Paradox
We understand paradox because we misunderstand it. Bam. Scratching your head over these seemingly illogical pieces of Marvell-ian insight? At first glance, paradoxes seem absurd, but delve deeper a...
Physical Sickness
The body and soul are so completely sick of each other that it's no surprise sickness surfaces as a heavyweight metaphor in the poem. The soul complains about actual physical pains, but then bends...
Slavery/Torture
If we take their word for it, living in a body or with a soul is like Libya under Gaddafi: autocratic, terrifying, and full of torture. The soul definitely has more to say in terms of physical conf...
Architecture
Although it doesn't surface until the final two lines, architecture forms the poem's final image. The soul is the metaphorical architect in question, although a high-paying, prestigious, and widely...