Hermes

Hermes

1. Beautiful

   • "That from a whiteness, as the lily clear, Blush'd into roses 'mid his golden hair, Fallen in jealous curls about his shoulders bare."
     • Describing appearance as bare torso, pale skin, flushed with exertion, curly golden hair. Flowers, comparison to nature=emphasise beauty. Golden=sun-like, godly. 'Jealous curls' shows how emotions are key. Bare chest suggests vanity, however norm of gods.
       • Flowers to describe him, like La Belle, weakness for knight, but strength for Hermes.

2. Obsessed/childish

   • "And so he rested, on the lonely ground, Pensive, and full of painful jealousies of painful jealousies Of the Wood-Gods, and the very trees."
     • Jealous nymph connected to the trees more than him, sulking, childish. Also shows obsession, frustrated by lack of contact when haven't had relationship.
   • "Ah, miserable me!"
     • Sulking, can't see Lamia.
   • "Light flew his earnest words, among the blossoms blown."
     • Flowers collecting words. Willing to do anything for Lamia=obsession.

3. Lust driven

   • "ever-smitten Hermes"
   • "Breathing upon the flowers his passion new"
     • Flowers blooming from romance. Lust/passion. Flowers=representation of his greed= power.
   • "Ravish'd, she lifted her Circean head, Blush'd a live damask, and swift-lisping said."
     • Sexual tension with Lamia, despite his aim being to find the nymph. Flirting, both immortal, seek pleasure.

4. Dominant

   • "Like a stoop'd falcon ere he takes his prey."
     • Predator connotations.

5. Trickster

   • "His golden throne, bent warm on amorous theft"
     • Out to steal love, amorous=sexual desire, shows his motivations and his character--> selfish, actions for own pleasure.
       • Like La Belle, taking advantage of knight for her own gain.