Love's Philosophy

?
  • Created by: Scythe27x
  • Created on: 24-05-17 18:48
"Why not with thine?" "If thou kiss not me?"
In both stanzas, the first 6 or 7 lines are somewhat confident assertions, which contrasts with the rhetorical questions in the last line. The final line in each stanza only has five syllables. This increases the impact of questions.
1 of 12
"And the sunlight clasps the earth" "And the moonbeams kiss the sea"
These two quotes emphasise that everything is connected, even the Sun and Moon, not just nature on Earth. This is a continual idea in this poem that everything is connected starting with; "The fountains mingle with the river".
2 of 12
"mingle"
The repetition of "mingle" emphasises how everything in nature is united, and nature is a continual theme throughout the poem. This represents the narrators longing, and it emphasises the physical relationship he wants.
3 of 12
"kiss" "clasp"
The use of physical language shows that the narrator is frustrated that he cannot "kiss" or "clasp" his lover.
4 of 12
"And the rivers with the ocean"
The imagery in this quote shows water joining larger and large bodies could symbolise and hint at the idea of loving someone makes you part of something bigger than yourself.
5 of 12
"No sister flower would be forgiven If it disdain'd its brother"
The narrator claims that his loved one's lack of love towards him goes against the law of God, and is unforgivable. It also hints that the woman has rejected the narrator.
6 of 12
Narrative
In this poem the narrator is trying to convince his lover that she should be with him. He uses imagery of nature and how it is all mingled together and later the imagery of religion, arguing that it is God’s Will that they should be together.
7 of 12
Context
The poem was first published in 1819 and carries the themes of romanticism, a highly popular genre at the time of publication. His use of religious themes is ironic in the poem as he was an Atheist.
8 of 12
Form
The poem is short and apparently simple, the narrator believes that what he's saying is a simple truth. The poem has a regular ABAB rhyme scheme, but two lines in each stanza don't fully rhyme, shows the way everything is in harmony except him.
9 of 12
Structure
The poem is tightly structured to be persuasive. The narrator uses the majority of each stanza to build up evidence to support his argument that everything in nature is supposed to come together.
10 of 12
Language about Nature
The narrator uses personification to show the natural world giving, receiving and benefiting from love. This emphasises his point that love itself is natural and necessary.
11 of 12
Author
Percy Bysshe Shelly
12 of 12

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

"And the sunlight clasps the earth" "And the moonbeams kiss the sea"

Back

These two quotes emphasise that everything is connected, even the Sun and Moon, not just nature on Earth. This is a continual idea in this poem that everything is connected starting with; "The fountains mingle with the river".

Card 3

Front

"mingle"

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

"kiss" "clasp"

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

"And the rivers with the ocean"

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

See all English Literature resources »See all AQA Anthology resources »