The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd – Sir Walter Raleigh

Title of the Poem

The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd

poet

Sir Walter Raleigh

Time Period

Renaissance/Elizabethan Era (1552–1618)

When was it Written?

The poem was written around 1596.

When was it Published?

It was published after Raleigh's death in 1600.

Type of Poem

It is a lyric poem that replies and parodies another poem.

Response to Which Poem?

It responds to Marlowe’s poem 'The Passionate Shepherd to His Love'.

Structure

The poem has six quatrains, each containing four lines.

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB, which means each pair of lines rhymes.

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB, which means each pair of lines rhymes.

main themes

realism vs idealims, the shortness of beauty and skepticism about love

tone

he tone of the poem is skeptical, down-to-earth, and ironic.

imagery used

Imagery includes fading flowers and winter, representing the idea of aging and decay.

contrast in the poem

Each part of the poem contrasts the shepherd’s dreamy claims with harsh realities.

irony in the poem

The nymph’s views lessen the shepherd’s hopeful ideas about love.