Through the story of the struggling knight who succumbs to the charms of an other-worldly beauty, a picture of a feverish hope is painted, which is mirrored in the gothic leanings of an era that is mired in crisis. Although fairies are generally considered to be messengers of goodwill, the one that features in "La Belle Dame sans Merci" is anything but, as evidenced through her gothic characterization. She is a mere temptress carved in the image of the femme fatale which in literal terms refers to a dangerously attractive woman.

Images in this Exhibit

Peterloo Massacre

On August 16, 1819, 60,000 non-violent protestors came together at St. Peter's Field in Manchester to demand freedom from oppression, the right to vote, and to support the Parliamentary Reform. The French Revolution, which occured in the late 18th century, left many people jobless along with taking a toll on the nation's finances nevertheless, helped many people to see equality, liberty, and fraternity which led to the protestors standing up for themselves and what they believe in.  Demanding the right to vote, the Manchester Yeomanry, the militia who defeated the French armies of the…

Exhibit Tags
Gothic
Fairy
Temptress
Group content visibility
Private - accessible only to group members
Vetted?
Not Vetted
Groups audience
Fall 2021 ENGL 2540 Online