"Why so pale and wan fond lover?" is a short, witty poem by Sir John Suckling, a prominent Cavalier poet of the 17th century. Known for his light-hearted and often satirical tone, Suckling addresses themes of unrequited love and self-respect. This poem reflects the poet's characteristic humor and sharp critique of romantic despair, making it a classic example of Cavalier poetry that blends elegance with a touch of irreverence.
Why so pale and wan fond lover? by Sir John Suckling
Why so pale and wan fond lover?
Prithee why so pale?
Will, when looking well can’t move her,
Looking ill prevail?
Prithee why so pale?
Why so dull and mute young sinner?
Prithee why so mute?
Will, when speaking well can’t win her,
Saying nothing do’t?
Prithee why so mute?
Quit, quit for shame, this will not move,
This cannot take her;
If of herself she will not love,
Nothing can make her;
The devil take her.
Summary of Why so pale and wan fond lover?
This poem offers a straightforward yet sarcastic take on a lover's futile attempts to win over someone who does not return their affection. The speaker addresses a lover, questioning why they appear pale, quiet, and despondent. The rhetorical questions suggest that if the lover's charm and words have failed to win the beloved's heart, appearing ill or staying silent will certainly not succeed. The concluding stanza provides a blunt piece of advice: if the beloved cannot love the admirer of their own volition, no action will change her mind. The speaker ultimately dismisses the beloved with an exasperated "The devil take her."
- The speaker's tone: A mix of mockery and exasperation sets the tone as they question the lover's despondency.
- The lover's failure: Both physical and verbal attempts at wooing have proven unsuccessful.
- Final advice: The speaker advises the lover to give up, emphasizing the futility of trying to force love.
Analysis of Why so pale and wan fond lover?
The poem is an incisive commentary on the folly of unrequited love. Suckling critiques the idea of wallowing in despair when romantic efforts fail. The use of rhetorical questions not only highlights the futility of the lover's actions but also underscores the speaker's sarcastic, unsympathetic attitude. The poem’s conversational tone and direct address to the "fond lover" make it both personal and universally relatable, as it mocks the melodrama often associated with unreturned affection.
The structure and repetition of the poem reinforce its key points. By repeatedly asking "Prithee why so pale?" and "Prithee why so mute?", the speaker emphasizes their incredulity at the lover's behavior. The final stanza shifts from questions to commands, solidifying the poem’s message of moving on. Themes of self-respect, the autonomy of love, and the absurdity of excessive longing are central to the analysis.
- The critique of despair: The speaker ridicules the lover’s exaggerated reactions to unrequited love.
- Rhetorical techniques: Repetition and rhetorical questions drive home the futility of the lover's efforts.
- Resolution and tone: The poem concludes with a pragmatic and unsentimental dismissal of the beloved.
Themes in Why so pale and wan fond lover?
The primary themes of this poem include unrequited love, the futility of excessive emotional displays, and the necessity of self-respect in romantic relationships. Suckling portrays the beloved as indifferent and unmoved, emphasizing that love cannot be forced or persuaded. The poem also suggests that excessive romantic pining is not only ineffective but also undignified. This perspective reflects the Cavalier ethos of wit, grace, and emotional restraint, contrasting with more sentimental approaches to love.
- Unrequited love: The poem explores the pain and absurdity of loving someone who does not return affection.
- Futility of emotional excess: Over-dramatic attempts to gain love are depicted as pointless and counterproductive.
- Self-respect and autonomy: The speaker urges the lover to maintain their dignity and accept the beloved's autonomy.
Structure of Why so pale and wan fond lover?
The poem’s structure is simple yet effective, consisting of three quatrains with an alternating rhyme scheme (ABABA). The brevity of the poem mirrors its concise message. Each stanza begins with a rhetorical question, creating a rhythmic and persuasive flow that draws the reader’s attention to the central argument. The repetition of phrases such as "Prithee why so pale?" reinforces the speaker’s incredulity and impatience. The final stanza provides closure by shifting from questioning to advising, creating a sense of resolution.
- Rhyme scheme: The poem employs an alternating rhyme scheme (ABABA), adding musicality to its satirical tone.
- Use of repetition: The repeated rhetorical questions emphasize the speaker’s disbelief and mockery.
- Conclusion and shift: The final stanza breaks from questioning to deliver a decisive and pragmatic resolution.