Poem Analysis - Why Was Cupid A Boy

A Playful Yet Critical Look at Love's Representation

William Blake's "Why Was Cupid A Boy" is a deceptively simple poem that questions the traditionally masculine portrayal of love, personified by Cupid. The poem begins with a tone of innocent inquiry, almost childlike in its directness. However, as the poem progresses, a subtle shift occurs, moving toward a more critical and even cynical perspective on love and its societal representations. Blake subtly critiques the impact of a patriarchal, war-oriented culture on our understanding of love and gender roles.

The Feminine Aspect of Love

One central theme of the poem is the feminine aspect of love. Blake juxtaposes the traditional image of Cupid, a boy who shoots arrows of love, with the power of a girl's gaze: "For he shoots with his bow, / And the girl shoots with her eye." This comparison elevates the female's agency in matters of love. Instead of relying on forceful intervention, the girl's influence is subtle yet powerful, rooted in natural charm and attraction. The poem suggests that love, in its truest form, should encompass both masculine and feminine qualities and that focusing solely on the masculine is incomplete.

Mockery and the Pain of Experience

Another theme revolves around the pain and disillusionment that accompany love's pursuit, particularly for men. The lines "And to make Cupid a boy / Was the Cupid girl's mocking plan" introduce a sense of manipulation and perhaps even revenge. The boy, unable to truly comprehend love until he becomes a man, subsequently suffers from the "arrowy smarts." This imagery symbolizes the heartache, disappointment, and overall burden that love can bring. The image of a man constantly trying to "pick out the heads of the darts" depicts a life consumed by the repair of past hurts, suggesting love's potential for lasting damage.

War, Gender, and the Loss of Joy

The final stanza connects the misrepresentation of love to a broader societal problem: the "Greeks' love of war." Here, Blake critiques the patriarchal values of ancient Greece, arguing that their emphasis on warfare led to the masculinization of love ("Turn'd Love into a boy") and the objectification of women ("And woman into a statue of stone"). This connection suggests that a society obsessed with aggression and dominance cannot truly understand or appreciate the nuances of love. The consequence, according to Blake, is the loss of "every joy," implying that the true essence of love is intrinsically linked to peace, equality, and mutual respect. The statue of stone imagery evokes coldness, objectification, and the silencing of female voices.

Love's Distorted Image: A Final Reflection

In conclusion, "Why Was Cupid A Boy" is a poignant critique of how societal norms can distort our understanding of love. Blake uses the seemingly simple question of Cupid's gender to explore complex themes of gender roles, the pain of experience, and the corrosive influence of a war-oriented culture. The poem ultimately suggests that a more balanced and inclusive representation of love, one that embraces both masculine and feminine qualities, is necessary to reclaim the "joy" that has been lost.