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GCSE English Literature · key term
The principle of seizing the present opportunity because life, youth and future happiness are uncertain.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Paper 1
Revise: Festivity and melancholyBefore Malvolio arrives, Feste sings “O mistress mine” in Act 2 Scene 3. Its invitation to present love rests on uncertainty: “What's to come is still unsure”. This is a carpe diem argument: seize happiness while it is available.
Component 1
The idea of enjoying the present because the future is uncertain and life is short; the Latin phrase means 'seize the day'.
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Before the noisy catch, Feste sings a love song in Act 2 Scene 3. Its invitation to love contains the warning, “What's to come is still unsure”. This is a carpe diem argument: enjoy the present because the future is uncertain.
