The poem "Remember" by Christina Rossetti is a 14-line sonnet that explores the ideas of loss, grief, and separation. As often observed in his poetry, a strong visual imagery that alludes to the concepts of life, death, beginning and end, is elicited through the use of linguistic and structural devices. A strong sense of voice is established in the first line, “Remember me when I am gone,” as if the poem's narrator, presumably a representation of Rossetti herself, is speaking directly to the reader and addressing herself in the first person. The concept of loss is introduced in this verse as a proposition that generates a dark and melancholy tone. This is immediately followed and reinforced by the next verse where an isolated and deserted atmosphere is created through the use of the motif “silent land” and the repetition of the phrase “gone far away”. The next line strongly alludes to intimacy and affection – “When you can no longer hold my hand”, intensifying the poignant and sad tone of the narrator's voice. Here, it refers to a distinctly tactile memory of your loved one, longing for their touch and warmth. This further portrays her desire and request to be remembered by her beloved with whom she shared a deeply intimate relationship. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The highly structured metrical scheme displayed throughout the poem enhances its solemn atmosphere, as a strong sense of regularity and order is imposed by an iambic pentameter. However, his octave and sestet show much contrast not only in the rhyme schemes used but also in the use of enjambment, creating a fluid rhythm. The regular ABBA ABBA rhyme scheme shown in the octave is contrasted with the irregular CDD ECE pattern in the sestet that follows. The contemplative and sad tone established in the octave is contrasted by the sense of acceptance and contentment of the narrator in the sestet who tells the loved one, "do not grieve" and that they should "forget and smile" and not "remember and be sad". . This change in the narrator's tone illustrates his change in attitude over time: from a dark, grief-stricken fear of being forgotten, to his sincere desire for happiness for his beloved even when she is no longer remembered. While Rossetti's poem 'Remember' illustrates the expression of grief and sorrow over one's death and remembrance, 'A Birthday' recounts feelings of intense joy and uncontainable joy at the arrival of his “love”. Although he remains ambiguous as to what his love refers to – be it romantic, his religious devotion to the Christian faith, or simply a state of being – the central focus of the poem is in the uninhibited expression of euphoria and contentment. “Birthday” is used as a motif throughout the poem, representing renewal, growth, and a new beginning, and contributes to the celebratory and festive atmosphere of the poem. In the first stanza, the vivid imagery alludes to the beauty of the natural world establishes the joyful tone of the narrator. He compares his heart to a “singing bird,” strongly evoking a sense of vitality and joyful energy. Here singing is perceived as a form of free and uninhibited expression through which intense feelings of joy are transmitted. This is further reinforced by the image of a “nest” in a “wet sprout” which alludes to the concept of nourishment, care and growth. The first two lines of the verse are nestled, contributing to the lyrical, song-like flow of the rhythm and further reinforcing the strong sense of liveliness and freedom. As in “Remember,” the narrative tone changes as.
tags