Question

cupid and psyche
from greek mythology
once upon a time, through that destiny that overrules the gods,
love himself gave up his immortal heart to a mortal maiden.
and thus it came to pass.
there was a certain king who had three beautiful daughters.
the two elder married princes of great renown; but psyche, the
youngest, was so radiantly fair that no suitor seemed worthy of
her. people thronged to see her pass through the city, and sang
lymns in her praise, while strangers took her for the very
goddess of beauty herself.
angered venus, and she resolved to cast down her earthly
rival. dre day, therefore, she called hithy
love (cupid,
some name him), and bade him sharpen
arrows. he is an
archer more to be dreaded than apollo, for apollos arrows take
life, but loves bring joy or sorrow for a whole life long.
\come, love,\ said venus. \there is a mortal maid who robs
me of my honors in yonder city. avenge your mother. wound
this precious psyche, and let her fall in love with some churlish
creature mean in the eyes of all men.\
why was cupid a boy?
by william blake
why was cupid a boy,
any why a boy was he?
he should have been a girl,
for aught that i can see.
for he shoots with his bow,
and the girl shoots with her eye.
and they both are merry an glad,
and laugh when we do cry.
and to make cupid a boy
was the cupid girls mocking plan;
for a boy cant interpret the thing
select the correct answer.
how does blakes poem draw on the original greek story of cupid?
a. both texts describe cupid as using arrows to turn hearts to stone.
b. both texts describe cupid as loving war.
c. both texts describe cupid as using arrows to cause people to love.
d. both texts describe cupid as a young boy.
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Explanation:

In Greek mythology, Cupid (Eros) is known for using his arrows to make people fall in love. In Blake's poem, it also references Cupid shooting with his bow (a common symbol associated with his love - causing arrows).

• Option A: There is no indication in the original Greek story or the poem that Cupid's arrows turn hearts to stone.
• Option B: There is no mention of Cupid loving war in either the Greek story or the poem.
• Option D: While the poem may seem to refer to Cupid as a "boy", the more significant and common connection (in both the Greek story and the symbolic use in the poem) is the use of arrows to cause love.

Answer:

C. Both texts describe Cupid as using arrows to cause people to love.