• The character ‘Lamia’ in the narrative poem was created by John Keats.

• Lamia:

• Written in 1819 and published in 1820, the poem is inspired by Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy.

• It draws upon elements of ancient Greek mythology to tell a story of love and betrayal.

• Characters:

• Lamia

• Hermes

• Lycius

• Apollonius

• Summary:

• Lamia was a beautiful woman who, as a punishment, was transformed into a venomous serpent.

• When Hermes helps her, she regains human form.

• She goes to the city of Corinth and falls deeply in love with Lycius.

• Using her magic, Lamia enchants Lycius, and they begin a happy life together.

• Blinded by love, Lycius ignores the advice of his philosophical teacher Apollonius and decides to marry Lamia.

• At the wedding, Apollonius reveals Lamia’s true identity as a serpent.

• Upon this revelation, Lamia mysteriously vanishes, and Lycius dies of grief.

• John Keats:

• A British Romantic lyric poet devoted to perfecting poetry through vivid imagery, sensuous appeal, and philosophical reflections on classical legend.

• Titles: Poet of Beauty, Poet of Sensuousness; also trained as a Physician and Surgeon.

• His literary works include Sonnets, Odes, and Epics.

• Famous Works:

• Ode to Psyche

• Ode to a Nightingale

• Ode on a Grecian Urn

• To Autumn

• Ode on Melancholy

• Isabella

• Lamia

Source: An ABC of English Literature by M Mofizar Rahman.