Home

Comus

Comus is a name associated with revelry and temptation in ancient Greek and Roman literature. The term derives from the Greek word komos, meaning a festive, Dionysian procession after a feast. In classical and later poetry, Comus can appear as a personification or spirit representing merriment, excess, and the lure of indulging pleasures, often set in tension with restraint or virtue.

In English literature, Comus is best known as John Milton’s masque "Comus," first performed in 1634 with

Beyond Milton, the name Comus has appeared in various literary and artistic contexts as a symbol of

music
by
Henry
Lawes.
The
work
presents
the
Spirit
of
Comus
as
a
malevolent
force
that
attempts
to
lure
a
virtuous
young
woman
and
her
companions
by
offering
sensory
temptations.
The
narrative
unfolds
as
the
travelers
resist
his
advances,
and
the
action
is
framed
by
allegorical
counsel
on
virtue,
temperance,
and
reason.
The
masque
is
noted
for
its
pastoral
imagery,
lyrical
songs,
and
its
place
in
the
English
masque
tradition
during
the
early
Stuart
period.
revelry,
temptation,
or
artistic
freedom.
It
has
influenced
later
poets
and
writers
who
employ
the
figure
of
Comus
to
explore
themes
of
virtue
versus
indulgence
and
the
moral
dimensions
of
pleasure.