'At Home' by Christina Georgina Rossetti


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When I was dead, my spirit turned
To seek the much-frequented house:
I passed the door, and saw my friends
Feasting beneath green orange boughs;
From hand to hand they pushed the wine,
They sucked the pulp of plum and peach;
They sang, they jested, and they laughed,
For each was loved of each.

I listened to thier honest chat:
Said one: "To-morrow we shall be
Plod plod along the featureless sands,
And coasting miles and miles of sea."
Said one: "Before the turn of tide
We will achieve the eyrie-seat."
Said one: "To-morrow shall be like
To-day, but much more sweet."

"To-morrow," said they, strong with hope,
And dwelt upon the pleasant way:
"To-morrow," cried they, one and all,
While no one spoke of yesterday.
Their life stood full at blessed noon;
I, only I, had passed away:
"To-morrow and to-day," they cried;
I was of yesterday.

I shivered comfortless, but cast
No chill across the table-cloth;
I, all-forgotten, shivered, sad
To stay, and yet to part how loth:
I passed from the familiar room,
I who from love had passed away,
Like the remembrance of a guest
That tarrieth but a day.


Editor 1 Interpretation

At Home by Christina Georgina Rossetti: A Deep Dive into the Poet's Mind and Heart

Are you an avid poetry reader looking for a new masterpiece to cherish? Or are you a curious, open-minded individual who wants to explore the world of poetry with a fresh perspective? In either case, Christina Georgina Rossetti's "At Home" can be the perfect starting point for you.

This classic poem, first published in 1866, is a fascinating blend of personal emotions, religious themes, and artistic sensibilities. With its simple yet evocative language, "At Home" captures the essence of domestic life and spiritual yearning, weaving them together into a tapestry of beauty and depth.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, structure, and language of "At Home," and try to understand the poet's intentions and insights. By the end of this journey, you will have a richer understanding of Rossetti's artistry and her contribution to the world of poetry.

The Themes of "At Home": Domesticity, Religion, and Desire

What makes "At Home" such a compelling poem, even after more than a century and a half of its creation, is its ability to resonate with readers of different backgrounds and beliefs. At its core, "At Home" is a poem about the joys and sorrows of domestic life, the longing for spiritual fulfillment, and the tension between earthly desires and divine aspirations.

The poem begins with a description of the speaker's daily routine, which involves household chores and responsibilities. She cleans, cooks, and tends to her family's needs, all the while feeling a sense of contentment and satisfaction. However, as the day wears on, she becomes increasingly aware of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. She wonders what will happen to her soul after she dies, and whether she will be judged favorably by God.

The second half of the poem shifts from the mundane to the sublime, as the speaker contemplates her spiritual yearning and her desire for a deeper connection with God. She longs to be free from earthly desires and attachments, and to surrender herself completely to divine love and mercy. She asks for forgiveness for her sins and seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead her on the path of righteousness.

The themes of "At Home" are woven together seamlessly, creating a powerful and poignant portrait of a woman's inner life. The poem captures the complexity of human emotions, the tension between the material and the spiritual, and the yearning for transcendence and salvation.

The Structure of "At Home": Simplicity and Symmetry

One of the striking features of "At Home" is its simple and symmetrical structure. The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing eight lines, and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. The simplicity and symmetry of the poem reflect the domestic setting and the speaker's routine, while also conveying a sense of balance and harmony.

However, the structure of "At Home" also serves a deeper purpose, as it highlights the thematic contrast between the first and second halves of the poem. The first stanza focuses on the speaker's mundane activities and her contentment with domestic life, while the second stanza shifts to her spiritual longing and her desire for divine guidance. The symmetrical structure of the poem emphasizes this contrast and creates a sense of tension and resolution.

Moreover, the use of repetition and parallelism in the poem also reinforces its structure and themes. The phrase "At home" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, establishing a sense of continuity and familiarity. The parallel phrases "O Lord, how long?" and "O Lord, how long!" at the end of each stanza create a sense of urgency and longing, and emphasize the speaker's desire for divine intervention.

The Language of "At Home": Simplicity and Imagery

The language of "At Home" is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and vivid imagery. The poem is written in plain language, with no obscure or pretentious words, and yet it conveys a wealth of emotions and ideas. The use of simple words and phrases reflects the domestic setting and the speaker's everyday experiences, while also making the poem accessible and relatable to readers of all backgrounds.

However, despite its simplicity, the language of "At Home" is also rich in imagery and symbolism. The poem abounds with sensory details, such as the smell of bread, the sound of a clock ticking, and the feel of a broom in the speaker's hand. These details create a vivid and tangible picture of the speaker's environment, and enhance the poem's realism and authenticity.

Moreover, the language of "At Home" also employs religious imagery and symbolism, such as the reference to the Holy Spirit, the mention of the "book of life," and the allusion to the parable of the ten virgins. These elements add depth and complexity to the poem, and reveal the speaker's spiritual yearning and her sense of divine presence in her life.

Conclusion: "At Home" as a Timeless Masterpiece

In conclusion, "At Home" is a timeless masterpiece of poetry, which captures the complexity and beauty of human emotions, the tension between the material and the spiritual, and the yearning for transcendence and salvation. The poem's themes, structure, and language work together seamlessly to create a powerful and poignant portrait of a woman's inner life, and to reveal the poet's insights and artistry.

Whether you are a seasoned poetry reader or a curious beginner, "At Home" can be a rewarding and enriching experience. So why not take a few minutes to read it again, and immerse yourself in the world of Christina Georgina Rossetti's poetry? You might discover something new and inspiring that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry At Home: A Masterpiece of Christina Georgina Rossetti

Christina Georgina Rossetti, a renowned poet of the Victorian era, is known for her lyrical and devotional poetry. Her works are characterized by their simplicity, sincerity, and deep religious themes. One of her most famous poems, Poetry At Home, is a beautiful ode to the power of poetry and its ability to transform our lives.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Rossetti describing the power of poetry to transport us to another world. She writes, "Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality." Here, Rossetti is suggesting that poetry allows us to transcend our everyday lives and enter into a world of imagination and creativity.

The second stanza expands on this idea, with Rossetti describing the transformative power of poetry. She writes, "But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things." Here, Rossetti is suggesting that poetry can help us to escape from the mundane and the ordinary, and enter into a world of beauty and wonder. She goes on to say, "Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry can help us to seize life and make the most of it.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Rossetti describes the way in which poetry can help us to connect with others. She writes, "Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things." Here, Rossetti is suggesting that poetry can help us to connect with others on a deeper level, by allowing us to share our emotions and experiences in a way that is both powerful and transformative.

Overall, Poetry At Home is a beautiful and powerful ode to the transformative power of poetry. Rossetti's use of language is simple and direct, yet her message is profound and deeply moving. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and its ability to help us connect with ourselves and others in a way that is both meaningful and transformative.

In conclusion, Poetry At Home is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word. Rossetti's use of language is simple and direct, yet her message is profound and deeply moving. The poem is a reminder of the transformative power of poetry, and its ability to help us connect with ourselves and others in a way that is both meaningful and transformative. If you have not yet read this beautiful poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of Victorian literature, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.

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