Cupid (symbol)
The most familiar symbol in the poem does not appear until near the end. Cupid stands as a symbol of love, but also as a way to mark the loss of agency that the speaker feels. The indecisiveness that the speaker feels due to the realization the impending decision between Damon and Alexis results in the invocation of the Roman god of love. “Take my agency!” the speaker shouts, essentially, and we, as readers feel the helplessness of the situation.
Golden-Pointed Dart (symbol)
This symbol relates to Cupid. Although it is well known that Cupid shoots arrows (darts) at prospective lovers in order to hasten romance, somewhat less known is another part of the ancient myth. Cupid has two different kinds of arrows. Lead arrows he aims at false hearts, while reserving his supply of golden darts for those whose hearts are true. Again, the speaker’s own perception must be taken into consideration. She may well believe herself to be capable of being true to both men or perhaps the color of the dart shot into her heart is just wishful thinking.
