“Through the Iron Gates of Life"

Line 44 capitalizes on sexual invective. Simply the speaker wants to burst the iron gates of his mistress’ coyness (enticing modesty). This references his attempt to rob her of her virginity. The iron connotes captivity, much like that of a prison. Note that they are the iron gates of life rather than the iron gates to life. The diction that Marvell employs confirms that life confines individuality and expression. The metaphor for confinement extends throughout the line and even the poem. The female is the prisoner locked up for a crime (being a virgin) and sex is the bail. Therefore this emphasizes patriarchal dominance as he further fears that his lust will become dust should they not have sex. The nameless speaker expresses slight hubris through his affirmation that he can demolish the iron, a metal known for its durability, strength, and resistance. He inflates his ego to pursue his power, fearing his ultimate demise- death as a virgin. Thus, the man needs a verbal affirmation that he will not die a virgin. Their sex and physical reaction to his need will bolster his necessary confidence. However, it is not only his need, but hers as well or else decomposition is imminent. In lines 27 and 28, the speaker says that if they do not have sex her body will become infested with worms inside her coffin, gnawing at the raw flesh of a dead virgin. The realization of the double impact without penetration is even referenced in the rhyme scheme. Though some readers conclude the rhyme scheme to follow the pattern AA BB, I refute this claim. I see the rhyme scheme as AB AB, and the coupled lines represent the man and woman functioning as a couple, even heard in the relationship of the rhyme’s sound. The fluctuation between the inflexions prompts the reader to hear the consistent change of movement during intercourse.