Introduction to Marvell’s "The Definition of Love"
Welcome to your study guide for one of the most intellectually brilliant poems in the Metaphysical tradition! Andrew Marvell’s "The Definition of Love" is not your typical "roses are red" love poem. Instead of focusing on feelings or physical beauty, Marvell uses geometry, astronomy, and logic to explain a love that is perfect precisely because it can never be fulfilled. In your Unit 4 Section B exam, you will need to discuss how Marvell uses these "metaphysical" techniques to explore complex ideas. Don't worry if it feels a bit like a math lesson at first—we will break down the imagery so you can use it confidently in your essays. Note: This poem is part of the Metaphysical movement. To see how other poets of this era handle similar themes of love and logic, you might want to look at our chapter on John Donne’s "The Flea".The "Metaphysical" Approach: Love as a Logic Puzzle
Metaphysical poets like Marvell loved to use conceits. A conceit is an elaborate, unusual, and highly intellectual metaphor. In this poem, Marvell isn't just describing a crush; he is trying to "define" love as if it were a law of physics or a mathematical proof.1. The Birth of Love (Stanzas 1-2)
Marvell begins by explaining that his love has a "strange" and high-ranking origin. It was born from Despair and Impossibility.Key Concept: Usually, we think of love being born from hope. Marvell flips this. He suggests that his love is so great and "magnanimous" (noble) because it exists even though it has no hope of success. It is a pure, intellectual state of being.
2. Fate as the Villain (Stanzas 3-4)
Marvell personifies Fate as a jealous tyrant. Fate sees two perfect souls and realizes that if they ever truly came together, her own power would be destroyed. To prevent this, Fate "drives" iron wedges between them.Analogy: Think of Fate as a cosmic architect who has built the universe in a way that keeps these two people apart to maintain the "order" of the world.
3. The Geometry of Love (Stanzas 5-7)
This is the most famous part of the poem. Marvell uses geographical and mathematical imagery to show why this love is unique:- The Spheres: He mentions that the Earth would have to be "cramped" or flattened for the two lovers to meet. This suggests their separation is a fundamental part of how the world is built.
- Parallel Lines: Marvell compares the lovers to parallel lines \( ( \parallel ) \). In geometry, parallel lines are perfect and move in the exact same direction forever, but they never touch. In contrast, "oblique" (slanting) lines might touch, but only for a brief moment before moving away from each other forever.
Contextual Factors (AO3)
To hit the high marks for AO3, you need to understand the world Marvell was writing in:The Scientific Revolution
The 17th century was a time of massive discovery. Poets were fascinated by new developments in mathematics, cartography (map-making), and astronomy. Marvell uses these "modern" ideas to talk about ancient feelings. By using the language of geometry, he makes his love feel "universal" and "unchangeable," like a mathematical truth.Metaphysical Wit
In Marvell's time, "wit" didn't just mean being funny. It meant the ability to find "unlikely resemblances" between very different things (like love and a compass or parallel lines). This intellectual style was a way for poets to explore the tension between the physical world and the spiritual/emotional world.Different Interpretations (AO5)
In your exam, you will be given a statement and asked to provide different interpretations. Here are two ways to look at "The Definition of Love":Interpretation A: A Celebration of Perfection
Some readers argue that the poem is actually positive. By showing that the love is "parallel," Marvell is saying that it is infinite and perfect. Because it never "touches" the physical world, it can never fade, grow old, or be ruined by human flaws. It is a "conjunction of the mind."Interpretation B: A Cry of Frustration
Other critics see the poem as deeply melancholic. They focus on the words like "iron wedges," "decree," and "tyranny." In this view, Marvell is describing a beautiful but torturous situation where the universe itself conspires to keep lovers apart. The "definition" isn't a celebration; it’s a cold, hard realization of a lonely reality.Quick Review: Key Terms for Your Essay
- Conceit: An extended, intellectual metaphor (e.g., the parallel lines).
- Determinism/Fate: The idea that the lovers' separation is controlled by a higher power or the laws of nature.
- Platonic Love: A love that is spiritual and intellectual rather than physical.
- Quatrain: A four-line stanza. Marvell uses a very steady, controlled quatrain structure to mirror the "logical" nature of his argument.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just list the metaphors! Always explain why Marvell uses them. Don't just say "he uses math." Say "he uses the mathematical symbol of parallel lines to suggest that while the lovers are perfectly aligned in soul, the physical laws of the universe make their union impossible."