Thomas Campion and Christopher Marlowe explored the concept of the “ideal” in “A Man of Life Upright” and “Come Live with me, and be my Love” respectively. Campion delves into the idea that a man can be happier in life by upholding strong morality. In “Come with Me and Be My Love,” Marlowe proposes a contradictory vision, expressing the idea that the “ideal” can be achieved through the acquisition and appreciation of material wealth. Despite their contrasting views, both poems discuss the similar idea that striving for contentment is the best way a person can spend their life and that "the ideal" is the fundamental human purpose. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It is a common misconception that with the attainment of wealth and physical success one becomes satisfied and able to live a fulfilled life. Thomas Campion's "A Man of Life Upright" challenges this idea. His poetry portrays the concept that the "ideal" life is achieved not through material possessions but through strong morals. The use of the connotation expresses this sentiment: “Whose guiltless heart is free” conveys the peace that the support of healthy values ​​will bring into one's life, while “dishonest actions” has a heavy and negative connotation that helps express the burden that impurity may have. “A Man of Life Upright” approaches the concept of “ideal” by considering it as a state of being. Through an emotional language that almost shows an element of superiority, “Thus despising all worries”, the idea emerges that human purity can only be achieved by perfecting oneself as a person, in view of the so-called 'high moral level'. This setting reflects Campion's idea that someone's life satisfaction need not depend on the world in which that person lives, but rather on the person himself: "That man needs neither towers nor armor." It follows then that, in this perception of the "ideal", satisfaction cannot be achieved by collecting things, but gained by idealizing one's values. Christopher Marlowe describes a concept that differs greatly from that of "A Man of Life Upright". His poem, “Come live with me, and be my love,” articulates the idea that the acquisition and appreciation of material possessions will satisfy one's desire for “the ideal.” Within his poem, Marlowe attempts to seduce a woman by offering her his idea of ​​the best possible life; one filled with “robes,” “slippers,” and “buckles.” He used the list to create a cumulative effect as the poem progresses, evoking "valleys, groves, hills and fields". Through this tactic, Marlowe argued that list upon list of things he promises his loved one will make them both eternally happy. “And we will demonstrate all the pleasures” is a clear example of this sentiment. “Pleasures” refers to the satisfaction one feels once one discovers “the ideal.” “Demonstrate” shows that Marlowe believes these pleasures are palpable, physical goods. From his point of view, "the ideal" does not come from a person, but from the circumstances in which people find themselves. Many people believe that wealth will bring them happiness. Marlowe does not dispute this belief, but adds that only through the appreciation of one's good fortune will one be truly content. While the contrast between the perceptions of these two poets is clear, they also have a stark parallel. Campion and Marlowe would not disagree that a life spent trying to achieve "the ideal" is a successful and fulfilling life. The exact definition of what the elusive “ideal” is forms the basis of their attitudes.