Porphyria's Lover Pear 5 Analysis (character)

Question 1

“smiling rosy little head”

Answer 1

By referring to Porphyria as a “smiling rosy little head” she is being reduced to a mere object

Question 2

“she” to “it”

Answer 2

the shift from using “she” to “it” dehumanises and objectifies her. The speaker is also now only focusing on Porphyria’s head, not referring to her as a whole.

Question 3

“little”

Answer 3

This is further emphasised by the word choice of “little” which has the effect of infantilising Porphyria.

Question 4

“so glad it has its utmost will”

Answer 4

The persona states that Porphyria is “glad” to have achieved her “utmost will”. His perception is that her greatest desire was to be with him forever and he feels he has fulfilled this. The speaker feels that any negative feelings or reservations have been removed by his actions and now she has happiness through their love.