The Romance of the Rose Chapter Summary & Analysis - Lines 5877-6016 Summary

Lines 5877-6016 Summary

Cupid informs the barons that he cannot command Venus, even though he comments that Venus is able to subdue a castle without his help. He also scolds Richesse for her retreat, and vows to have his revenge by making the next rich man who he takes into his service poor for the sake of love.

Lines 5877-6016 Analysis

Cupid tries to explain the difference between himself and his mother (i.e. the difference between stylized and romanticized Courtly Love and plain sexual instinct. Cupid seems to be refuting the argument put forward by Reason that Courtly Love is little different from prostitution, saying that he has nothing to do with the buying and selling of sexual favors. Buying and selling do not require gratitude, generosity or the reward of merit. The giving of favors and gifts in a Courtly relationship does require these. Cupid then goes on to contrast...
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