Who is Sappho writing the letter to in John Donnes Sappho to Philaenis?
If I recall correctly, the poem regards Sappho’s rejection of Phaon in favor of Philaenis. Donne is retelling Ovid’s myth of Sappho. I suppose it caused quite a controversy in that both Sappho and Philaenis are female. Lesbianism was alive and well in Elizabethan England!!! Who is Sappho writing to in the poem? I haven’t read it in a while but I believe the poem consists of an interchange between between Sappho and Philaenis. Sappho writes to Philaenis then Philaenis responds accordingly. It can’t be Phaon because his name is mentioned at least once by Sappho. I may be wrong about this but I believe that is the general premise of the poem. I hope that answers your question Happy reading!!!
