Marriage Summary

In introducing this section, Caroline Kennedy notes "the pursuit of love and the strength of a lifetime commitment remain their own rewards and the foundation of much of our social order."

The section opens with a timeless poem by Christopher Marlowe, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love." The poem has long been considered a lusty cry for coupling. It is simple and direct and maintains a positive tone throughout. Its rhyming pattern, AA-BB-CC-DD, also is simple and provides a steady beat. The imagery is richly naturalistic, invoking valleys, groves, roses, posies, straw, gold, and more. This naturalistic imagery fits with the speaker as a "passionate shepherd" who offers these earthly delights to his beloved.

Gregory Corso, one of the "Beat Generation" poets, engages in a dialogue with himself in "Marriage." He envisions an awkward time meeting her parents, who will give him the...