The Passsionate Shepherd

Contrasting Conditions of the Heart People cannot exist within the context of society, without encountering the contrasting polarities of the human heart. The theme in Christopher Marlowe's poem "The Passionate Shepard to His Love" (circa 1600 A.D.), and the theme in Sir Walter Raleigh's poem "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepard" (circa 1552? -1618 A.D.), portray the contrasting themes of love and hate. Christopher Marlowe's poem "The Passionate Shepard to His Love" is a poem …

…age no need. Marlowe's poem and Sir Walter Raleigh's poem depict two of the most powerful and contrasting emotions a human can feel. Marlowe's poem is one of hope beauty and most important, endless love. By contrast Raleigh's poem is jaded by tainted experiences, feelings of despair, and hate. In life let us pray that the people we meet will be more like the Shepherd and that we never meet a persona like the Nymph.