Hero and Leander

Both Venus and Cupid are symbols of love. Venus does not appear as an actual character in the poem but is frequently referred to by Hero, who wishes to serve her as a chaste nun. This actually runs counter to the design Hero wears on the sleeve of her gown, in which an amorous Venus tries to attract the attention of a reluctant Adonis (Lines 11-14). Seemingly oblivious of the implications of this, Hero believes herself to be “Venus’ nun” (Line 45) and presides over Venus’s temple. Leander, however, argues for the other side of Venus’s nature as the goddess of sensual love. He tries to persuade Hero to:

Abandon fruitless cold virginity,

The gentle queen of Love’s sole enemy.

Then shall you most resemble Venus’ nun,

When Venus’ sweet rites are performed and done (Lines 317-20).

Venus is thus the symbol of love, around which swirls, in effect, a debate (or disagreement) between Hero and Leander about what type of love she actually symbolizes. Leander seems to get the better of the argument.

Cupid, on the other hand, appears as an actual character who has an influence on events. He is mentioned many times and is an unambiguous symbol of erotic, romantic, and sexual love.