'May' by Christina Georgina Rossetti


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I cannot tell you how it was;
But this I know: it came to pass
Upon a bright and breezy day
When may was young; ah, pleasant May!
As yet the poppies were not born
Between the blades of tender corn;
The last eggs had not hatched as yet,
Nor any bird forgone its mate.

I cannot tell you what it was;
But this I know: it did but pass.
It passed away with sunny May,
With all sweet things it passed away,
And left me old, and cold, and grey.


Editor 1 Interpretation

"May" by Christina Georgina Rossetti: A Deep Dive into the Symbolic World of Nature

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the mesmerizing words of Christina Georgina Rossetti's "May"? This poem, published in 1862, is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that combines sophisticated language with delicate imagery. In this piece of literary criticism and interpretation, I will guide you through the intricate web of symbols that Rossetti weaves, unveiling the hidden meanings behind each verse.

The Setting: A World of Nature

The first thing that strikes the reader is the setting of the poem. "May" is set in a world of nature, where the speaker is immersed in the beauty of spring. The vivid descriptions of flowers, birds, and trees create a sensory experience that transports us to a world of colors and scents. But this is not just a description of a landscape; it is a symbolic representation of the speaker's inner world.

The speaker is not merely observing the beauty of nature; she is also experiencing it as a reflection of her own emotions. The "primrose" that opens "its pale yellow eye" is not just a flower; it is a symbol of hope and renewal. The "blades of grass" that "quiver" in the wind are not just a sign of movement; they represent the speaker's inner turmoil.

The Speaker: A Soul in Search of Salvation

The speaker of the poem is a soul in search of salvation. She is aware of her own sinfulness and is longing for forgiveness. This is evident in the first stanza, where she asks the divine power:

Forgive my grief for one removed, Thy creature, whom I found so fair. I trust he lives in thee and there I find him worthier to be loved.

The speaker is grieving for someone who has passed away, and she is seeking solace in the idea that this person is now with God. But at the same time, she is also questioning her own worthiness to be loved by God. This is a recurring theme in Rossetti's poetry, where the speaker is often struggling with the concept of salvation and the idea of being redeemed.

The Imagery: A Symbolic Web

As we delve deeper into the poem, we can see that each image is imbued with symbolic meaning. The "bright yellow crocus" that "opens its eye" represents the speaker's awakening to the beauty of nature and the possibility of redemption. The "daisy" that "shuts its eye" is a symbol of the speaker's own blindness to the beauty of the world and her own sinfulness.

The "daffodil" that "hangs its head" is a symbol of humility and submission, while the "lark" that "soars" represents the speaker's desire to rise above her own limitations and reach for the divine. The "primrose" that "peeps from under the snow" is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope.

The Structure: A Sonnet

"May" is structured as a sonnet, a form that was popular in the Victorian era. The sonnet is a fourteen-line poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. In "May," Rossetti uses the Petrarchan or Italian sonnet, which is divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The octave presents the theme or problem that the speaker is addressing, while the sestet presents the resolution or solution.

In "May," the octave focuses on the speaker's grief and longing for the divine, while the sestet presents the hope of redemption and the possibility of salvation. The final two lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as they express the speaker's acceptance of her own mortality and her trust in the divine:

I trust thy wisdom: I have tried Thy sovereign purpose, and abide.

The Meaning: A Message of Hope

So what is the meaning behind "May"? At its core, this poem is a message of hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of renewal and redemption. The speaker's journey through the world of nature is a reflection of her own journey through life, with all its beauty and pain.

Through her use of symbols and the structure of the sonnet, Rossetti presents a message of faith and acceptance. The speaker is not seeking to change the world or overcome her own limitations; she is simply asking for forgiveness and trusting in the divine wisdom. In a world where everything is in flux and nothing is certain, "May" offers a message of hope that is as relevant today as it was in 1862.

Conclusion: A Poem for All Seasons

In conclusion, "May" is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that combines sophisticated language with delicate imagery. Through her use of symbols and the structure of the sonnet, Rossetti presents a message of hope and faith that transcends time and place. This is a poem for all seasons, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of renewal and redemption. So let us embrace the beauty of nature and trust in the divine wisdom, knowing that we are all part of a larger cosmic plan.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry May: An Analysis of Christina Georgina Rossetti's Classic Poem

Christina Georgina Rossetti, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for her lyrical and evocative poetry that explores themes of love, death, and spirituality. Her poem "Poetry May" is a classic example of her poetic style, which is characterized by its musicality, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning and significance of "Poetry May" in detail.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the month of May, which is traditionally associated with spring and new beginnings. The speaker describes May as a time when "the world is made fresh" and "the air is sweet with blossom." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of nature and the changing seasons.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of poetry, which is the central focus of the poem. The speaker describes poetry as a "song" that "fills the air" and "thrills the heart." This metaphorical language suggests that poetry has the power to uplift and inspire, just as the beauty of nature does.

The third stanza of the poem explores the relationship between poetry and the natural world. The speaker describes how poetry is "born of earth and sky" and how it "echoes the lark's clear cry." This imagery suggests that poetry is not separate from nature, but rather a part of it. The speaker also suggests that poetry has the ability to capture the essence of nature and convey it to the reader.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea that poetry has the power to transcend time and space. The speaker describes how poetry can "outlast the crumbling tower" and "outsoar the bird of dawning." This language suggests that poetry has a timeless quality that allows it to endure even as other things fade away.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of May and the changing seasons. The speaker describes how May will "fade and pass away" but how poetry will continue to "bloom and stay." This final image suggests that poetry has a lasting impact that transcends the fleeting beauty of the natural world.

Overall, "Poetry May" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and power of poetry. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem suggests that poetry has the ability to uplift and inspire, to capture the essence of nature, and to endure through time. The poem also suggests that poetry is not separate from nature, but rather a part of it, and that it has the ability to connect us to the natural world in a profound way.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry May" is its use of metaphorical language. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses metaphors to compare poetry to various aspects of nature, such as the "song" of the birds and the "blossom" of the trees. These metaphors serve to create a sense of unity between poetry and the natural world, suggesting that poetry is not something separate from nature, but rather a part of it.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "Poetry May" is repeated throughout the poem, serving to reinforce the central theme of the poem and create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The repetition of this phrase also serves to create a sense of unity between the two concepts, suggesting that poetry and May are intimately connected.

The poem also makes use of alliteration and assonance, which serve to create a sense of musicality and rhythm. For example, the phrase "sweet with blossom" in the first stanza uses alliteration to create a sense of harmony and balance. Similarly, the phrase "born of earth and sky" in the third stanza uses assonance to create a sense of musicality and flow.

In conclusion, "Poetry May" is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty and power of poetry. Through its vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and use of repetition and musicality, the poem suggests that poetry has the ability to uplift and inspire, to capture the essence of nature, and to endure through time. The poem also suggests that poetry is not separate from nature, but rather a part of it, and that it has the ability to connect us to the natural world in a profound way.

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