Themes:
* Love and Desire: The poem centers around a speaker who is deeply in love with a woman he addresses as "Phillis." He expresses his intense longing and desire for her, comparing their love to a fire that burns within him.
* The Power of Beauty: Lodge uses vivid imagery to describe Phillis's beauty, comparing her to flowers, the sun, and even a goddess. This highlights the power of beauty to captivate and inspire love.
* Unrequited Love and Jealousy: The poem hints at unrequited love, as the speaker worries that his love is not returned. There's a sense of jealousy and fear of losing Phillis to another.
* Nature as a Mirror: The poem uses natural imagery like flowers, birds, and the sun to reflect the speaker's emotions. This creates a sense of connection between the speaker's inner world and the natural world around him.
* The Pain and Pleasures of Love: The poem acknowledges both the pain and pleasure associated with love. While the speaker feels intense desire and joy, he also experiences anxiety and fear of rejection.
Interpretations:
* A Love Poem: This is the most straightforward interpretation. The poem is a passionate expression of the speaker's love for Phillis, exploring the complexities of desire, longing, and fear.
* A Reflection on the Nature of Beauty: The poem could be seen as a meditation on the power and allure of beauty. Lodge uses Phillis as a symbol of beauty that inspires both love and envy.
* A Commentary on Human Desire: The poem may be a commentary on the human condition, exploring the intense emotions and desires that drive us. The speaker's struggles with love and jealousy represent the universal human experience of longing and the pain of unfulfilled desire.
Ultimately, the meaning of "Madrigal" is up to the reader's interpretation. The poem offers a rich tapestry of themes and imagery that can resonate with different readers in different ways.