1. Lamia part 1: RECAP
In your groups, mind-map the key themes/aspects of tragedy that feature in the first part of the poem

2. Chocolate bar activity
Fold your paper three times so that it has eight segments.
In each segment, write one of the tragic features from the list on the right:
Tragic hero Villain Victim Tragic flaw Hubris Hamartia Peripeteia Isolation Sorrow Alienation Fear Destruction Suffering Cruelty Deception Manipulation

3. Part 2: Lamia AND Lycius before the wedding (1-105)
The opening section of part 2 details Lamia and Lycius spending luxurious and romantic time together hidden away inside Lycius’ home.
However, there are frequent hints at the tragedy to come and there is a growing tension between the two lovers.
Tasks:
Look closely at the language/ dramatic techniques Keats uses and identify these foreboding aspects
What is interesting about Keats’ use of setting in this section?
What seems to be the cause of the tension between the pair? Look closely at their dialogue on lines 40 onwards
How would you describe Lycius’ characterisation in this section? What is interesting about the way in which he behaves towards Lamia?

4. Lamia part two Task: Mind Map
What clichés / emotions / characteristics are normally associated with a bride before their wedding day?

5. Part 2: Lamia prepares for her wedding (106-145)
Having reluctantly agreed to the wedding on line 83 (‘all subdued, consented to the hour’) Lamia is now shown to be completing her bridal preparations and the narrative details the customs associated with a Corinthian wedding.
However, Keats seeks to draw attention to the ironies of Lamia’s situation and once more puts what should be a happy process into a tragic light
Task: In your groups identify all the ways in which Lamia’s depiction and behaviour seem at odds with that of an ‘ordinary’ bride.
Extension: consider how Keat’s language and dramatic techniques emphasise these contradictions

6. Part 2: The wedding day (146 – 239)
This section marks the climax of the poem with incredibly detailed sensory descriptions of the celebrations
Task: Looking closely at your given lines identify Keats’ dramatic techniques and consider how the depiction of the wedding helps to build the sense of impending tragedy
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Lines
Lines
Lines
Lines

7. Part 2: Appolonius recognises Lamia/ The tragic ending (240 – 310)
Task: In your groups, consider the characterisation of your assigned figure and how they add to the tragedy of the poem.
Identify at least 5 quotations – 3 of which you will share with the rest of the group
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Appolonius
Lamia
Lycius
Keats/the narrator
Essay writing practise: ‘To what extent do you agree with the view that the ending of tragedies often result in innocent women being punished’?