, becomes a catalyst for recognizing the love’s true value.
“And yet I quickly might arrive / Where my extended Soul is fixt, / But Fate does Iron wedges drive, / And alwaies crowds it self betwixt.” (Lines 9-12)	The speaker expresses frustration with the limitations imposed by fate. They feel close to achieving their love’s fulfillment (“quickly might arrive”), but Fate acts as a cruel obstacle, driving “Iron wedges” to keep them apart.	This quote highlights the theme of fate as a cruel force. It emphasizes the external barriers preventing the lovers’ union.
“For Fate with jealous Eye does see / Two perfect Loves; nor lets them close: / Their union would her ruine be, / And her Tyrannick pow’er depose.” (Lines 13-16)	The poem personifies Fate as a jealous entity threatened by the lovers’ “perfect Loves.” Fate actively prevents their union to maintain its “Tyrannick pow’er.”	This quote emphasizes the power struggle between love and fate. The speaker portrays fate as a malicious force determined to control the lovers’ destiny.
“Therefore the Love which us doth bind, / But Fate so enviously debarrs, / Is the Conjunction of the Mind, / And Opposition of the Stars.” (Lines 19-22)	The speaker defines their love as a “Conjunction of the Mind,” suggesting a deep intellectual and spiritual connection. This connection exists despite the “Opposition of the Stars,” a metaphor for the external forces (including Fate) keeping them physically apart.	This quote explores the nature of love in the poem. It prioritizes the “mind” over physical closeness, aligning with the concept of New Platonic love.