This poem caught my eye because most of the other poems in the book have more positive connotations, such as “Happiness”, “Friendship”, etc. However, this one is entitled “Against Love”, which I found to be interesting.
The poem begins by addressing Cupid, who is the Roman god of love. The speaker somewhat accuses Cupid of creating a false sense of happiness in those who have fallen in love, which in turn creates an unhappiness that is very much real– hence, his “cheating toys” (1).
Philips then describes people in love as Cupid’s objects. Even though they may love one another, their love is artificial. The speaker elaborates on this idea, suggesting they “give him power by their fear, / And make the shackles which they wear” (7-8).
The tone of the poem somewhat changes at this point. The speaker provides a solution to the toxicity of love, and that is to keep one’s heart to oneself instead of giving it away to a lover. The speaker suggests that when one is in love, they are driven by pleasure which in a sense ruin’s one life. However, if one remains independent they shall find peace, for “him whose heart is all his own / Peace and liberty does crown (11-12). Essentially, the speaker wishes to drive home the idea that there is peace in solitude, and one will never truly find peace with another human.
“Against Love” by Katherine Philips.