Atalanta in Calydon: Analysis of Major Characters
**Overview of "Atalanta in Calydon: Analysis of Major Characters"**
The poem "Atalanta in Calydon" explores themes of fate, love, and tragedy through its key characters, beginning with Œneus, the king of Calydon, whose neglect of Artemis leads to a catastrophic hunt for a monstrous boar sent by the goddess. His wife, Althæa, is portrayed as a strong-willed woman who takes drastic measures to avoid a prophecy concerning their son, Meleager. Meleager, characterized by his valor and pride, ultimately becomes entangled in a tragic series of events as he kills the boar and inadvertently slays his uncles while defending Atalanta, a beautiful and skilled huntress. Atalanta, a priestess of Artemis, is a significant figure in the narrative, as her relationship with Meleager ignites conflict among the hunters. The poem also introduces Althæa's brothers, Toxeus and Plexippus, who meet their fate at Meleager's hands, and Leda, Althæa's sister. Throughout the work, the Chorus offers reflections on love and life, providing a philosophical lens that enhances the emotional depth of the characters' experiences. The interplay of fate and personal choice in this narrative invites readers to consider the complexities of human desire and the often tragic consequences of defying divine will.
Atalanta in Calydon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne
First published: 1865
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Greece
Plot: Tragedy
Time: Remote antiquity
Œneus (EE-news), the king of Calydon. He has neglected his sacrifice to Artemis, goddess of the hunt. The wild boar sent by Artemis into Calydon, in punishment, is the object of the fateful hunt. Finally, after much tragedy, Œneus rules alone in Calydon.
Althæa (ahl-THEE-uh), his wife, a woman of strong will. To avert a prophecy that her newborn son would live and prosper until the brand on the hearth was consumed, she extinguished the brand and hid it. Years later, after her son has slain her brothers, she returns the brand to the fire to be consumed. After her son's death, she dies of sorrow.
Meleager (meh-LEE-gur), the son of Œneus and Althæa. Strong and valiant, he is afflicted with great pride and lacks a proper submission to fate. He slays the boar and gives the spoils of the hunt to Atalanta. This results in a fight in which Meleager, protecting Atalanta, kills his uncles. He dies hoping his name will live among men.
Atalanta (a-tuh-LAN-tuh), an Arcadian maiden of great beauty and a priestess of Artemis. She joins the hunt, and Meleager, though strongly warned against an infatuation, falls in love with her. Her laugh of pleasure on being given the spoils of the hunt is misinterpreted as a taunt by the Calydonians, who attack her. At last, hailing Meleager's greatness, she returns to Arcadia.
Toxeus (TOK-sews) and Plexippus (plehk-SIH-puhs), Althæa's brothers, who are slain by Meleager.
Leda, Althæa's sister.
The Chorus, whose philosophizing on life and love, and comments on the action, illuminate the poem.