What is the significance of John Keats' use of the motif of sight/eyes in Lamia?
Keats uses the motif in order to present an extended metaphor surrounding power constructs within his poem. Firstly, we should consider the positioning of Lycius as a tragic victim. Keats enforces the "blindness" of Lycius, which helps to develop the notion of gender role subversion. As the male protagonist is deemed as lacking power, the power of Lamia as a female is enhanced. Constructs of power within the tragic poem are thus established as a means to undermine Lycuis as a character, and to add greater significance to the critique of Lamia as a 'femme fatale'.
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Answered by Abbi R. • English Literature tutor
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