* The "Hyperbolic" Opening: Marvell begins by exaggerating the typical declarations of love, claiming he could spend eons praising his mistress' beauty and virtue. This is a direct parody of the excessive compliments often found in love poems.
* The "Time Constraint" Argument: He then introduces the absurdity of time constraints by stating that if they had all the time in the world, he'd gladly spend centuries in courtship. This is a satirical jab at the notion of endless romantic devotion, often portrayed in poetry.
* The "Carpe Diem" Shift: The poem takes a sharp turn with the famous line, "But at my back I always hear/Time's winged chariot hurrying near." This is a classic "carpe diem" (seize the day) theme, but Marvell uses it to mock the idea of romantic idealism in the face of mortality.
* The "Realistic" Conclusion: The poem's final section is grounded in reality, suggesting they should "enjoy the present" and be "teeming" in love. This is a witty juxtaposition of the "ideal" love portrayed in conventional poems and the more realistic, physical nature of human relationships.
In essence, Marvell's poem is a clever deconstruction of the cliches and unrealistic expectations often found in love poetry. He uses humor, irony, and a touch of cynicism to create a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on love.