Orfeo: Analysis of Major Characters
The story of Orpheus revolves around themes of love, loss, and the power of music, centered on the tragic figure of Orpheus himself, a young singer and poet deeply in love with Eurydice. Following the news of Eurydice's death, Orpheus's profound sorrow drives him to journey to the Underworld, where he seeks to reclaim her life with the enchanting beauty of his melodies. The god of the Underworld, Pluto, is so moved by his music that he permits Orpheus to take Eurydice back to the surface on the condition that he does not look back at her until they reach the world above. However, his doubts lead him to glance back, resulting in Eurydice being drawn back into the realm of the dead, leaving Orpheus heartbroken and vowing never to seek love again.
The narrative also features important characters such as Eurydice, a nymph whose fate is intertwined with Orpheus’s; Pluto, the benevolent yet stern ruler of the Underworld; and Proserpina, his wife, who is similarly captivated by Orpheus's music. Other figures like Tisiphone, one of the Furies, and Aristaeus, a shepherd in love with Eurydice, contribute to the intricate web of relationships and emotions in this poignant tale. Overall, "Orfeo" presents a rich exploration of how love can transcend even the deepest of divides, while simultaneously highlighting the tragic consequences of doubt and disobedience.
Orfeo: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Poliziano
First published: 1863 (English translation, 1879)
Genre: Play
Locale: Sicily
Plot: Pastoral
Time: Remote antiquity
Orpheus (OHR-fee-uhs), a young singer and poet who is in love with Eurydice. At the news of his sweetheart's death, he fills the air with his lament and vows to go to the very gates of Tartarus and, with the beauty of his music, win back his love. There, his melodies so charm Pluto that the god grants him permission to lead Eurydice back to Earth on condition that he not look back along the way. Overcome by doubts, he does look back, only to see Eurydice drawn again among the shades. Heartbroken, he is determined never to seek love again. As punishment for his scorn of love, he is torn to pieces by the Bacchantes.
Eurydice (ew-RIH-dih-see), a nymph who is loved by Orpheus and sought by him in the Underworld after her death. Given permission to follow her lover back to Earth, she is drawn again among the shades when he breaks his promise to Pluto that he will not look back along the way.
Pluto (PLEW-toh), the god of the Underworld, who is so charmed by Orpheus' music that he grants him permission to lead Eurydice back to earth.
Proserpina (proh-SUR-peh-nah), the goddess of the Underworld and the wife of Pluto, so charmed by Orpheus'lyre that she wishes to return Eurydice to him.
Tisiphone (teh-SIH-fuh-nee), one of the Furies. She blocks Orpheus' way when he tries to follow Eurydice back into the Underworld.
Aristaeus (ay-ruhs-TEE-uhs), a shepherd enamored of Eurydice.
Mopsus (MOP-suhs) and Thyrsis (THUR-sihs), shepherds and companions of Aristaeus.
Mnesillus (neh-SIH-luhs), a satyr.