Question

The passage is an allusion to Narcissus from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own image in the waters of a lake. Unable to reach his own reflection, Narcissus died on the banks of the lake. An allusion is a reference to a literary, historical, or cultural person, place, or event. What is the author trying to say through this allusion?​

Answer 1

The Greek hero was Nike

Answer 2

The author is saying that the character of Helen is similar to the character of Narcissus. They are both obsessed with themselves. The author is also emphasizing Helen’s friends’ concern for her that she not end up like Narcissus, whose self-obsession killed him.