What is Carpe Diem in literature?

Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase that means “sixteen on the day.” This sentence is taken from one of the Odes. Now it has become the term for a common literary motif. More specifically, it is common in lyrical poetry. Let’s see what this literary motif is about and where it is used.

In carpe diem poetry, the speaker emphasizes the fact that life is short and time is fleeting. Insist that your auditor make the most of the current situation. So the concept or theme is basically poignant or poignant.

A beautiful example of this concept is well expressed in Edmund Spenser’s book. The queen of fairies, 1590-96. There is brevity of physical beauty and the finality of death is expressed in the image of a rose in line II. Xii. 74-75; “So pick up the Rose, while it’s still cousin.” Later in the 17th century, this sense of carpe diem is seen in Robert Herrick’s poem “Collect rosebuds while you can.” Edmund Waller sets a similar tone in “Go, Lovely Rose.”

Although poetry of this kind is highly complex, it powerfully communicates poignant despair and sadness, and the pursuit of pleasure under the edge of inevitable death. The best example of this carpe diem motif can be seen in Andrew Marvell To her shy lover (1681). It is also seen in Edward FitzGerald’s The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.

It is a really challenging task and sometimes it is sad to get the task done in a limited amount of time. And thus, carpe diem poetry leaves a poignant effect on the reader.