Religion in Christabel

There are small hints throughout the poem leading the reader to believe Geraldine is an evil creature because she constantly deflects any prayer or thanks given to religious figures. For example "[Christabel] 'Praise we the Virgin all Divine,/Who hath rescued thee from thy distress!'/'Alas, alas!' said Geraldine,/ 'I cannot speak for weariness" (halfway through part 1). Geraldine holds conversation with Christabel throughout their encounter and her rescue, however anytime a religious figure is made known by Christabel, Geraldine makes an excuse as to why she will not join in praise or prayer. This may be because (as we discussed in class) the lamia is a Greek mythology creature, not a creature created by the Christian God. However, it could also be a message of warning. Geraldine may be the embodiment of the French Revolution- a passionate, and beautiful idea of bringing power to the people; however, a ruthless and utterly disguising the process is below the surface, far from that of Christian ideas of love. Geraldine masks the good intention and trustfulness of Christabel (who can be viewed as England)  with the passions she is capable of stirring within the powerful figures of Christabel's life, perhaps making the story a warning to the people to keep morals above passions.