The Eve of St Agnes plot

Question 1

Beginning

Answer 1

The poem opens with the beadsman, an old, devout man, praying for the deceased in the castle in the cold while the festivities of St Agnes take place inside the warm castle.

Question 2

Middle

Answer 2

• Porphyro sneaks into the castle to see his Madeline, who is fasting, praying.
• He is caught by Madeline’s maid who bregrudingly helps him.
• Porphyro hides while Madeline undresses for bed
• Madeline dreams of Porphyro, believing him to be an angel sent by St. Agnes.
• Porphyro and Madeline have sex then flee into the storm.

Question 3

End

Answer 3

After Madeline and Porhyro flee into the storm, both the beadsman and Madeline’s maid die.