How we cite our quotes: (Canto.Line)
Quote #4
Soon as she spreads her Hand, th' Aerial Guard
Descend, and sit on each important Card,
First Ariel perch'd upon a Matadore,
Then each, according to the Rank they bore;
For Sylphs, yet mindful of their ancient Race,
Are, as when Women, wondrous fond of place. (III.31–36)
As with Ariel's speech in Canto II, here in Canto III the poem elevates the trivial by making the card game a glorious, glamorous pastime. And at the same time, making the Sylphs look ridiculous for caring that much about status in the afterlife.
Quote #5
He watch'd th' Ideas rising in her Mind,
Sudden he view'd, in spite of all her Art,
An Earthly Lover lurking at her Heart.
Amaz'd, confus'd, he found his Pow'r expir'd,
Resign'd to Fate, and with a Sigh retir'd. (III.142–146)
It's the moment of truth in Canto III, as the Baron is about to snip Belinda's lock, and Ariel realizes that he can't protect her any more because she has deep feelings for a man. We're still trying to sort this out. Is it because if Belinda does have an earthly lover, that means she's capable of deep feeling, and is no longer superficial enough for Ariel to protect?
Quote #6
Full o'er their Heads the swelling Bag he rent,
And all the Furies issued at the Vent.
Belinda burns with more than mortal Ire,
And fierce Thalestris fans the rising Fire. (IV.91–94)
Umbriel the Gnome has been to the Queen of Spleen and received a bag full of female anger, sobs, and hysterics, which he dumps over Belinda's head to ensure she won't just laugh off the loss of her lock. What a great excuse or explanation for losing your temper and going totally off the deep end: the Gnome made me do it. (Sounds a little like those Travelocity commercials, yes?)