Carpe Diem: Then and Now

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews and critiques the poems "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell, "A Fine, A Private Place" by Diane Ackerman, "A Late Aubade" by Richard Wilbur, "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks, and "Sex Without Love" by Sharon Olds. Specifically, it discusses how all of these poems exhibit the carpe diem philosophy. From dying young to underwater love, all of these poems signify significant moments in time and, according to the paper, show how seizing the day can last a lifetime. The paper also asks how these poems -- one of which was written centuries ago -- relate to our lives in modern times.

From the Paper:

"Each of these poems, modern or ancient, revolve around single moments in time that create lasting memories. "To His Coy Mistress" is the oldest of the poems, and uses the most archaic language to discuss love and devotion. Marvell writes, "But at my back I always hear / Time's winged chariot hurrying near;" (Marvell 728), which conveys a sense of urgency that "seizing the day" is built around. The initial idea of carpe diem is to live life to the fullest today, because their may not be a tomorrow. So, you must always live each day as if it was your best, and your last. Each of these poets uses that theme to convey their ideas and meanings. For example, the woman who makes love under the sea has those memories to last with her forever. After the experience, she often thinks about that moment in time when she seized the day and it made all the difference. Ackerman writes, "She thought of it miles / and fathoms away, often, / at odd moments; watching / the minnow snowflakes" (Ackerman 734). Seizing the day is living in the moment, but it also remembering and treasuring those wonderful moments, as this poem clearly shows."

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