The commentary of The Passionate Shepherd to His LoveThis term, we took the English Poem course, in which Mr. Luo guided us fling in the poem world to appreciate the beauty of poems. In all of the poems we have learnt, I appreciate The Passionate Shepherd to His Love most. Yet I really don’t know how to appreciate a poem. Indeed, I haven’t got to the level to appreciate poems. So, I just write my own understanding to this beautiful poem.The Passionate Shepherd to His Love, was written by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593○)who was an English dramatist and poet，translator of the Elizabethan area, born in Canterbury，England, died in Deptford, England. Marlowe was the foremost Elizabethan tragedian until his mysterious early death. Marlowe greatly influenced William Shakespeare, who was born in the same year as Marlowe and who rose to become the eminent Elizabethan playwright after Marlowe’s death. Marlowe’s plays are known for the use of blank verse, and their overreaching protagonists. Marlowe was the first great English Dramatist. He brought to the English stage a new concept of tragedy, one in which the drama centers around the struggles of a man overwhelmed by his passions and ambitions.○2This short poem is considered to be one of the most beautiful lyrics in English literature. It derives from the pastoral tradition, in which the shepherd enjoys an ideal country life, cherishing a pastoral and pure affection for his love. Strong emotion is conveyed through the beauty of nature where lovers are not disturbed by worldly concern.The first time I read the poem, I just thought it was too directly for the shepherd to express his love to the girl he loved. For me, if I were the girl, I would not accept the shepherd’s love because his love was so intensely that I don’t know how to respond his love. But the second I read it carefully, almost word by word. I was deeply moved by the shepherd’s real and pure love. In the world he created for himself and his love, the girl lived an ease life like a princess. He showed a picture on what he would promise if she accepts to be his love. There was a heavenly like scene in the picture, he imagined them sitting upon the rocks, watching the other busy shepherd who had to work hard, and they relaxed themselves by listening to the birds' singing, and seeing the river falls. The shepherd also ensured her that he is willing to do whatever it takes to please her. He was so infatuated with the girl that I am a little jealous of her. The girl was so lucky to be loved by such a infatuated and romantic man.The structure of the poem is very clear. The poetry started out with a direct initiation. The speaker showed his purpose clearly, which is asking the woman he admired to be his lover. The following stanza showed a picture on what he would promise if she accepts to be his love. Then he drew different scenes when they were together. The shepherd also ensured her that he is willing to do whatever it takes to please her. This could be seen from the line 9~18. He made promises on difficult mission such as making bed of roses, thousand fragrant posies, and leaves of myrtle, coral clasps and amber studs…ext. From line 19, it responded to the idea of the first stanza that is to persuade the woman to be his love and to live with him. The repeating sentences "come live with me and be my love," may work as the function of emphasizing, and expression of eagerness.The style and writing type of the poem is very good. This poem is a typical pastoral, that is, a type of poem that deals in an idealized way with shepherds and rustic life. It singsheartily for the pure and faithful love, which is the most beautiful thing in the world. The poem brings us to valleys, grooves, hills and fields, entertaining us with a joyous song flowing naturally from the heart of a lovely and harmonious picture of shepherds, sheep, roses and so on. In the beginning, the poet sketched a peaceful and fine view of shepherd’s surrounding, such as hills, valleys, all of which seemed essential in pastoral poetries. Then the shepherd promised his lover to give her what he can to make her happy, including “beds of roses”,” cap of flowers”, ”belt of straw an d ivy-buds”. The writer showed pure and immortal love by reciting excellent verse .It also gives us a hint that though the flowers might wither and fall, human being’s faithful and sincere love won’t fade away. Besides, the word in this poetry is simple but elegant, which makes the poem so appealing to our hearts, especially to our ears. The poem impresses me with its musical beauty, and the real and pure feeling.The theme of the poem is very simple. The apparent theme is the rapture of springtime love in a simple. Inner in this theme is the motif of carpe diem—Latin for “seize the day.” Carpe diem urges people to enjoy the moment without worrying about the future.The characters in the poem are also very impressed. The Passionate Shepherd: He importuned a woman-a young and pretty country girl-to become his sweetheart and enjoy with him all the pleasures that nature has to offer. He promises to his love a fanciful, and somehow an unrealistic future.Maybe the shepherd does not rank high in the society; he is probably not wealthy at all. However, he is a very poetic person. That was the leading man, a very passionate, romantic man. The Shepherd’s Love: The young woman who receives the Passionate Shepherd’s message. Even the poet didn’t describe her personality or appearance, we can image that she must be a very charming girl, otherwise the shepherd would not be so passionate with her. Swains: Young country fellows whom the Passionate Shepherd promises will dance for his beloved.So, in a word, this is a romantic poem, amorous shepherds in three sigh, in poetic language, describes the imagination and in love with the happy days spent, show the desire for love. And love together nestled in the corner, listening to the wind by steps, see the world of beauty.I like the poem because it captures the joy of simple, uncomplicated and pure love. The shepherd does not worry whether his status makes him acceptable to the girl; nor does he appear concerned about money or education. The future will take carry of itself. What matters is the moment. So, he says, let us enjoy it—sitting on a rock listening to the birds. The shepherd teaches us that we should chase for what we what bravely, no matter what difficulty we may face.○1《英美文学选读》，张伯香主编，1998，外语教学与研究出版社○2/view/1846580.htm百度百科。