'Mary 's Girlhood ( For A Picture)' by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
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This is that blessed Mary, pre-elect
God's Virgin. Gone is a great while, and she
Dwelt young in Nazareth of Galilee.
Unto God's will she brought devout respect,
Profound simplicity of intellect,
And supreme patience. From her mother's knee
Faithful and hopeful; wise in charity;
Strong in grave peace; in pity circumspect.
So held she through her girlhood; as it were
An angel-water'd lily, that near God
Grows and is quiet. Till, one dawn at home,
She woke in her white bed, and had no fear
At all,--yet wept till sunshine, and felt aw'd:
Because the fulness of the time was come.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture): A Study Of Rossetti's Poetic Artistry
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a leading figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, was known for his poetry and paintings that reflected his interest in medieval art and literature. Among his most celebrated poems is "Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture)," a work that captures the essence of youth, beauty, and innocence. The poem is a tribute to Rossetti's sister, Christina, who posed for a painting that Rossetti had created. This literary criticism and interpretation aims to explore the themes, motifs, and stylistic features of the poem, and unravel the significance of the poem in the context of Rossetti's artistic vision.
Theme and Motifs
Rossetti's "Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture)" is a poem that explores the theme of youth and beauty. The poem is a portrayal of a young girl in her prime who radiates charm, innocence, and grace. Rossetti captures her features and attributes in vivid detail, describing her "golden hair," "blue eyes," "rosy cheek," and "lips like a flower." These descriptions are used to create an image of a young girl who is pure, innocent, and full of life.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The girl in the poem is described as "an angel's child," an allusion to her other-worldly beauty and purity. However, this ethereal quality is short-lived, as the poem acknowledges that the girl will eventually grow old and die. The lines "But time stole on, and wrought / Her thoughts to other things" suggest that the girl's innocence and youth are fleeting and will be replaced by the realities of life.
The poem also contains several motifs that are significant in the context of Rossetti's artistic vision. One of these motifs is the use of nature imagery. Rossetti uses descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of beauty and harmony. The lines "Like a rose in June's full glow / She bloomed in Paradise" create an image of the girl as a natural wonder, a part of the world's beauty.
Another motif in the poem is the use of religious imagery. The girl is described as an "angel's child," and her innocence and purity are compared to the "heavenly grace" of the "blessed angels." This religious imagery serves to reinforce the idea of the girl's other-worldly beauty and purity.
Stylistic Features
The poem exhibits several stylistic features that are characteristic of Rossetti's poetry. One of these features is the use of repetition. Rossetti repeats the phrase "Mary's girlhood" several times in the poem, emphasizing the theme of youth and beauty. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.
Another stylistic feature of the poem is the use of alliteration. The lines "With hair like gold and face like snow" and "Lips like a flower, and throat like a tower" use alliteration to create a sense of symmetry and balance. This technique is used to create a sense of harmony and beauty in the poem.
The poem also contains several instances of symbolism. The use of the rose as a symbol of beauty and youth is significant in the poem. The line "Like a rose in June's full glow / She bloomed in Paradise" creates an image of the girl as a natural wonder, a part of the world's beauty. The use of the angel as a symbol of purity and innocence is also significant, as it reinforces the idea of the girl's other-worldly beauty and purity.
Interpretation
"Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture)" is a poem that captures the essence of youth and beauty. Rossetti's use of vivid descriptions and imagery creates an image of a young girl who is pure, innocent, and full of life. However, the poem also acknowledges the fleeting nature of youth and beauty, and the inevitability of mortality.
The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection of Rossetti's artistic vision. Rossetti was known for his interest in medieval art and literature, and his fascination with the beauty and purity of the pre-Renaissance era. The poem can be seen as a tribute to this aesthetic, as it captures the essence of youth and beauty in a way that is reminiscent of the medieval era.
In conclusion, "Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture)" is a poem that showcases Rossetti's poetic artistry. The poem's themes, motifs, and stylistic features work together to create an image of a young girl who is pure, innocent, and full of life. The poem's use of repetition, alliteration, and symbolism creates a sense of harmony and beauty that is characteristic of Rossetti's poetic style. Overall, the poem is a testament to Rossetti's artistic vision and his fascination with the beauty and purity of youth.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture) by Dante Gabriel Rossetti is a classic poem that captures the essence of a young girl's innocence and beauty. The poem is a tribute to the artist's sister, Maria Francesca Rossetti, who was the subject of many of his paintings and poems. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the subject of the poem. The second stanza describes the girl's physical appearance, while the third stanza reflects on her inner beauty and character.
The opening line of the poem, "Oh, but she was fair," immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "fair" is used to describe the girl's beauty, but it also has connotations of purity and goodness. The use of the word "but" suggests that there is more to the girl than just her physical appearance.
The second stanza describes the girl's physical features in detail. Her hair is described as "bright with sunshine," which suggests that she has a radiant and joyful personality. Her eyes are "deep as the sky," which implies that she has a vast and profound inner world. The use of the word "deep" also suggests that she is thoughtful and introspective. Her lips are "red as a rose," which is a classic symbol of beauty and femininity.
The third stanza reflects on the girl's inner beauty and character. The line "Her heart was clear as the dew on the flowers" suggests that she is pure and innocent. The use of the word "clear" implies that she has a transparent and honest nature. The line "Her thoughts were pure as the snow on the hills" reinforces this idea of purity and suggests that she has a moral and ethical compass. The final line of the poem, "And love was the light of her eyes," suggests that she is a loving and compassionate person.
The poem is full of vivid and evocative imagery that brings the girl to life. The use of color imagery, such as "bright with sunshine" and "red as a rose," creates a visual image of the girl's physical appearance. The use of natural imagery, such as "dew on the flowers" and "snow on the hills," creates a sense of purity and innocence. The use of similes, such as "deep as the sky," adds depth and complexity to the girl's character.
The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, but it is also rich in meaning. The repetition of the word "fair" throughout the poem reinforces the idea of the girl's beauty and goodness. The use of alliteration, such as "bright with sunshine," adds a musical quality to the poem. The use of metaphor, such as "love was the light of her eyes," adds depth and complexity to the girl's character.
The themes of the poem are universal and timeless. The poem celebrates the beauty and innocence of youth, but it also suggests that there is more to a person than just their physical appearance. The poem suggests that inner beauty and character are just as important as outer beauty. The poem also suggests that love is a powerful force that can illuminate a person's life.
In conclusion, Mary's Girlhood (For A Picture) by Dante Gabriel Rossetti is a classic poem that captures the essence of a young girl's innocence and beauty. The poem is full of vivid and evocative imagery, rich language, and universal themes. The poem celebrates the beauty and innocence of youth, but it also suggests that there is more to a person than just their physical appearance. The poem suggests that inner beauty and character are just as important as outer beauty. The poem also suggests that love is a powerful force that can illuminate a person's life.
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