This is a famous quote that actually comes from Canto I of
this excellent mock epic, which presents us with the supernatural background that goes
on behind the "amorous affairs" that occur between mortals. We are told that so much of
the influence for these affairs of the heart are actually caused or helped on their way
by a whole group of sylphs, who "contrive it all," and convince the mortals that it is
just "levity" that makes them act in such foolish ways.
The
key way in which they influence mortals is through the "varying vanities" of their art,
which allows them to "shift the moving toyshop of their heart." This is a curious
metaphor to use, but it does emphasise the childish and fickle nature of the mortals,
indirectly commenting upon their maturity and actions, by describing the heart of these
mortals as firstly "moving," indicating that they are constantly changing in their
affections, and secondly as a "toyshop," indicating that their heart is childish and is
not mature in terms of emotions such as love.
No comments:
Post a Comment