Essay: Which writer, Marlowe or Raleigh, has a more realistic view of country-living? Write a short essay in which you compare the views of the two writers through their poetry using at least two examples from the text (one example from each author) with explanation to support your ideas. (6 points)
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Marlowe and Raleigh were both renowned writers of the Elizabethan era who shared their perspectives on various aspects of life, including country-living. While Marlowe's poem, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," presents an idyllic and idealized portrayal of rural life, Raleigh's poem, "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd," offers a more realistic and practical view. Through careful analysis of these poems, it becomes evident that Raleigh's perspective on country-living is more grounded and acknowledges the challenges and limitations that come with it.
Marlowe's "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" depicts a pastoral scene filled with promises of a carefree and romantic life in the countryside. The speaker takes on the persona of a shepherd who invites his love interest to live with him and enjoy the simple pleasures that nature has to offer. Marlowe's use of vivid imagery and captivating language creates an enchanting atmosphere, as he describes the lush meadows, crystal-clear streams, and enchanting birdsong. However, this romanticized view fails to acknowledge the practical realities and hardships one might encounter in such a simplistic lifestyle.
On the other hand, Raleigh's "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" serves as a direct response to Marlowe's poem, offering a more grounded perspective on country-living. The nymph in Raleigh's poem, representing a practical and realistic individual, rejects the shepherd's proposition and highlights the flaws and shortcomings of his idyllic vision. She questions the sustainability of the shepherd's promises, raising concerns about the changing seasons, inclement weather, and the limitations of the rural lifestyle. Raleigh's poem serves as a counter-narrative, highlighting the challenges and practicalities that Marlowe's poem overlooks.
One example that supports Raleigh's more realistic view of country-living can be found in the lines, "But could youth last and love still breed, / Had joys no date nor age no need" (Raleigh). Here, the nymph questions the longevity of the shepherd's romanticized vision. She acknowledges the transient nature of youth and love, suggesting that the idyllic scene painted by the shepherd is not sustainable in the long term. This highlights Raleigh's recognition of the inevitable challenges and limitations that can arise in a simplistic lifestyle.
Contrarily, Marlowe's poem does not address any of these concerns, focusing solely on the allure and beauty of rural life. Throughout "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," Marlowe presents an escapist view of country-living, prioritizing pleasure and pastoral beauty over practical considerations. By doing so, he fails to provide a holistic depiction of the reality that comes with such a lifestyle.
In conclusion, Raleigh provides a more realistic view of country-living in comparison to Marlowe. While Marlowe's "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" portrays an idealized and romanticized vision of rural life, Raleigh's "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" offers a counter-narrative, highlighting the challenges and limitations that such a lifestyle presents. Raleigh's acknowledgment of the transient nature of youth and love, as well as his emphasis on practical concerns, supports the assertion that his view is more realistic. By providing a more nuanced understanding of country-living, Raleigh's poem prompts readers to consider the practicalities and hardships that accompany this idyllic lifestyle.