Critical Appreciation of "I Prithee Send Me Back My Heart"

Sir John Suckling’s poem I Prithee Send Me Back My Heart is a lighthearted yet emotional reflection on unrequited love. The poet uses wit, irony, and clever wordplay to express the pain of loving someone who does not return his feelings. While the poem carries elements of sadness, it also has a playful and philosophical tone, making it an engaging example of Cavalier poetry.

Title Justification

The title I Prithee Send Me Back My Heart is a direct appeal to the beloved. The phrase "I prithee" (meaning "I beg you") suggests politeness, but also irony, as the poet knows that his request is futile. The title reflects the poem’s central theme—love that is not reciprocated, leading the speaker to ask for his heart back since he cannot have his beloved’s in return.

Type of Poetry

This poem belongs to the Cavalier poetry tradition, which was popular in the 17th century. Cavalier poets, like Suckling, focused on themes of love, beauty, and courtly charm. Their poetry was often witty, lighthearted, and musical. This poem follows that style by blending playful expressions with deeper emotional conflicts.

Imagery and Style

Suckling uses vivid imagery and metaphors to enhance the emotional effect of the poem:

• Heart Imagery – The heart represents love and emotion. The poet requests his heart back since his beloved does not return his feelings:

  "I prithee send me back my heart, / Since I cannot have thine."

• Thief Imagery – The beloved’s eyes are described as thieves that steal the poet’s heart:

  "For thou hast a thief in either eye / Would steal it back again."

  This metaphor suggests the irresistible charm of the beloved.

• Paradox of Love – The poet highlights the contradictions in love:

  "But love is such a mystery, / I cannot find it out."

  This reflects how love is unpredictable and confusing.

Message and Themes

The poem explores the pain of unreturned love but does so in a witty and playful way. The poet initially feels hurt but later decides not to dwell on sorrow:

"Then farewell care, and farewell woe; / I will no longer pine."

This line suggests that the speaker is choosing to move on, highlighting a theme of emotional resilience.

Conclusion

I Prithee Send Me Back My Heart is a charming poem that blends emotions with humor. Through clever imagery and an elegant, flowing rhythm, Sir John Suckling presents the complexities of love in a way that feels both heartfelt and lighthearted. The poem remains a delightful example of Cavalier poetry, reminding readers that love, no matter how painful, can still be met with grace and wit.