Christina Rossetti was a prolific poet who wrote during the Victorian era. Her works are known for their religious themes, melancholic tone, and intricate use of language. One of her most famous poems is “Song,” which explores the themes of love, loss, and death. In this article, we will take a close look at “Song” and analyze its structure, language, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of Rossetti’s poetic style and the themes that she explores in her work.
Historical Context of Christina Rossetti’s ‘Song’
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song” was written during the Victorian era, a time when women’s roles in society were strictly defined and limited. Women were expected to be submissive and obedient to men, and their primary role was to be a wife and mother. However, Rossetti was a trailblazer in her own right, as she defied societal norms and pursued a career as a poet.
Rossetti’s poetry often dealt with themes of love, death, and spirituality, and “Song” is no exception. The poem explores the idea of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. This theme was particularly relevant during the Victorian era, as courtship and marriage were highly regulated and often arranged by families. Women were expected to marry for social and economic reasons rather than for love, and many marriages were unhappy as a result.
In “Song,” Rossetti uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the speaker’s feelings of longing and despair. The repeated refrain of “When I am dead, my dearest” adds to the melancholic tone of the poem, as the speaker imagines a future where her love will no longer be able to hurt her.
Overall, “Song” is a powerful reflection of the societal constraints and emotional turmoil experienced by women during the Victorian era. Rossetti’s ability to capture these complex emotions in her poetry has made her a beloved and influential figure in the literary world.
Analysis of the Title of the Poem
The title of Christina Rossetti’s poem, “Song,” is a simple yet powerful choice. The word “song” immediately evokes the idea of music and melody, suggesting that the poem may have a lyrical quality. However, the title also leaves room for interpretation, as a song can be a form of expression in various contexts.
One possible interpretation of the title is that the poem is a love song, as many poems and songs are written about love and relationships. Another interpretation is that the poem is a song of mourning or lamentation, as songs are often used to express grief and sadness.
Overall, the title “Song” sets the tone for the poem and invites readers to explore the various meanings and emotions that can be conveyed through music and poetry.
Literary Devices Used in ‘Song’
In “Song,” Christina Rossetti employs various literary devices to convey the speaker’s emotions and thoughts. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is repetition. The phrase “When I am dead, my dearest” is repeated in the first and last lines of each stanza, emphasizing the speaker’s preoccupation with death and the impact it will have on her loved one. Additionally, the repetition of the word “remember” in the second stanza highlights the speaker’s desire to be remembered and not forgotten after her death. Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The speaker describes the natural world in vivid detail, using phrases such as “the silent land” and “the silent shore,” to create a sense of stillness and finality. The use of personification, such as “the wind will moan” and “the birds will sing no more,” further emphasizes the idea of death and the cessation of life. Overall, Rossetti’s use of repetition, imagery, and personification in “Song” effectively conveys the speaker’s fear of being forgotten after death and the finality of life.
Theme of Love in ‘Song’
The theme of love is a prevalent one in Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song.” The speaker of the poem expresses a deep longing for their beloved, describing their love as “more than love” and “more than gold.” The use of repetition in the lines “When I am dead, my dearest, / Sing no sad songs for me” emphasizes the speaker’s desire for their loved one to remember them fondly and not mourn their passing.
The poem also explores the idea of love being eternal, as the speaker asks their beloved to remember them even after death. The use of the word “remember” throughout the poem highlights the importance of memory in preserving love.
However, there is also a sense of sadness and loss in the poem, as the speaker acknowledges that their love may not be reciprocated or may not last forever. The line “But ah, we loved, we loved, we loved” is repeated three times, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of love and the inevitability of its end.
Overall, the theme of love in “Song” is complex and multifaceted, exploring both the joy and pain that come with loving someone deeply.
Symbolism in ‘Song’
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song,” there are several instances of symbolism that add depth and meaning to the poem. One of the most prominent symbols is the “rose” that is mentioned throughout the poem. The rose is often associated with love and beauty, but in this poem, it takes on a more complex meaning. The speaker describes the rose as “a flower that fades,” which suggests that love and beauty are fleeting and temporary. Additionally, the rose is described as being “wet with tears,” which could symbolize the pain and sorrow that often accompany love. Overall, the rose serves as a powerful symbol of the complexities of love and the emotions that come with it.
Imagery in ‘Song’
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song,” the use of vivid imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the speaker’s emotions and the overall theme of the poem. The opening lines, “When I am dead, my dearest, / Sing no sad songs for me,” immediately set a melancholic tone. The speaker then goes on to describe the natural world, using imagery such as “the woodbine spices” and “the whitest lily flower,” to express her desire for a peaceful and beautiful farewell. The use of nature imagery is a common motif in Rossetti’s poetry, and in “Song,” it serves to emphasize the speaker’s connection to the natural world and her desire for a simple, natural goodbye. Overall, the imagery in “Song” adds depth and emotion to the poem, allowing the reader to fully experience the speaker’s feelings of longing and acceptance.
Tone and Mood in ‘Song’
The tone and mood in Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song” are crucial to understanding the poem’s meaning. The tone of the poem is melancholic and mournful, as the speaker laments the loss of a loved one. The mood is somber and reflective, as the speaker contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The use of imagery and language contributes to the overall tone and mood of the poem, as Rossetti employs metaphors and symbols to convey the speaker’s emotions. The repetition of the phrase “Remember me” throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker’s desire to be remembered after death, adding to the poem’s melancholic tone. Overall, the tone and mood in “Song” create a poignant and introspective atmosphere that invites readers to reflect on the themes of love, loss, and mortality.
Structure and Form of ‘Song’
The structure and form of Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song” is relatively simple, yet effective in conveying the speaker’s emotions. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a sense of musicality and reinforces the idea of the poem being a song.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker expressing their desire to be loved and their fear of being alone. The second stanza introduces the idea of the speaker’s past experiences with love, and how they have shaped their current perspective. The final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker’s acceptance of their current situation, and their willingness to continue searching for love despite the potential for heartbreak.
Overall, the structure and form of “Song” contribute to the poem’s overall theme of love and the human experience. The simplicity of the structure allows the reader to focus on the emotions and ideas being conveyed, while the rhyme scheme adds a musical quality that enhances the poem’s message.
Analysis of the First Stanza of ‘Song’
The first stanza of Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song” sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker begins by stating that she wishes she were a “maiden” who could “live alone” and “be at rest.” This desire for solitude and peace is a recurring theme throughout the poem. The speaker goes on to describe the joys of being alone, such as being able to “dream” and “sing” without interruption. However, she acknowledges that this desire for solitude is not always possible, as she is “bound” to someone else. This line hints at a sense of obligation or duty that the speaker feels towards another person, which will be further explored in the following stanzas. Overall, the first stanza of “Song” establishes the speaker’s desire for solitude and introduces the conflict that will drive the rest of the poem.
Analysis of the Second Stanza of ‘Song’
The second stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” continues the theme of love and its fleeting nature. The speaker compares love to a “flower” that “fades and dies” and a “summer bird” that “flies away.” This imagery emphasizes the transience of love and the inevitability of its end.
The use of the word “summer” also adds to the sense of temporality, as summer is a season that is associated with warmth and growth, but is ultimately fleeting. The speaker seems resigned to the fact that love, like summer, will come to an end.
Additionally, the repetition of the phrase “Love, love” at the beginning of each line creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The speaker seems to be pleading with love to stay, but ultimately acknowledges that it cannot.
Overall, the second stanza of “Song” reinforces the idea that love is temporary and fleeting, and that its end is inevitable. The use of vivid imagery and repetition adds to the emotional impact of the poem.
Analysis of the Third Stanza of ‘Song’
The third stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a powerful and emotional continuation of the themes introduced in the first two stanzas. The speaker continues to express her desire for a love that is pure and true, but also acknowledges the pain and heartache that can come with such a love.
The stanza begins with the line “Love, that is night-long, leave me.” This line is a plea for the intensity of love to subside, as the speaker recognizes that such a love can be overwhelming and exhausting. The use of the word “night-long” suggests a love that is all-consuming and never-ending, which can be both beautiful and terrifying.
The next line, “Love, that is life-long, leave me,” further emphasizes the speaker’s desire for a love that is not all-consuming. The use of the word “life-long” suggests a love that lasts a lifetime, but also implies a love that is not necessarily constant or unchanging.
The final two lines of the stanza, “Love, that is joy, go with me,” provide a sense of resolution and acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that love can bring joy and happiness, and is willing to embrace that aspect of love. However, the use of the word “go” suggests that the speaker is still wary of the potential pain that love can bring.
Overall, the third stanza of “Song” provides a nuanced and complex exploration of the nature of love. The speaker desires a love that is pure and true, but also recognizes the potential for pain and heartache. The stanza ends on a note of acceptance and willingness to embrace the joy that love can bring, while still acknowledging the potential for pain.
Analysis of the Fourth Stanza of ‘Song’
The fourth stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a powerful and emotional section of the poem. In this stanza, the speaker reflects on the pain and suffering that they have experienced in their life, and how it has left them feeling broken and alone. The stanza begins with the line “When I am dead, my dearest,” which immediately sets a somber tone for the rest of the stanza. The speaker goes on to describe how they will not be able to hear or see anything once they are gone, and how they will be “at peace” in the silence of death.
However, the stanza takes a darker turn as the speaker begins to reflect on the pain that they have experienced in life. They describe how they have been “broken-hearted” and how they have “suffered long and sore.” This language is incredibly powerful, and it conveys a sense of deep emotional pain and trauma. The speaker goes on to say that they have “borne the yoke” of this pain, which suggests that it has been a heavy burden to carry.
Overall, the fourth stanza of “Song” is a poignant and emotional reflection on the pain and suffering that the speaker has experienced in their life. It is a reminder of the fragility of human existence, and the importance of cherishing the time that we have on this earth.
Analysis of the Fifth Stanza of ‘Song’
The fifth stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a powerful and emotional moment in the poem. The speaker declares that they will “go forth and fare as fair/ With Love for evermore.” This line is a clear indication of the speaker’s determination to move on from their past heartbreak and embrace a new future with love as their guide.
The use of the word “fare” is particularly interesting, as it suggests a journey or a voyage. This could be interpreted as the speaker embarking on a new chapter in their life, leaving behind the pain and sorrow of their past relationship. The use of the word “fair” also adds to this sense of hope and optimism, as it suggests a bright and beautiful future ahead.
The repetition of the word “evermore” emphasizes the speaker’s commitment to this new path. They are not simply seeking a temporary escape from their pain, but rather a permanent change in their outlook on love and relationships.
Overall, the fifth stanza of “Song” is a powerful declaration of the speaker’s determination to move on from their past heartbreak and embrace a new future with love as their guide. The use of language and repetition adds to the emotional impact of this moment in the poem.
Analysis of the Sixth Stanza of ‘Song’
The sixth stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a powerful and emotional moment in the poem. The speaker declares that they will “go forth” and leave behind their past sorrows and regrets. This stanza is a turning point in the poem, as the speaker begins to move towards a more positive outlook on life.
The use of the phrase “go forth” is significant, as it suggests a sense of determination and purpose. The speaker is not simply wandering aimlessly, but rather has a clear goal in mind. This determination is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase “I will” at the beginning of each line.
The imagery in this stanza is also noteworthy. The speaker describes leaving behind their “weary heart” and “aching head,” which suggests a physical and emotional burden that they are shedding. The use of the word “weary” is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of exhaustion and fatigue that the speaker has been carrying for some time.
Overall, the sixth stanza of “Song” is a powerful moment in the poem that marks a turning point for the speaker. Through the use of strong imagery and repetition, Rossetti effectively conveys the speaker’s determination to move forward and leave behind their past sorrows.
Analysis of the Seventh Stanza of ‘Song’
The seventh stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The stanza begins with the speaker acknowledging that “life is brief,” and that even the most beautiful and beloved things in life are subject to the ravages of time. The speaker laments that “love is rare,” and that even when it is found, it is often fleeting and fragile.
The stanza then takes a darker turn, as the speaker contemplates the inevitability of death. The line “death is sure” is a stark reminder that no matter how much we may try to hold onto life, we are all ultimately destined for the grave. The final two lines of the stanza, “And they who walk in darkness die, / And they who dwell in light shall die,” drive home the point that death is an equalizer, coming for all regardless of their station in life.
Overall, the seventh stanza of “Song” is a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. It is a reminder to cherish the moments we have, to hold onto love while we can, and to make the most of the time we are given.
Analysis of the Eighth Stanza of ‘Song’
The eighth stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker laments the passing of time and the loss of youth, acknowledging that “the days are gone when beauty bright / My heart’s chain wove.” The use of the past tense here emphasizes the speaker’s sense of nostalgia and regret, as she looks back on a time when she was able to weave a chain of beauty and youthfulness around her heart.
The stanza also contains a powerful metaphor, as the speaker compares her heart to a chain. This metaphor suggests that the speaker’s heart is bound by the memories of her youth, and that she is unable to break free from the past. The use of the word “wove” also implies a sense of craftsmanship and artistry, suggesting that the speaker’s youth was a time when she was able to create something beautiful and meaningful.
However, the stanza ends on a note of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges that “the night has come wherein no man can work.” This biblical allusion refers to the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, in which those who work all day receive the same reward as those who work only an hour. The speaker seems to be suggesting that, no matter how hard she works or how much she longs for her youth, she cannot turn back the clock or undo the passage of time.
Overall, the eighth stanza of “Song” is a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of aging and death. The use of metaphor and allusion adds depth and complexity to the speaker’s reflections, and the stanza serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the present moment.
Analysis of the Ninth Stanza of ‘Song’
The ninth stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a pivotal moment in the poem, as it marks a shift in the speaker’s tone and perspective. The stanza begins with the line “When I am dead, my dearest,” which immediately sets a somber and melancholic mood. The speaker goes on to describe the things that she will no longer be able to do once she is gone, such as “sing no more” and “weep no more.”
However, the stanza takes a surprising turn in the final two lines, as the speaker declares that she will not be able to “see the face I loved so well.” This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker’s love for this person is the most important thing to her, even in death. It also implies that the speaker is aware of the possibility that her loved one may not be able to join her in the afterlife, which adds a layer of sadness and longing to the poem.
Overall, the ninth stanza of “Song” is a powerful moment in the poem, as it highlights the speaker’s deep love and attachment to her loved one, even in death. It also serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the people we love while we still have them.
Analysis of the Tenth Stanza of ‘Song’
The tenth stanza of Christina Rossetti’s “Song” is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The stanza begins with the speaker acknowledging that “life is brief,” a sentiment that is echoed throughout the poem. The use of the word “brief” emphasizes the brevity of life and the urgency to make the most of it.
The stanza then takes a more somber turn as the speaker contemplates the inevitability of death. The line “when all is done, / Eternal Love will be the sum” suggests that despite the transience of life, there is a greater, eternal love that transcends it. This line can be interpreted as a reference to the Christian belief in an afterlife and the idea that love is the ultimate goal of human existence.
The final two lines of the stanza, “It will endure when all things fall; / It will enfold us through the pall,” further emphasize the idea of eternal love. The use of the word “endure” suggests that love is stronger than death and will continue to exist even after everything else has fallen away. The phrase “enfold us through the pall” is particularly striking, as it suggests that love will provide comfort and solace even in the face of death.
Overall, the tenth stanza of “Song” is a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the enduring nature of love. Through her use of language and imagery, Rossetti encourages readers to reflect on the importance of love and the need to make the most of the time we have.
Significance of the Last Stanza in ‘Song’
The last stanza of Christina Rossetti’s poem “Song” holds significant meaning in the overall message of the poem. The stanza reads, “Better by far you should forget and smile / Than that you should remember and be sad.” This final statement serves as a conclusion to the speaker’s plea for her lover to forget her and move on.
The significance of this stanza lies in the speaker’s acknowledgement of the pain that comes with remembering lost love. She recognizes that it is better for her lover to let go and find happiness elsewhere than to hold onto the memories and suffer. This sentiment is a common theme in Rossetti’s poetry, as she often explores the idea of letting go and finding peace in the face of loss.
Furthermore, the use of the word “smile” in the last line adds a layer of complexity to the speaker’s message. It suggests that forgetting and moving on does not necessarily mean erasing all memories and emotions, but rather finding a way to remember with a sense of acceptance and contentment.
Overall, the last stanza of “Song” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of letting go and finding peace in the face of heartbreak. It is a message that continues to resonate with readers today, making Rossetti’s poetry a timeless exploration of the human experience.