Blog post 3: Sappho 1 and Archilochus 35-36

The first selection of Sappho's poem contains elements that Carson describes as paradox of Eros. Carson argues that Eros is the state of having two contradicting emotions of states at the same time while in love such as pleasure and pain, sweet and bitter, and wanting and hating.

"...do not with sorrows and with pains subdue my heart, O lady,

but come to me, if ever at another time as well..."

Here, we can see that Sappho is calling for Aphrodite to save her from the possible sorrow and pains which may result from the "heart" or the affection she has. Sappho is aware that loving may result in sorrow and pain but she still wants Aphrodite to "come to her" and help her get the love she want.

"...you...asked me...what in my maddened heart I wanted most to happen.”

Here, Sappho uses the word "maddened" to describe her heart. The word “maddened” seems a bit extreme and negative to describe a beautiful happy love. It gives the sense of insanity and abnormality in her emotion. Sappho is not saying that loving is beautiful. Similar expression can be seen in the following phrase: “…Who is it Sappho, that wrongs you?” The word “wrongs” imply that Sappho’s heart is troubled by this lover, not necessarily happy by the person. But, still, Sappho yearns for the lover which shows the contradicting emotions of Eros described by Carson.

In the poem, using Aphrodite’s tongue Sappho says that “For is she flees now, soon she shall pursue; if she refuses presents, she shall give them; if she does not love, soon she shall love even against her will.” Sappho knows that love has two sides. It’s so easy for an unwanted love to be one’s inescapable desire.

In the last stanza, Sappho asks to “release [her] from the agony [and] for all [her] hearts yearns to be achieved” which shows that even though it is agonizing, she cannot stop yearning for the love.

Archilochus’ selection 35 and 36 also displays the paradoxical elements of love.

He starts the poem by stating that there was the passion of love beneath his heart and he describes his feelings as tender senses. However, as Archilochus expands the poem, more and more contradicting expressions appear. He has passion of love, so he is wretched, life less, and bitter by the pain that pierced through the bones.

Loving is tender but bitter at the same time.