La Belle Dame Sans Merci

Question 1

What is the context of this poem?

Answer 1

• The spring of 1819 was the peak of his relationship with Fanny Brawne
• In Dec 1818 his brother Tom had died of TB, a long and painful death. He had acted as his nurse.
• Keats would die of the same disease and he became first infected when nursing.
• He was in a state of emotional upheaval and was aware he would die

Question 2

Give some examples of Keats’ fascination with Greek mythology

Answer 2

• Familiar of myths about enchantresses who attracted men and trapped them using witchcraft.
• ‘Feary child’ / beautiful lady in the poem may link to Greek mythical syrens who lurred sailors to their death.

Question 3

What is a ‘Femme Fatale’?

Answer 3

mysterious, beautiful, and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, deadly traps.

Question 4

What is the contextual link to the flower imagery?

Answer 4

• It’s frequently used in English lit during and before the romantic period.
• The rose and Lily often appeared together.
• Symbolised danger and beauty and also the inseparability of death, suffering and love.

Question 5

What may the meanings be of this poem?

Answer 5

Impermanence of beauty and the fragility of happiness

Question 6

What is the form?

Answer 6

Ballad ABAB (link to medieval period)
but has a shorter final line mirroring imperfection of life experiences.

Question 7

What is the hamartia of the knight?

Answer 7

• blindness he is entrapped by her (she symbolises imagination). Chooses to ignore reality which inevitably leads to his downfall.
• egocentric Expects something from her for treating her with respect and giving her gifts.

Question 8

How is ‘loss of identity’ presented?

Answer 8

-conflict unresolved at end of poem, he is abandoned again.

Question 9

Quotes to show lady as ‘femme fatale’

Answer 9

‘wild wild eyes’
‘lulled me to sleep’
‘a feary’s song’
‘Their starved lips’

Question 10

Quotes to show knight as a tragic victim

Answer 10

‘alone and palely loitering’
‘lily on thy brow, fading rose’
‘Nothing else saw’
‘Lulled me to sleep’

Question 11

When was this poem written?

Answer 11

In 1819

Question 12

What quotes establish setting?

Answer 12

‘cold hill side’
‘roots of relish sweet’

Question 13

What quotes show suffering or death?

Answer 13

‘A lily on thy brow’ ‘cheeks a fading rose’ ‘death pale’ ‘starved lips’