CHRISTOPHET MARLOW'S "CARP DIEM POETRY"

Abstract

This article delves into the theme of carpe diem, or "seize the day," in the poetry of Christopher Marlowe, one of the most influential playwrights and poets of the Elizabethan era. Marlowe's works, though overshadowed by the more famous works of his contemporary William Shakespeare, offer a rich tapestry of carpe diem poetry that deserves closer examination. Through an analysis of select poems such as "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" and "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd," this study explores how Marlowe employs the motif of carpe diem to convey themes of love, mortality, and the fleeting nature of time. By examining Marlowe's use of imagery, language, and poetic devices, we uncover the ways in which he encourages readers to embrace the present moment and seize the opportunities that life affords. Furthermore, this article situates Marlowe's carpe diem poetry within the broader context of Renaissance literature, highlighting its influence on subsequent generations of poets and its enduring relevance in contemporary discourse on love, ambition, and the human condition.