Sappho Poems Flashcards
Poem 110
Doorman described as having large feet. Meaning he has a large penis.
Poem 49 and Poem 131
In Poem 49, Sappho loved Atthis but no longer in Poem 131.
Shows women as independent but changeable.
Poem 57
Sappho came from an aristocratic family and is disappointed her lover should prefer a farm girl.
Poem 111
Bridegroom is compared hyperbolically to Ares, the God of War. Makes the bridegroom an intimidating figure.
Marriage is both a cause of celebration and regret.
Poem 44
Homeric epithets such as “quick glancing” Andromache are used.
Poem 112
Sappho depicts a bridegroom’s joys.
Sexual references such as “honey sweet” and “love is poured” suggest an atmosphere of fun and occasion.
Poem 2
Sappho describes sex using natural metaphors.
Sappho lures Aphrodite to Lesbos with the promise of its natural beauty (especially flora). Lots of Roses.
Poem 105
Unpicked apple to suggest female sexuality. Out of reach from the apple pickers (men).
Later on in the poem, a hyacinth is brutally trodden by the feet of the shepherds. Suggests women after she has lost her virginity.
Poem 16 and Poem 1
Sappho uses the metaphor of war to describe love.
In Poem 16, a beautiful girl is compared to the wonderful sight of an army arrayed for battle.
In Poem 1, Sappho refers to Aphrodite as her “ally”.
Poem 22
Shifts of perspective when talking about relationships.
It firstly addresses Abanthis, trying to inspire her to write a poem for Gongylla.
By the end, we realise Abanthis has felt this way before and Sappho is also invested in the relationship.
Poem 96
How people can appear differently to a lover.
Compares the gleam from a girl like a gleam from the moon.
Poem 102
Love is depicted as all consuming because Sappho cannot weave and calls her mother for help.
Poem 31
Desire is so painful that she yearns for death.
Causes extreme emotions, like heart racing, swearing, shivering and collapsing.
Poem 98
Sappho describes how fashions in Lesbos have changed since her mother’s generation.
Poem 1
Homeric Influences in her poetry.
When Sappho is praying for Aphrodite to come to her aid, we are reminded of Diomedes’ prayer to Athene in the Iliad.
