Summary:
Lamia is a narrative poem by John Keats that explores themes of illusion, love, and reality. The poem tells the story of Lamia, a beautiful serpent-woman who is transformed into a human by the god Hermes. She falls in love with a young Corinthian man named Lycius, and together they create a dream-like existence of love and passion. However, their happiness is shattered when the philosopher Apollonius exposes Lamia’s true nature, leading to her disappearance and Lycius’ tragic death. The poem contrasts the beauty of illusion with the harshness of reality, ultimately suggesting that love cannot survive when stripped of its illusions.
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Lamia |
| Poet | John Keats |
| Year Written | 1819 |
| Year Published | 1820 |
| Poem Type | Narrative poem |
| Rhyme Scheme | Heroic couplets (AA BB CC…) |
| Themes | Illusion vs. reality, love, fate, tragedy |
| Symbolism | Lamia (illusion and deception), Apollonius (reason and reality) |
| Tone | Romantic yet tragic |
| Setting | Ancient Corinth |
| Main Conflict | Love and illusion vs. reason and reality |
| Ending | Lamia disappears, and Lycius dies from shock |
1. : What is Lamia’s true form at the beginning of the poem?
(A) A fairy
(B) A snake
(C) A goddess
(D) A bird
2. : Who helps Lamia transform into a human?
(A) Hermes
(B) Apollo
(C) Zeus
(D) Lycius
3. : Where does Lamia meet Lycius?
(A) In a temple
(B) In the forest
(C) In a marketplace
(D) In Corinth
4. : What role does Apollonius play in the poem?
(A) He supports Lycius and Lamia’s love
(B) He is a wise philosopher who exposes Lamia
(C) He is a villain trying to destroy Lycius
(D) He helps Lamia remain human
5. : What happens to Lamia at the end of the poem?
(A) She turns back into a snake
(B) She disappears after being exposed
(C) She kills Lycius
(D) She lives happily with Lycius
6. : How does Lycius react when Apollonius reveals the truth about Lamia?
(A) He embraces her
(B) He runs away in fear
(C) He dies from shock
(D) He fights Apollonius
7. : What is one of the major themes of Lamia?
(A) The conflict between reality and illusion
(B) The power of political authority
(C) The importance of wealth in love
(D) The joy of supernatural beings
8. : How does Lamia first attract Lycius?
(A) Through magic
(B) By appearing as a beautiful woman
(C) By saving his life
(D) By writing him a letter
9. : What does the presence of Apollonius symbolize?
(A) The wisdom of Greek mythology
(B) The destruction of love by logic and reason
(C) The power of magic over humans
(D) The dangers of ignorance
10. : What is the tone of the poem?
(A) Joyful and uplifting
(B) Romantic yet tragic
(C) Humorous and lighthearted
(D) Political and revolutionary
