quotes in general

Question 1

Even as thou vanishest so I shall die.

Answer 1

Prophetic/foreshadowing

he recognises Lamia’s presence is magical.

Question 2

Stay! though a Naiad of the rivers, stay!

Answer 2

Lycius’ use of the imperative ‘stay’… even if she is a mythological nymph

Question 3

What taste of purer air hast thou to soothe

Answer 3

Note the merciless nature of the manipulative rhetorical questions posed by one well versed in the love arts!

Question 4

What canst thou say or do of charm enough to dull the nice remembrance of my home?

Answer 4

Can Lycius weave magical charms?
Dramatic irony: the reader knows the anguish she has endured to leave her home and is thereby more aware of Lamia’s knowledge of the love arts and her manipulative nature!

Question 5

Where ‘gainst a column he leant thoughtfully

At Venus’ temple porch, ‘mid baskets heap’d

Answer 5

For the social mores of the early 19th century, this is adequately disguised priapic and vulvic , sexual symbolism, showing Lycius leaning against the entrance of the temple dedicated to physical love.

Question 6

To hear her whisper woman’s lore so well;

Answer 6

‘The soft sound ‘w’ alliteration and the close sounding ‘l’ is sensuously enrapturing. It also draws attention to the motif of the Art of Love, as in e.g. the earlier line: ‘lore/Of love deep learned to the red heart’s core’ (lines 188-9)

Question 7

So threw the goddess off, and won his heart

Answer 7

good decision