Respond in at least 5 sentences. The answer needs to be written in complete sentences. Include at least 1 quote from Jonson's "Song: To Celia" to earn full credit and support your response. Analyze the two metaphors in Jonson's "Song: To Celia"
In Jonson's "Song: To Celia," two metaphors are effectively used to convey the speaker's deep longing for the beloved. The first metaphor compares the beloved's eyes to the bright and delicious nectar of alcoholic drinks. This metaphor suggests that just as the eyes are intoxicating and captivating, so is the beloved's presence. As Jonson writes, "Drink to me only with thine eyes, / And I will pledge with mine." This metaphor not only emphasizes the allure of the beloved but also the speaker's willingness to be consumed by her.
The second metaphor in the poem compares love to a celestial elixir, capable of transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. Jonson describes love as "Apollo's fire" that can "turn the humble food of a mortal into ambrosia." This metaphor illustrates the transformative power of love and how it can elevate ordinary experiences to the divine. Here, the speaker is expressing his desire for the beloved to bestow her love upon him, so he can experience this divine ecstasy.
Both metaphors enhance the emotional intensity of the poem by evoking sensory experiences and the intense longing of the speaker. By comparing the beloved's eyes to an enticing drink, the metaphor engages the sense of taste, suggesting that the speaker's desire is not just visual but all-consuming. Similarly, the metaphor of love as a celestial elixir ignites the imagination, enchanting the reader with the idea of a transcendent love experience.
Furthermore, both metaphors in "Song: To Celia" serve to reinforce the theme of desire and the speaker's yearning for connection. The quote "Drink to me only with thine eyes" signifies a desire for an intimate connection solely through eyes, reinforcing the notion that the speaker longs for the beloved's attention. Similarly, the celestial elixir metaphor emphasizes the speaker's longing to be transformed by love, to transcend his current state and bask in the heavenly realm of love's enchantment.
Overall, Jonson's masterful use of these metaphors intensifies the speaker's longing and desire in "Song: To Celia." It effectively captures the power of love to captivate and transform, evoking a sense of enchantment and yearning that resonates with readers.