Final answer:
In Elizabeth Barrett Browning's 'A Musical Instrument,' Pan is traditionally portrayed with goat-like feet, reflecting his mythological depiction as half-goat, half-human.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem "A Musical Instrument" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Pan, the Greek god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, is depicted with feet that resemble those of a goat.
The poem does not specifically state his feet are like any other animal. However, the mythological character of Pan is traditionally portrayed having the lower body of a goat and the upper body of a human. This characteristic aligns with his association with nature and rustic music.
In Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "A Musical Instrument," Pan is vividly portrayed with feet resembling a "sculptured sphinx." This evocative imagery draws a parallel between Pan, the god of nature and wild places in Greek mythology, and the enigmatic, mythical sphinx.
The description adds a layer of symbolism, suggesting a fusion of the untamed natural world and the mysterious allure of ancient myths.
Browning's choice of imagery enhances the reader's engagement, inviting them to explore the nuanced connections between divine, natural forces and the mythological realm through the captivating portrayal of Pan's unique and symbolic characteristics.