Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

This is a poem entitled "To Cupid, Upon His Blindness" written by James Shirley, a Jacobean dramatist who lived from 1596-1666. The poem addresses Cupid, the god of love, and condemns him for his cruel use of his powers. The speaker argues that Cupid was once a harmless deity, but has since become a tyrant and a child, using his arrows to wound the hearts of his creators.

The poem is structured as a series of demands, with the speaker calling on Cupid to give back his wings, arrows, bow, quiver, and belt. The speaker then vows to burn these objects and keep their ashes until the day when lovers will curse and sigh for Cupid's sake. However, the speaker acknowledges that Cupid will not die, but will instead be stripped of his power and made a scorn to the world. The poem ends with a promise to give Cupid eyes to see his shame and break his heart.

The poem is notable for its condemnation of Cupid, who is traditionally seen as a figure of love and desire. The speaker argues that Cupid's power is cruel and unjust, and that he should be held accountable for his actions. The poem also reflects the religious tensions of the time, with Shirley's Catholicism influencing his portrayal of Cupid as a false god. Overall, "To Cupid, Upon His Blindness" is a powerful critique of the power dynamics of love and desire, and a testament to Shirley's skill as a poet

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