To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell

Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School English, ideally 11th or 12th grade.

Subject: Literature

Time Allotment: One class period (approximately 50 minutes)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the poem's structure, rhyme scheme, and use of language.
  • Students will be able to identify the central themes of time, mortality, and seduction.
  • Students will be able to discuss the complexities of the poem, considering the speaker's tone and underlying arguments.
  • Students will be able to appreciate the use of historical and mythological references.

Materials:

  • Copies of "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Literary analysis worksheet focusing on structure and figurative language (optional)

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):
  • Briefly introduce Andrew Marvell and his historical context (17th century, shifting social and religious values).
  • Mention the genre of the poem as a persuasive lyric, where the speaker is trying to convince someone.
  1. Close Reading Activity (20 minutes):
  • Distribute copies of "To His Coy Mistress."
  • Guide students through a close reading activity, focusing on:

✵ Structure and Form: Identify the number of stanzas and lines. What is the rhyme scheme?

✵ Use of Language: What kind of vocabulary does Marvell use? Are there any figures of speech (e.g., metaphors, similes, hyperbole)?

✵ Historical and Mythological References: Discuss the significance of references to time (Roman emperor, flood) and mythology (Venus, Adonis).

  1. Theme Discussion (20 minutes):
  • Lead a class discussion based on the close reading activity:

✵ What are the central themes of the poem? Consider time, mortality, and the speaker's arguments for seduction.

✵ How does the speaker use contrasting ideas (e.g., slow vs. swift time, beauty fading vs. eternal love) to persuade his mistress?

✵ Is the speaker's tone sincere or manipulative? Encourage different interpretations.

  1. Figurative Language Analysis (Optional - 10 minutes):
  • Distribute a literary analysis worksheet focusing on figurative language (optional).
  • Students can analyze specific examples of metaphors, similes, and hyperbole to uncover their meaning and impact on the poem's message.

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for close reading by offering a vocabulary list of unfamiliar words or explaining the significance of historical and mythological references.
  • Offer different options for the analysis worksheet (e.g., creating a timeline of the speaker's arguments, identifying examples of different literary devices).
  • Allow students to choose a specific theme or figure of speech to focus on for a deeper analysis.

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the concept of carpe diem (seize the day) in literature and philosophy.
  • Have students rewrite a section of the poem from the perspective of the coy mistress.
  • Explore other poems by Andrew Marvell or other works that address themes of seduction, time, and mortality.

Assessment:

  • Participation in close reading activities and class discussions.
  • Completed literary analysis worksheet focusing on structure and figurative language (if used).
  • Short essay analyzing the central themes of the poem and the speaker's persuasive techniques. Consider the complexity of the poem's message and the potential interpretations of the speaker's sincerity.