the eve of st agnes

Question 1

speak, kneel, touch and kiss

Answer 1

what Porphyro want to do with Madeline, completely objective- our first perspective and view of him is inherently negative.
- it’s not violent but very crude, she may want nothing to do with him.

Question 2

her maiden eyes divine

Answer 2

symbolising Madeline as a character of youth, innocence and purity.
- first image of her is seen inherently weak and fragile. compared to Porphyro

Question 3

and silent as a tomb

Answer 3

a place of secrecy and being hidden
- gothic imagery and simile
- compared to the roaring party of his enemies occurring further down.

Question 4

keepeth closed a wonderous riddle-book

Answer 4

• euphanism of opening Madelines body and sexuality
• could signify the protective nature of angela and the stopping of men like Porphyro taking advantage of her.

Question 5

made purple riot

Answer 5

• purple signifying erotica and passion
• his true intentions for Madeline, trying this hard not for pure intentions but rather for something else.

Question 6

far apart from wicked men like thee

Answer 6

angela knows the knowledge of Pophryo’s (sexual) attraction to, ensuring that Madeline is chaste and unable to be ruined by men with bad intentions like him
- motherly role plays into the archetype of a wise spinster, key focus on Madelines virginity and maintaining virtuous

Question 7

by all saints I swear

Answer 7

• swears to angela he will not hurt her
• promising something he won’t keep
• is he a deceptive and manipulative character, or is he actually being honourable and swearing his word

Question 9

trembling in her soft chilly nest

Answer 9

paints her out as soft and fearful
~imagery of a bird- metaphor

Question 10

these lovers fled away into the storm