Romantic love is a popular subject for romantic poetry, but many different views on it exist. "Love is Not All" by Edna St. Vincent Millay and "To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick are examples of romantic poetry that contrast in views. "Love is Not All" is basically about what you would guess it is about from the title. Its premise is that there is more to life than love, and ones life can still be great and meaningful without love. Love is not vital in life and people can be happy and do great things without having a lover. "Even as I speak, for lack of love alone" suggests that the poet, Millay, speaks from experience. Indeed, she is a elderly woman, so she speaks from a life full of experiences. She first discusses basic needs for survival that don't include love, and then she points out that love doesn't help you live longer, and it doesn't save you. "To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time" contrasts in the subject of love because it is speaking to young women and a group of virgins saying this is their time. It is implying that your young years of love are the best years of your life. It also suggests that marriage and love at a certain time of your life are necessary for your happiness and ignores other options for happiness. He wants them to "Gather their rosebuds" while they have a chance and get married because love is vital for happiness at this time.
I find myself relating to "Love is Not All" more because it gives more hope, in my opinion. I think it is important that Millay recognizes that there is more to life than love and that happiness can be found in many other places. I don't like the sense of urgency to get married and fall in love at a certain age like in "To the Virgins" because I don't think there is a certain time for everyone. Love comes and goes, but you can't just "gather your rosebuds" at a certain age because it is different for everyone! Being in love is great, but you shouldn't let your happiness depend on it because unless you're getting married, it will end at some point, and you want to still have happiness if you get your heart broken!
Take care with Millay. Look closely at the line that explains what happens when people lack love. Look at the final lines, too.
ReplyDelete