In this resource, you’ll find an analysis of ‘Orpheus Confesses to Eurydice’ by Sujata Bhatt.
It’s targeted specifically toward those studying the Cambridge A-Level (CAIE / CIE) syllabus, but it’s suitable for anyone studying the poet at any level. Bhatt’s poems are beautiful and com...
1
It was a lack of faith.
I admit it. I didn’t believe enough
in you or even in the power
of my song. I needed constant reassurance.
Yes, I saw how the Furies wept
as I sang slower, softer - Time stopped for me -
still, I didn’t think they’d let you go.
I didn’t think you’d be free to follow me.
And so I looked back
wondering: were you really there?
I’ve caught the snake
that killed you - I keep him
alive. He’s become a sort of pet -
such a small viper, and so supple -
my last connection to you. And his brightness:
eyes, skin - how he shimmers in the sun - keeps me alert
and reminds me at times of your brightness:
the sun in your hair, the jewels around your neck.
At first, of course, I thought of revenge.
I thought of hurting the snake,
of throwing him into a fire.
But I hesitated and now I’ve grown fond of him.
(Full poem unable to be reproduced due to the copyright)
, VOCABULARY
Reassurance - consoling people by removing their doubts or fears
The Furies - the chthonic (underworld) goddesses of vengeance in Greek mythology
Viper - a small, thin poisonous snake
Supple - soft and flexible
Bodiless - without a body
STORY/SUMMARY
Stanza 1: I admit my fault - it was a lack of faith. I didn’t believe enough in your or even
in the power of my song. I needed constant reassurance. Yes, I saw how the Furies
cried as I sang slower, softer - Time stopped for me - but still, I didn’t think that the
Underworld would let you go. I didn’t think that you’d be free to follow me. And so, I
looked back, wondering: were you really there?
Stanza 2: I’ve caught the snake that bit and killed you - I keep him alive. He’s become a
sort of pet - he’s such a small viper, and so supple - my last connection to you. And his
brightness: eyes, skin - how he shines in the sun - it keeps me alert and reminds me at
times of how bright you were: I remember the sun in your hair, the jewels around your
neck.
Stanza 3: At first, of course, I thought about revenge. I thought about hurting the snake
or throwing him into a fire. But I wasn’t sure at first, so I waited, and now I’ve grown to
like him.
2.
Stanza 1: Once when I stood by the cliffs, singing, a sharp stone fell from the rocks -
and then a lizard darted to the east and her tail was sliced off by it (some lizards can
sacrifice their tails and they grow back) - and then she rushed back the other way, to
the west - and I watched the tail shudder and twitch - a yellow-green thing that
moved so fast.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller natashatabani. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $6.39. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
