Against Love
By Katherine Philips
HENCE Cupid! with your cheating toys,
Your real Griefs, and painted Joys,
Your Pleasure which itself destroys.
Lovers like men in fevers burn and rave,
And only what will injure them do crave.Men’s weakness makes Love so severe,
They give him power by their fear,
And make the shackles which they wear.
Who to another does his heart submit,
Makes his own Idol, and then worships it.Him whose heart is all his own,
Peace and liberty does crown,
He apprehends no cruel frown.
He feels no raptures, which are joys diseased,
And is not much transported, but still pleas’d.
Summary of Against Love
- A Bold Perspective on Affection: “Against Love” by Katherine Philips is a striking departure from the traditional romantic poetry of her time. Published in 1660, this poem does not celebrate love’s joys but instead examines its potentially destructive nature. Philips presents a compelling argument against the passionate surrender often associated with love, suggesting it leads to suffering rather than fulfillment.
- The Core Argument: The poem argues that love is not a natural, blissful state but a consequence of human weakness and fear. It portrays lovers as vulnerable individuals easily manipulated by their passions, willingly embracing pain and becoming enslaved by their affections. Philips contends that true peace and liberty lie in self possession and emotional independence.
- Key Themes: The central themes explored are the detrimental effects of passionate love, the power dynamics within relationships, and the contrast between emotional enslavement and self governance. The poem champions a philosophy of stoic detachment, suggesting that freedom comes from mastering one’s emotions rather than being ruled by them.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Against Love”
Katherine Philips masterfully employs a range of literary devices in “Against Love” to convey her critical perspective on affection. These techniques enhance the poem’s impact and contribute to its complex meaning.
- Metaphor: The poem’s central argument relies heavily on metaphor. Love is not simply a feeling but is presented as a force of enslavement. Consider the lines, “And make the shackles which they wear.” This powerfully illustrates how lovers willingly bind themselves to another, losing their freedom in the process.
- Personification: Love is consistently personified, treated as an active agent with the power to deceive and control. The opening address, “HENCE Cupid! with your cheating toys,” is a prime example. This personification allows Philips to attribute malicious intent to love, reinforcing her negative portrayal.
- Imagery: Philips utilizes vivid imagery to convey the pain and turmoil associated with love. The comparison of lovers to “men in fevers burn and rave” evokes a sense of intense suffering and irrational behavior. This imagery effectively communicates the destructive potential of unchecked passion.
- Alliteration & Consonance: These devices add musicality and emphasis to the poem. For example, in the line “Lovers like men in fevers burn and rave,” the repetition of the ‘f’ and ‘r’ sounds creates a heightened sense of urgency and emotional intensity.
- Assonance: Notice the repetition of vowel sounds within lines, such as the long ‘e’ sound in “He feels no raptures which are joys diseased.” This creates a subtle musicality that enhances the poem’s flow and memorability.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Against Love”
Beyond literary devices, Philips employs specific poetic techniques that contribute to the poem’s structure and meaning.
- Structure and Form: The poem is composed of three stanzas, each consisting of five lines – a form known as a quintain. This concise structure lends itself to the poem’s focused argument and creates a sense of deliberate control.
- Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme (AAABB) is consistent throughout the poem. This regular pattern contributes to the poem’s musicality and creates a sense of order and control.
- Diction & Tone: Philips’s diction is precise and often employs strong, even harsh language. The tone is critical, detached, and philosophical. She does not express personal heartbreak but rather presents a reasoned argument against the very nature of passionate love.
- Irony: There is a subtle irony present in the poem. Philips, writing within a tradition that celebrated romantic love, deliberately subverts expectations. Her critique of love is all the more impactful because it challenges conventional wisdom.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Against Love” are particularly useful when discussing the poem’s central themes.
“HENCE Cupid! with your cheating toys,
Your real Griefs, and painted Joys,
Your Pleasure which itself destroys.”
This opening stanza immediately establishes the poem’s critical stance towards love. The imagery of “cheating toys” and “painted Joys” suggests that love is deceptive and ultimately harmful.
“Who to another does his heart submit,
Makes his own Idol, and then worships it.”
These lines reveal Philips’s belief that love diminishes the individual. By surrendering one’s heart to another, one creates an “Idol” and loses oneself in adoration.
“He apprehends no cruel frown.
He feels no raptures which are joys diseased,
And is not much transported, but still pleas’d.”
These concluding lines offer a glimpse of the peace and contentment that Philips associates with self possession. True happiness, she suggests, lies not in passionate highs and lows, but in a state of calm and quiet contentment.