Endymion, the Man in the Moon: Analysis of Major Characters
"Endymion, the Man in the Moon" presents a rich tapestry of characters woven around the central figure of Endymion, a young man enchanted into a deep sleep due to his unspoken love for Cynthia, the goddess of the moon. Cynthia, embodying chastity and idealized beauty, is moved by Endymion’s plight and ultimately awakens him, leading him to pledge his eternal platonic devotion. The narrative also features Tellus, the goddess of the earth, who feels betrayed by Endymion's affections for Cynthia and finds herself conflicted as she learns to love her captor, Corsites.
Eumenides serves as Endymion's loyal friend, who, despite his own romantic desires, seeks to free his friend from enchantment. Other characters like Semele, Corsites, and Dipsas add layers of complexity to the story, ranging from witty banter to themes of jealousy and redemption. The text weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, loyalty, and transformation, with characters representing broader societal figures, such as Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Through its intricate character dynamics, the story invites readers to reflect on the nature of love and sacrifice within a mythical framework.
Endymion, the Man in the Moon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Lyly
First published: 1591
Genre: Play
Locale: Ancient Greece
Plot: Comedy
Time: Remote antiquity
Endymion (ehn-DIHM-ee-on), who is hopelessly in love with the goddess Cynthia. To keep his true love secret, he pretends to be in love with Tellus. After being put into an enchanted sleep at the instigation of his jealous deceived sweetheart, he is awakened by Cynthia. He vows to spend his life in platonic devotion to her.
Cynthia, the goddess of the moon. Chastely above mortal passion, she is moved to pity by Endymion's enchanted sleep, awakens him, and accepts his platonic worship. She has been interpreted as an idealized portrait of Queen Elizabeth I.
Tellus (TEH-luhs), the goddess of the earth. Loving Endymion, she is angered at what she considers his treachery to her. Imprisoned by Cynthia, she learns to love her jailer, Corsites, and releases Endymion to his moon-worship. She has been interpreted as a portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Eumenides (ew-MEH-nih-deez), Endymion's faithful friend and confidant. He is able to learn the secret of Endymion's enchantment because he is a faithful lover. Unselfishly, he asks for the secret to save his friend instead of for his own success in love.
Semele (SEH-meh-LEE), a witty, sharp-tongued girl, delighted with flouting her lover, Eumenides. She is finally moved by Cynthia's request and Eumenides' faithfulness to accept him.
Corsites (kohr-SI-teez), Tellus' jailer, who is in love with his prisoner.
Sir Thopas (TOH-puhs), a fantastical braggart of the literary family that contains Falstaff, among many others. Scornful of love and bloodthirsty in language only, he strangely falls in love with Dipsas, the hideous, elderly enchantress. Disappointed in his expectations there, he accepts Bagoa.
Dares (da-reez), Samias (SA-mee-uhs), and Epiton (EHpih-ton), witty and mischievous pages who delight in making sport of Sir Thopas.
Dipsas (DIHP-suhs), a malicious old enchantress, the estranged wife of Geron. She aids Tellus by casting Endymion into an enchanted sleep for forty years. Cynthia's benign influence reforms her and restores her to her husband.
Bagoa (beh-GOH-uh), Dipsas' assistant. She pities Endymion and confesses her part in the spell. After she is turned into a tree by Dipsas, Cynthia restores her.
Geron (JEH-ron), Dipsas' aged husband, who helps Eumenides find out that the cure for the spell on Endymion is a kiss from Cynthia.
Floscula (FLOS-kuh-luh), Tellus' friend, who warns her against love inspired by witchcraft.