Christina Rossetti’s “Remember” is a poignant poem about the inevitability of death and the desire to be remembered after passing. The speaker of the poem urges her loved one to remember her, even if it means forgetting their own happiness and moving on with their life. Through beautiful language and imagery, Rossetti explores the complex emotions surrounding mortality and the power of memory.
Themes
One of the main themes in Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember” is the inevitability of death. The speaker is urging her loved one to remember her after she has passed away, emphasizing that death is a natural part of life and cannot be avoided. Another theme is the idea of letting go and moving on. The speaker acknowledges that her loved one may find happiness with someone else after she is gone and encourages them to not feel guilty for doing so. The poem also touches on the theme of love and the power it holds, as the speaker’s love for her loved one is so strong that she wants them to remember her even after she is no longer physically present.
Structure
The structure of Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember” is a sonnet, consisting of 14 lines with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCD EE. The first eight lines, or the octave, present the speaker’s plea to her loved one to remember her after she has passed away. The following six lines, or the sestet, shift to the speaker’s acceptance of her eventual death and her desire for her loved one to forget her and move on with their life. The use of the sonnet form allows Rossetti to convey the speaker’s conflicting emotions and the complexity of the speaker’s relationship with her loved one.
Tone
The tone of Christina Rossetti’s “Remember” is one of sadness and resignation. The speaker is addressing a loved one, asking them to remember her after she has passed away. The repetition of the word “remember” throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker’s desire to be remembered, even though she knows she will no longer be present in the physical world. The use of words such as “silent land” and “darkness and corruption” create a somber and melancholic atmosphere. The tone of the poem reflects the speaker’s acceptance of her own mortality and her desire to be remembered by those she loves.
Language
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” language plays a crucial role in conveying the speaker’s emotions and desires. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker addressing a loved one who will soon be parted from her. The language used is simple and direct, with short, declarative sentences that emphasize the speaker’s urgency and sincerity. The repetition of the word “remember” throughout the poem creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the speaker implores her loved one to remember her even after she is gone. The use of the imperative mood also adds to the poem’s emotional intensity, as the speaker commands her loved one to “remember me when no more day by day” and “remember me when no more griefs are vexed.” Overall, the language in “Remember” is powerful and evocative, capturing the complex emotions of love, loss, and memory.
Imagery
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” the use of imagery is prominent in conveying the speaker’s emotions and thoughts. The poem begins with the speaker asking her loved one to remember her after she has passed away. The imagery used in the first stanza, such as “silent land” and “sunless land,” creates a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The speaker is aware that death is inevitable, and she wants her loved one to remember her even after she is gone.
In the second stanza, the speaker asks her loved one to forget and let go of the memories they shared together. The imagery used in this stanza, such as “silent tears” and “sighs,” creates a sense of sadness and grief. The speaker is aware that her loved one will eventually move on, but she wants to be remembered even in the midst of their moving on.
The final stanza of the poem is where the imagery becomes the most powerful. The speaker asks her loved one to remember her with a smile and not with tears. The imagery used in this stanza, such as “sunshine” and “happy laughter,” creates a sense of joy and happiness. The speaker wants her loved one to remember the happy moments they shared together and not the sadness of her passing.
Overall, the use of imagery in “Remember” helps to convey the speaker’s emotions and thoughts about death and being remembered. The poem is a reminder that even though death is inevitable, memories can live on forever.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember.” The speaker uses various symbols to convey her message of love and loss. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the “silent land,” which represents death. The speaker asks her loved one to remember her when she is gone, but also acknowledges that she will not be able to remember him once she has passed into the silent land.
Another symbol used in the poem is the “silent shore,” which represents the afterlife. The speaker asks her loved one to remember her “when no more day by day” they meet. This line suggests that the speaker believes they will be reunited in the afterlife.
The final symbol in the poem is the “violet,” which represents remembrance. The speaker asks her loved one to “remember and be sad” when she is gone. The violet symbolizes the sadness and grief that the speaker hopes her loved one will feel when he remembers her.
Overall, the use of symbolism in “Remember” adds depth and meaning to the poem. The symbols help to convey the speaker’s emotions and message in a powerful and memorable way.
Metaphors
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” the speaker uses several metaphors to convey the idea of death. One of the most striking metaphors is the comparison of death to a “silent land.” This metaphor suggests that death is a place of stillness and quietness, where there is no noise or movement. The speaker also compares death to a “darkness” that will “close me [her] over.” This metaphor suggests that death is a state of being in which one is completely enveloped and unable to see or experience anything else. These metaphors help to create a sense of finality and inevitability around death, emphasizing the speaker’s desire to be remembered after she is gone.
Personification
Personification is a literary device that is often used to give human qualities to non-human objects or concepts. In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” the speaker personifies death as a friend who is coming to take her away. This personification adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as the speaker is not only contemplating her own mortality but also viewing death as a comforting presence. The use of personification in “Remember” highlights the speaker’s acceptance of death and her desire to be remembered by her loved ones after she is gone.
Allusions
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” there are several allusions that add depth and meaning to the poem. One of the most prominent allusions is to the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth famously tells Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” This sentiment is echoed in Rossetti’s poem, as the speaker asks her loved one to remember her even after she has passed away. The allusion to Ruth and Naomi adds a layer of devotion and loyalty to the poem, emphasizing the strength of the speaker’s love for her beloved.
Religious References
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” there are several religious references that add depth and meaning to the poem. The speaker asks her loved one to remember her after she has passed away, but also acknowledges that she will be in a better place with God. The line “Better by far you should forget and smile / Than that you should remember and be sad” suggests that the speaker believes her loved one should focus on the joy of her eternal life rather than the sadness of her absence. Additionally, the phrase “silent land” in the final stanza could be interpreted as a reference to heaven or the afterlife. These religious allusions add a spiritual dimension to the poem and emphasize the speaker’s faith in a higher power.
Analysis of the Poem
In Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” the speaker is addressing a loved one and asking them to remember her after she has passed away. The poem is written in a sonnet form, with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCD EE. The first eight lines of the poem are a plea for the loved one to remember the speaker, while the final six lines offer comfort and reassurance that the speaker will not be forgotten.
The poem is filled with imagery of death and separation, with the speaker asking the loved one to “forget and smile” and to “remember and be sad.” The use of paradoxical statements creates a sense of tension and conflict within the poem, as the speaker is asking for conflicting emotions from the loved one.
Overall, “Remember” is a poignant and emotional poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory. The use of vivid imagery and paradoxical statements creates a sense of depth and complexity within the poem, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Interpretation of the Poem
Christina Rossetti’s “Remember” is a poignant and emotional poem that explores the theme of death and the speaker’s desire to be remembered after they are gone. The poem is written in the form of a sonnet, with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCD EE, and is divided into two parts.
In the first part of the poem, the speaker addresses their loved one, asking them to remember the speaker after they have died. The speaker asks their loved one not to grieve for them, but to remember them with a smile and to think of them as they were in life. The speaker also asks their loved one to forget the sadness and pain of their parting and to remember the happy times they shared together.
In the second part of the poem, the speaker addresses themselves, reminding themselves that death is inevitable and that they must prepare for it. The speaker acknowledges that death will bring an end to their pain and suffering, but also recognizes that it will bring an end to their life and the people they love. The speaker asks themselves to remember the love they shared with their loved one and to hold onto that love even after death.
Overall, “Remember” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complex emotions surrounding death and the desire to be remembered after we are gone. The poem’s use of language and imagery creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, and its message of love and remembrance resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Historical Context
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember” was written during the Victorian era, a time when death was a common occurrence and mourning was a highly ritualized process. The poem reflects the societal expectations of the time, as it portrays a woman who is resigned to her fate and asks her loved one to remember her after she is gone. This theme of remembrance was prevalent in Victorian literature, as people were often preoccupied with the idea of leaving a lasting legacy. Additionally, Rossetti’s own personal experiences with death likely influenced the poem, as she lost several family members at a young age. Overall, “Remember” provides insight into the cultural and emotional landscape of the Victorian era.
Biographical Context
Christina Rossetti was born in London, England in 1830. She was the youngest of four siblings and grew up in a family of artists and writers. Her father, Gabriele Rossetti, was an Italian poet and political exile, while her mother, Frances Polidori, was an Englishwoman of Italian descent. Christina’s older brother, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, was a renowned painter and poet, and her other siblings, William and Maria, were also involved in the arts.
Growing up, Christina was educated at home by her mother and father, who instilled in her a love of literature and poetry. She began writing her own poetry at a young age and published her first collection, “Goblin Market and Other Poems,” in 1862.
Despite her success as a poet, Christina faced many personal struggles throughout her life. She suffered from poor health, including Graves’ disease and depression, and experienced several failed romantic relationships. She also struggled with her religious faith, eventually converting to Anglicanism in her thirties.
Despite these challenges, Christina continued to write poetry until her death in 1894. Her work often explored themes of love, death, and spirituality, and she is considered one of the most important Victorian poets.
Critical Reception
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember” has been widely praised for its emotional depth and powerful imagery. Critics have noted the poem’s exploration of themes such as love, loss, and mortality, as well as its use of language to convey complex emotions. Some have also pointed out the poem’s religious undertones, with the speaker asking to be remembered “when no more day by day / You tell me of our future that you planned.” Overall, “Remember” has been recognized as a poignant and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Comparison to Other Works
When comparing Christina Rossetti’s “Remember” to other works of the Victorian era, it is clear that her poem stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth. While other poets of the time often used elaborate language and complex metaphors, Rossetti’s poem is straightforward and direct in its message. This simplicity allows the reader to fully grasp the poem’s meaning and connect with the speaker’s emotions. Additionally, “Remember” differs from other works of the era in its focus on the theme of death and the afterlife. While many Victorian poets wrote about death, Rossetti’s poem is unique in its exploration of the speaker’s desire to be remembered after death. Overall, “Remember” is a powerful and poignant work that stands out among the poetry of the Victorian era.
Impact on Literature
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember” has had a significant impact on literature since its publication in 1862. The poem’s themes of love, loss, and death have resonated with readers for over a century, making it a staple in the canon of English literature. Its simple yet powerful language has inspired countless poets and writers, and its message of remembrance has become a universal theme in literature. The poem’s popularity has also led to numerous adaptations and references in popular culture, including in films, music, and television. Overall, “Remember” has left a lasting impact on literature and continues to be a beloved and influential work today.
Relevance Today
Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember” may have been written in the 19th century, but its themes of love, loss, and remembrance are still relevant today. In a world where people are constantly on the move and relationships are often fleeting, the idea of remembering someone after they are gone is more important than ever. The poem’s message of cherishing the time we have with loved ones and holding onto their memory long after they are gone is a powerful reminder to live in the present and appreciate the people in our lives. Additionally, the poem’s exploration of death and the afterlife is a topic that continues to fascinate and intrigue people today. Overall, “Remember” remains a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human experience and the enduring power of love and memory.