The influence of the Elizabethan era was apparent in its society. This era was known to be the most splendid period of English literature. Queen Elizabeth I acted as the symbol of this great time in history. The strength in the economy, English politics, religion and its language produced inspiration for a vast amount of its people. Among the inspired were two acquainted poets, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Christopher Marlowe. This era had influenced these two people to be independent and daring and it showed up in their works, and lifestyle. The poems "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe and "The Nymphs Reply to the Shepherd" by Sir Walter Raleigh have been interpreted to be a letter written by a shepherd to his love and her response. However, my interpretation differs. I believe that the authors of these two poems were writing to each other and disguising their feelings with commonly used and accepted dialect, due to the fact that their love affair would not be socially accepted.
             Within Marlowe's poem, I feel he was using his words to express his desires and sexual passions that were directed towards Sir Walter Raleigh. I believe that social restrictions prevented him from fulfilling his wishes to be with Raleigh; therefore he utilized his poetry to profess his yearning of living the life he longed for. In my opinion, the poems present certain clues to their affair. Their play on words in particular stanzas such as in Marlowe's poem, the first line states "Come live with me and be my love". He is beckoning the companionship of his lover. He goes on in the poem to express all these beautiful experiences they would have together if his love would come and be with him,
             by stating "And I will make thee beds of roses and a thousand fragrant posies". Marlowe is trying to persuade his lover, in my opinion Raleigh, how perfect life would be if they could spend ...