Loves philosophy

• “The fountains mingle with the river and river with the oceans“
• “The fountains mingle with the river and river with the oceans“

  Personification

  poet describes the natural world as having many elements which intertwine freely

  only natural for them to be together

  ”oceans” how great his love for her is
• “See the mountains kiss high heavens“
• “See the mountains kiss high heavens”

  personification

  Mirrors speakers intentions

  “High heavens” alliteration reinforces his desire, “high” he admires her and values her

  Speaker sees passion as natural
• “What is all this sweet work worth if thou kiss not me”
• “What is all this sweet work worth if thou kiss not me”


  Philosophical question to conclude, gods creation of natural unity round the universe is futile if speaker cannot get a kiss

  “Work worth” alliteration, confusion

  “Work” , gods work? Or his determination

  Structurally concluding with rhetorical question is tragic, speakers longing for intimacy goes unresolved
• context


  Shelly well known atheist causing scandal in religious era

  Had many scandalous relationships
• Structure

  Cyclical due to unanswered question, shows his attachment and desire

  2 stanzas represent the couple
• Rhyme

  Rhyming couplets

  Shelly dependant on her

  Consistency shows intensity

  Unchanging desire of poet
• Compare

  When we two parted, both speakers unsuccessful in love, written by romantic poets, intense emotions expressed

  Sonnet 29, natural imagery as a metaphor for romantic love

  Farmers bride, both speakers frustrated of their desire remaining unrealised