Compare two different types of love between poems “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd” by Sir Walter Raleigh, and Ben Johnson's "Song: To Celia". In at least 2-3 paragraphs including specific quotes and references to events in the text.
“The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd” by Sir Walter Raleigh and Ben Johnson's "Song: To Celia" present two contrasting types of love. In Raleigh’s poem, the nymph responds to a shepherd who offers her an idyllic life filled with love and beauty. However, she rejects these advances, expressing a realistic and skeptical view of love. On the other hand, Johnson’s poem “Song: To Celia” portrays a more idealized and passionate love, displayed through the speaker's intense longing for his beloved.
In “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd,” the nymph's response demonstrates a rational and cautious attitude towards love. She rejects the shepherd's charming promises of love by questioning their permanence: "But could youth last, and love still breed, / Had joys no date, nor age no need" (Raleigh). The nymph remains skeptical of the shepherd's idealistic view of love, recognizing the transient nature of happiness.
In contrast, Johnson's "Song: To Celia" presents a passionate and infatuated love. The speaker’s intense longing for Celia can be seen in the line, "Drink to me only with thine eyes" (Johnson). The speaker adores Celia to the point of asking her for a mere glance, suggesting that even a simple gesture can satisfy his deep affection. This romanticized portrayal of love is characterized by its intense emotions and idealistic yearning.
The contrasting approaches to love in these two poems highlight different perspectives on romance. While Raleigh’s nymph analyzes love through a lens of skepticism and realism, Johnson’s speaker reveals a more passionate and idealized vision. The nymph resists the shepherd's promises, recognizing the fleeting nature of love, while the speaker in "Song: To Celia" reveals an intensity of emotions and desire. These poems offer readers two different understandings of love, leaving us to ponder the complexities and possibilities of human connections.