The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd Group

Question:

sjohnson12
sjohnson12
Student
High School - 12th Grade

In her reply, what flaws does the Nymph find in the Shepherd's idyllic vision? What are her conditions for living with him?

In the poem by Sir Walter Raleigh "The Nymph's Repy to the Shepherd" (also called "Answer to Marlowe")

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Posted by sjohnson12 on Wednesday January 14, 2009 at 9:55 AM and tagged with analysis, satire, the nymph's reply to the shepherd, the nymphs reply to the shepherd.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In Raleigh's reply to Marlowe's "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," the nymph points out the realities of life. The Shepherd had concentrated only on the joys of summer and endless time. He never mentions hard work or threats to safety or the loneliness a shepherd must endure. The nymph simply points out the realities of life. She says winter will come after summer, rivers will overflow their banks, rocks get cold, birds don't always sing and flowers eventually fade. She says she would live with him if youth and happiness lasted, however, she leaves the impression that she is more realistic than the shepherd.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/nymphs-reply

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Wednesday January 14, 2009 at 7:11 PM