The Speaker

The primary character in this poem, as in most poems, is the speaker. He is characterized as an amorous young man, in love with Corinna. He is enthusiastic about the pleasures of life, dismissive of religion, and eager to engage in his community's celebrations. Though the speaker narrates from first person, the poem is mostly in second – his dialogue is not directed inward, revealing his character, but outwards towards Corinna in his attempt to persuade her.

Corinna

Though Corinna is the titular character, her personality is well-defined in the poem. The poem suggests that she is young, like the speaker, and that they are in love (or at least have been sharing a bed). It also indicates that she is either religious or slightly lazy, implying that she is reluctant to rise because she wants to obey rules about how to behave or simply because she does...