Scene II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Innocence and Experience

  Poppaea's 'yielding modesty' and 'oft reverted eye' capture the tension between innocence and the experience of love and escape.

• Nature and the Sublime

  The imagery of the 'rosy queen' (Venus) and 'wanton son' (Cupid) invokes the natural and divine forces aiding the lovers' flight.

Characters to notice

• Poppaea

  Poppaea is the beloved of Otho, being compared to Helen of Troy as they escape together.

• Helen

  Helen is referenced as a mythological parallel to Poppaea, describing her reluctant yet willing departure with Paris.

Key passages

• “Thus far we’re safe. Thanks to the rosy queen Of amorous thefts; and had her wanton son Lent us his wings, we could not have beguiled With more elusive speed the dazzled sight Of wakeful jealousy.”

  We have escaped safely so far, thanks to Venus, the goddess of love and secret affairs. Even if her son Cupid had given us his wings, we could not have moved more swiftly or secretly, evading the watchful eyes of jealous pursuers.

  Otho credits Venus and Cupid for their successful escape, emphasizing the speed and stealth of their flight.

• “So Helen looked, So her white neck reclined, so was she borne By the young Trojan to his gilded bark With fond reluctance, yielding modesty, And oft reverted eye, as if she knew not Whether she feared, or wished to be pursued.”

  Poppaea resembles Helen of Troy, with her white neck tilted back, carried by the young Trojan prince Paris to his golden ship. She shows a loving reluctance and modest surrender, often looking back as if uncertain whether she is afraid of being chased or secretly hopes for it.

  Otho compares Poppaea's demeanor to Helen's during her abduction, highlighting the blend of fear and desire in their escape.