Rivers

Rivers symbolize the extent of the pastoral setting. Marvell names two rivers in poem: the Ganges, which is in India, and the Humber, which is in England. By naming two places, he creates a sense that the pastoral place spans the entire world. The poem is not placed in any one particular setting, but the use of this symbol conjures up the idea of an infinite and idyllic world.

Rubies

Rubies symbolize value. They are used in the speaker's description of the Ganges, as rubies were associated with India. They were expensive but also very rare.

The Flood

The Flood represents ancient history. It is a reference to the Biblical Flood and Noah's arc. However, it is not so much a depiction of this story, as a reference to something that was understood to have happened long ago.

The Conversion of the Jews

The "conversion of...