Christina Rossetti

 

Christina Rossetti: A Life of Poetry and Devotion

Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) was an English poet known for her deeply emotional and devotional poetry. Rossetti was one of the foremost poets of the Victorian era, created a body of work that encompasses devotional verse, children's poetry, and romantic themes.

Born into a family steeped in artistic and literary pursuits, her writing reflects her personal struggles, religious fervor, and social concerns. Rossetti's life and work, provide a more detailed understanding of her contributions to literature and her enduring legacy.

Early Life and Family Background

Christina Georgina Rossetti was born on December 5, 1830, in London, England, to Gabriele Rossetti, an Italian poet and political exile, and Frances Polidori, an accomplished scholar and daughter of an Italian exile. Christina was the youngest of four children, all of whom were encouraged to engage in intellectual and artistic pursuits.

Family Influence

Gabriele Rossetti: Christina’s father, wasnan Italian patriot and poet, influenced her early exposure to literature and the arts.

Frances Polidori: Her mother, was a devout Anglican who instilled in Christina a strong religious foundation that would deeply influence her work.

Her siblings, particularly Dante Gabriel Rossetti, was a prominent poet and painter. He provided a stimulating and supportive environment for her literary ambitions.

Religious Devotion

A significant aspect of Rossetti's life was her devout Anglican faith. Her religious beliefs were central to her identity and are reflected in much of her poetry.

Religious Influences

Christina was influenced by the Oxford Movement, which sought to return the Church of England to its Catholic roots. This is evident in her devotional poetry and the themes of sin and redemption that permeate her work.

Rossetti's faith also manifested in her involvement with charitable organizations, such as the St. Mary Magdalene Penitentiary for fallen women, where she worked from 1859 to 1870.

Literary Career

Rossetti’s literary career began in her teens, and she became a major figure in Victorian poetry, known for her poignant and lyrical style.

"Goblin Market and Other Poems" was puublished in 1862. This collection brought Rossetti significant acclaim. The titular poem, "Goblin Market," is a complex narrative that has been interpreted variously as a children's story, a feminist text, and a Christian allegory.

Themes: Her early works often explore themes of temptation, redemption, and the complexities of female identity.

Later Works

"The Prince's Progress and Other Poems" (1866): This collection continues to explore themes of unattainable love and spiritual yearning.

Her later poetry, such as "The Face of the Deep" (1892), reflects her deepening religious convictions and often focuses on themes of mortality and faith.

Personal Struggles and Health

Throughout her life, Rossetti faced numerous personal challenges, including recurring health issues. In 1872, Rossetti was diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. This illness caused periods of severe physical and mental debilitation.

In the final years of her life, Rossetti battled breast cancer, which eventually led to her death in 1894.

Personal Relationships

Christina had several significant romantic relationships, but none led to marriage. Her suitors included James Collinson and Charles Cayley, both of whom she declined due to religious differences.

Her relationship with her siblings, especially her brother Dante Gabriel, was a source of both support and strain, particularly as Dante’s health and career fluctuated.

Legacy and Influence

Christina Rossetti’s work has left an indelible mark on English literature, influencing generations of poets and writers.

Her work influenced contemporaries and later poets, including Gerard Manley Hopkins and Virginia Woolf, who admired her exploration of complex emotional and spiritual themes.

Rossetti’s contributions to children's poetry, such as "Sing-Song: A Nursery Rhyme Book" (1872), have become classics of the genre.

Feminist Interpretations

In the 20th century, feminist critics re-evaluated Rossetti’s work, highlighting her subtle critique of Victorian gender norms and her exploration of female agency and desire.

Feminist readings of "Goblin Market" and other works have emphasized Rossetti's use of symbolism to address issues of female solidarity and resistance.

Christina Rossetti’s life and work offer a profound exploration of the human condition, marked by deep religious faith, personal struggle, and a rich literary legacy. Her poetry continues to resonate with readers for its emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and timeless themes.

As a pioneering female poet of the Victorian era, Rossetti’s contributions to literature and her influence on subsequent generations remain significant and enduring.

Some References if you want to know more:

Roe, Dinah. *The Rossettis in Wonderland: A Victorian Family History*. Haus Publishing, 2011.

Marsh, Jan. *Christina Rossetti: A Literary Biography*. Viking, 1994.

Harrison, Antony H. *Christina Rossetti in Context*. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1988.

Palazzo, Lynda. *Christina Rossetti’s Feminist Theology*. Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.

Battiscombe, Georgina. *Christina Rossetti: A Divided Life*. Constable, 1981.