1. Evocative Quality: Classical allusions create an atmosphere of timelessness and establish a connection between Helen's beauty and the iconic allure of ancient Greek mythology. By invoking historical and cultural references, the poem becomes more evocative and resonant.
2. Heightening the Theme of Beauty: By comparing Helen to iconic figures of Greek mythology and historical figures renowned for their beauty, such as Psyche, Venus, and Helen of Troy herself, Poe elevates the speaker's praise of Helen's beauty. The associations with these renowned figures amplify the impact and significance of the speaker's admiration.
3. Intertextuality and Cultural Context: The allusions to classical figures establish an intertextual dialogue between "To Helen" and the literary tradition of ancient Greece and Rome. This cultural context enriches the poem by layering it with additional meanings, references, and interpretations drawn from the works and stories associated with these figures.
4. Allusions as Metaphors: Poe uses the classical allusions as metaphorical devices to capture abstract concepts and emotions associated with Helen's beauty. By invoking specific figures, such as Psyche symbolizing the soul, the allusions enhance the poem's metaphorical complexity.
5. Artistic Legacy: The use of classical allusions reflects the artistic and intellectual climate of the time, where writers and poets drew inspiration from ancient civilizations. By incorporating these allusions, Poe taps into the cultural heritage of the past and places "To Helen" within a larger literary tradition.
6. Contrast with the Present: The allusions to ancient Greece and Rome also create a subtle contrast with the speaker's own time. This juxtaposition between the timeless beauty of classical figures and the speaker's fleeting experience of Helen suggests a sense of longing for a bygone era.
7. Elegy and Mortality: The poem functions as an elegy for a lost ideal of beauty. By invoking classical figures and their associated stories of love, loss, and mortality, Poe adds depth to the exploration of the ephemeral nature of beauty and the bittersweet experience of admiring something so exquisite but fleeting.