"To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick

1. Why does the speaker suggest the audience should gather rose-
buds now? Why not wait until a later month (i.e., what may
happen to the flower tomorrow, according to the speaker?
2. What might rose-buds represent on a more general level of
meaning?
3. What are some of the images the poet uses to convey the idea of
passing time?
4. Which age is the best age according to the speaker?
5. Why is it the best age?
6. What is the possible pun on the word "marry" in the next to last
line?
7. What mistake might the audience make if they lose their prime?
8. Do people get married for the same reasons as they used to
during Herrick's time (the 1600s)?
9. How might marriage be construed as a way of making the most
of one's time?
10. Were you surprised when you got to the end of the poem and
realized it was about marriage? Why or why not?

“To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell

Theme of mortality
11. Does the speaker want to be immortal? What makes you think
what you do? Is the narrator afraid of dying? If so, how do you know? If
not, why not?

12. What do you think of the speaker’s description of the afterlife? Why
does the speaker decide to use that here?

Theme of sex
13. The speaker obviously wants to have sex with the mistress. Does
he also love her?

14. If so, how does he express his love?

15.Explain why the speaker think it’s a "crime" for the mistress not to
have sex with him?

16. Does his argument have any merit? Explain why, or why not. (It
may take a sentence or two)

17. How does it make you feel when the speaker talks about sex and
death together?
Theme of Time
18. The speaker argues that, if his mistress has sex with him, they will
have more control over time. Explain what you think of this argument.

19. Do you see any connections between time and sex in "the real
world?" If so, like what? If not, how are time and sex unrelated?