Explain the extended metaphor in Jonson’s “Song: To Celia.”
In Jonson's poem "Song: To Celia," the extended metaphor revolves around comparing the act of drinking wine to the experience of being in love. The poem is addressed to a woman named Celia, whom the speaker is infatuated with.
Throughout the poem, the poet uses imagery related to wine and drinking to describe his love for Celia. He says that her "cups" (her eyes) are like "nectar" and that her "lips" are like "chalices" that contain "liquid fire." These descriptions create a sensual and intoxicating image, emphasizing the beauty and allure of Celia.
The poet goes on to express his desire to be united with Celia by using the metaphor of filling his own cup with wine. He exclaims, "Drink to me only with thine eyes, / And I will pledge with mine!" Here, he is asking Celia to look at him lovingly, and in return, he promises to reciprocate her affection. This image of exchanging gazes is parallel to the act of sharing a toast, where both parties drink from their cups.
The extended metaphor continues as the poet proclaims that he would rather have a sip of Celia's gaze than drink from the "soft" and "sweet" wine of any Greek god. He believes that the love and affection he receives from Celia are more satisfying and fulfilling than the most divine pleasures.
Overall, the extended metaphor of wine and drinking in "Song: To Celia" allows Jonson to convey the intensity of his love for Celia. The act of drinking becomes a symbol for the passion and desire that the poet feels for Celia, emphasizing the intoxicating and consuming nature of love.
shorten
In Jonson's "Song: To Celia," an extended metaphor compares drinking wine to being in love. The poet describes Celia's eyes as "cups" of "nectar" and her lips as "chalices" filled with "liquid fire." He asks her to "drink" his love through her eyes, pledging his own affection in return. The metaphor highlights the intoxicating and fulfilling nature of love, emphasizing the poet's passionate desire for Celia.
In Jonson's "Song: To Celia," the extended metaphor is used to compare the flower, rosemary, to the lady's bower (possibly referring to her bedroom or private space).
To explain the extended metaphor in this poem, we need to consider the specific imagery and symbols used by the poet. In the first stanza, the line "Drink to me only with thine eyes" suggests that the speaker desires the lady's gaze instead of physical drink. This sets up the connection between sight and emotions.
The second stanza introduces the extended metaphor with the line "When I am dead, my dearest." Here, the poet implies that the speaker's death would not warrant grieving or remembrance with typical mourning tokens, such as the wreaths of laurel or cypress. Instead, the speaker requests the lady to "remember" him with rosemary and "keep it for" his sake.
This comparison between the speaker and the rosemary reveals the deeper meaning of the extended metaphor. Rosemary is often associated with remembrance and fidelity. By asking the lady to remember him with rosemary, the speaker is suggesting that their love should be preserved and remain faithful even when time passes or he is no longer alive. The extended metaphor emphasizes the enduring and everlasting nature of their love, as symbolized by the evergreen herb.
Overall, the extended metaphor in Jonson's "Song: To Celia" compares the lady's love and remembrance to the persistent nature of rosemary. It conveys the speaker's desire for their love to be eternal and unchanging, even beyond death.