Formalism in "To His Coy Mistress" Question for response line 1 - "Had we but world enough, and time" This first line of the poem is in the subjunctive mood, but the poem then progresses to the indicative and finally to the imperative mood. The poem also progresses from describing a fantasy, to describing the grim realities of death, and ends with a call to action. How would a formalist critic interpret these progressions? Bedford/St. Martin's | Order a Book | Instructor Registration | Contact Us | Contact Your Sales Representative