Student Question
What is the literal meaning of the 7th stanza in "The Passionate Shepherd to his Love"?
Quick answer:
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe contains only six stanzas. The sixth stanza continues the theme of an idealized pastoral life, suggesting a world of romance and leisure with shepherds dancing and singing for the beloved's delight. This portrayal overlooks the harsh realities of a shepherd's duties, serving as a commentary on the unrealistic idealism often depicted in pastoral poetry.
There are only 6 stanzas in "The Passionate Shepher to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe. If you mean the 6th stanza, Marlowe presents an idealized pastoral world full of romance without the harsh realities of life for a shepherd. "The shepherd swains shall dance and sing / For thy delight each May morning." The shepherd would need to tend his flock, ward off predators, and would not have time for dancing. This poem is a comment on pastoral poems which harken to an unreal idealistic view of nature, love, and life.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.