What is Carpe Diem in Literature?

Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase which means "seize the day". This phrase is taken from a single of Horace's Odes. Now it has turn into the term for a widespread literary motif. Far more particularly, it is widespread in lyrical poetry. Let's see what this literary motif all about and exactly where it is employed.

In carpe diem poetry, the speaker puts emphasis on the reality that life is brief and the time is fleeting. He insists on his auditor to make the most of the present circumstance. So, the idea or theme is fundamentally touching or moving.

A lovely instance of this notion is effectively expressed in Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene, 1590-96. There is brevity of physical beauty and the finality of death is expressed in the image of a rose in the line II. Xii. 74-75; "Collect for that reason the Rose, while however is prime". Later on, in the 17th century, this sense of carpe diem is noticed in Robert Herrick's poem "Collect ye rosebuds, whilst ye may possibly". Edmund Waller sets the equivalent tone in "Go, Gorgeous Rose."

Although the poetry of such type is quite complicated yet powerfully communicates the poignant desperation and sadness, and the pursuit of pleasure below the limit of unavoidable death. The ideal instance of this carpe diem motif can be observed in Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress (1681). It is also observed in The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, by Edward FitzGerald.

It is quite difficult process and in some cases it turns out to be sad to achieve the job inside the restricted span of time. And for that reason, carpe diem poetry leaves poignant effect on the reader.

Rakesh Patel is an aspiring poet, freelance writer, self-published author and teacher. Read his weblog http://englishliterature99.wordpress.com