Nighttime Vibes

“What guards the purity of melting Maids,

In courtly balls, and midnight masquerades,

Safe from the treach'rous friend, the daring spark,

The glance by day, the whisper in the dark,” (70-73)

These lines tell a whole story. Of the deception and persuasion of both men and women, and of emotions in the dark. They speak of this driving desire that is only curious by day, but chooses to act by night (referencing the whisper). And what was the social context of this day? 

“O say what stranger cause, yet unexplor'd,

Could make a gentle Belle reject a Lord?” (9-10)

How would the woman be viewed for rejecting a Lord? Was it really an option? (yes, the answer is yes... but anyways)

Culture and peer pressure seems to have more of an influence in many people’s actions than they’d like to admit. And when night comes, is it true that our strongest convictions become a bit loose? Would one say that the deepest desires one simply rejects by day is allowed to fester and be contemplated in the solitude and secrecy of night?

This midnight ball seems to be the perfect storm. For both a man to be overcome by his desire(his “mighty rage”), and for a woman to be taken due to the “absence of her guards”.

What if this social gathering wasn’t as important? She was warned of the dangers of this night. And although her context regarding the situation was lacking, one might have thought to stay home for the sake of safety.

But no. The time came, and it seems as if everyone was at least somewhat aware at all times of the other’s intentions. Possibly they attempted to assume the best for the others desires, or maybe they were in full understanding of what would likely occur and embraced the night.

Either way, the thought became action, and they irreversible theft took place. Hopefully not to be viewed only as loss, but as a moment of learning for all who find themselves in Belinda’s position in the future.

I commented on Cade and Addison’s posts.