Question

Which of the following excerpts BEST illustrates Marvell's use of allusion to help develop his theme?

A.) "Had we but world enough, and time,

This coyness, Lady, were no crime . . ."


B.) "And while thy willing soul transpires

At every pore . . ."


C.) "Let us roll all our strength and all

Our sweetness up into one ball . . ."


". . . I would

D.) Love you ten years before the Flood,

And you should, if you please, refuse

Till the conversion of the Jews."

Answer 1

The correct answer is C.

Throughout the poem, the author seems to be trying to convince his "coy mistress" to give herself to him while they are still young.

Therefore, Marvell's use of the phrase "roll all our strength and all our sweetness up into one ball" is an allusion of the se*xual act.