Remember Me When I Am Gone Away Christina Rossetti

Remember Me When I Am Gone Away: Unpacking Christina Rossetti's Timeless Poem

Christina Rossetti's "Remember" (often titled "Remember Me When I Am Gone Away") is a deceptively simple poem that resonates with readers across generations. Its exploration of mortality, love, and memory transcends the Victorian era in which it was written, offering a poignant and enduring reflection on the human condition. This article delves deep into the poem's themes, structure, literary devices, and lasting impact, providing a comprehensive analysis for both seasoned Rossetti scholars and those encountering her work for the first time. We will unpack the subtle complexities within its seemingly straightforward verses, revealing its enduring power and emotional resonance.

Introduction: A Legacy of Remembrance

"Remember" is arguably Christina Rossetti's most famous poem, a testament to its universal themes and accessible yet profound expression of grief and love. The poem's enduring popularity stems from its ability to articulate the deep-seated human desire for remembrance after death, a longing to leave a mark on the hearts and minds of those we leave behind. It skillfully navigates the complexities of loss, focusing not on the despair of death itself, but on the enduring power of love and memory to transcend the physical realm. This analysis will examine the poem's masterful use of language, imagery, and structure to achieve this powerful effect. We will explore how Rossetti employs seemingly simple words to create a tapestry of rich emotion and profound meaning.

The Poem's Structure and Form

"Remember" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem adhering to a specific rhyme scheme and meter. Rossetti employs the Petrarchan or Italian sonnet form, dividing the poem into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). This structure subtly mirrors the poem's thematic progression: the octave establishes the speaker's plea for remembrance, while the sestet explores the nature of that remembrance and its enduring quality. The rhyme scheme (ABBAABBA CDECDE) further contributes to the poem’s musicality and creates a sense of controlled emotion, reflecting the speaker’s carefully considered words. The iambic pentameter, with its regular rhythm, reinforces the poem's deliberate and formal tone, enhancing the solemnity of the subject matter.

The poem's structure is not merely a formal constraint but a crucial element in conveying its meaning. The octave establishes the speaker's desire to be remembered, outlining the specific ways in which she wishes to be remembered: through kind thoughts and gentle actions, through the quiet moments of shared intimacy and the echoes of past affection. The sestet shifts the focus from the speaker’s desire to the enduring nature of love and memory, suggesting that even after death, the love shared will persist, a testament to its strength and enduring power.

Key Themes: Love, Loss, and the Impermanence of Life

Several interconnected themes underpin Rossetti's "Remember." The most prominent is the theme of love, not a passionate or romantic love, but a deep and abiding affection. This is a love that transcends physical presence and continues to exist even in the face of death. The speaker does not dwell on the pain of parting but focuses on the enduring nature of the love shared. The poem subtly emphasizes the importance of remembering the quality of the relationship rather than simply the fact of its existence.

Closely interwoven with love is the theme of loss. The poem's premise is the speaker's impending death, and the poem is, in essence, a farewell address to her beloved. However, Rossetti deftly avoids melodrama. The focus is not on the despair of death but on the enduring legacy of love and the hope for remembrance. This subtle shift in perspective transforms the poem from a lament into a celebration of the power of love to transcend mortality.

The theme of impermanence is subtly woven throughout the poem. The speaker acknowledges her own mortality and the inevitability of death. This acknowledgment, however, does not lead to despair but rather to a heightened appreciation for the preciousness of life and love. The poem's focus on remembrance underscores the desire to leave a lasting impact, to counteract the transience of life through the enduring power of memory. The fleeting nature of life serves to emphasize the lasting impact of love and kindness.

Literary Devices: Enhancing Emotional Impact

Rossetti masterfully employs various literary devices to amplify the poem's emotional impact. The use of repetition is striking, particularly the repeated command "Remember." This repetition serves to underscore the speaker's earnest plea, emphasizing the importance of remembrance. It creates a sense of urgency and highlights the speaker’s deep desire to remain connected to her beloved even after death. The repetition isn't monotonous; it carries a growing intensity, mirroring the speaker's increasing emotional investment in the plea.

The poem's use of imagery is subtle but powerful. The image of "if I should be where I no more can hear" evokes a sense of distance and finality, underscoring the speaker's impending death. However, the poem doesn't dwell on the grim reality of death. Instead, it focuses on the positive aspects of memory: "remember me when I am gone away." The sensory details are muted, focusing on the emotional rather than the physical.

Metaphor and personification are subtly employed to deepen the poem's meaning. The poem's central plea acts as a metaphor for the enduring power of love. The implied personification of "the memory of my days" grants the past a tangible presence, reinforcing the importance of cherishing memories.

The use of simple language is deliberate. Rossetti eschews elaborate or ornate language, opting for straightforward, direct phrasing. This simplicity enhances the poem’s accessibility and allows the reader to focus on the emotional core of the poem. The plainness of the language belies the depth of emotion and the profound philosophical questions it raises about life, death, and remembrance.

Analysis of Key Lines and Stanzas

The octave establishes the poem's central plea: "Remember me when I am gone away, / And gone am I." This direct appeal sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The subsequent lines emphasize the speaker’s desire to be remembered not through grand gestures but through small acts of kindness and affection. The use of "kindly" and "gentle" further underscores the gentle nature of the love she wishes to be remembered for. The phrase "think of me often" subtly suggests the speaker’s need for emotional connection.

The sestet offers solace and reassurance. The line "If you should hear of someone who is dead," alludes to a universal experience – the news of someone's passing. The speaker reassures her beloved, indicating that even in death, she is present in their heart and mind through the enduring love they shared. The shift to the present tense, "remember me," strengthens the immediacy of the plea, ensuring the love remains present even in the absence of the speaker. The final line, "And think of me often," reinforces the repeated plea for remembrance, underlining its significance.

Rossetti's Religious and Personal Context

Christina Rossetti's strong religious faith profoundly influenced her writing. While "Remember" doesn't overtly mention religion, its emphasis on love, remembrance, and the afterlife aligns with Rossetti's Christian beliefs. The poem's focus on the enduring power of love and memory can be interpreted as a reflection of her faith in the immortality of the soul and the enduring nature of God's love. Many scholars interpret the poem's poignant focus on remembrance as a reflection of Rossetti's anxieties about mortality and her desire for lasting connection.

The poem is believed to be inspired by her own experiences with loss and impending mortality. Rossetti experienced several personal losses, which undoubtedly influenced her poignant exploration of themes of death and remembrance. This personal element contributes to the poem’s authenticity and emotional resonance, allowing readers to connect with the speaker's deep longing for connection and recognition even beyond the grave. The poem's intimacy and sincerity stem from this deeply personal context.

The Enduring Legacy of "Remember"

"Remember" continues to resonate with readers because of its universality. The longing for remembrance, the exploration of loss and love, and the reflection on mortality are experiences common to all humanity. Its subtle power and emotional depth make it accessible to a wide range of readers, regardless of their background or beliefs. The poem's influence on literature and popular culture is undeniable. Its themes have been echoed and reinterpreted countless times, serving as a source of inspiration for writers, artists, and musicians. The simple yet powerful words continue to touch hearts and offer solace in the face of loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the poem's rhyme scheme? The poem follows a Petrarchan sonnet rhyme scheme: ABBA ABBA CDE CDE.

• What is the meter of the poem? The poem is written in iambic pentameter.

• What is the central theme of the poem? The central theme is the speaker's plea for remembrance after death, focusing on the enduring power of love and memory.

• What literary devices does Rossetti use? Rossetti employs repetition, imagery, metaphor, and simple language to enhance the poem's emotional impact.

• What is the significance of the poem's structure? The sonnet's structure (octave and sestet) mirrors the poem's thematic progression, moving from the plea for remembrance to the assurance of enduring love.

• How does Rossetti's religious faith influence the poem? While not explicitly religious, the poem’s themes of love, remembrance, and the afterlife align with Rossetti's Christian beliefs.

• Why is "Remember" still relevant today? The poem's themes of love, loss, and mortality are universally relatable, making it relevant across time and cultures.

Conclusion: A Timeless Plea for Remembrance

Christina Rossetti's "Remember" is more than just a poem; it is a timeless testament to the human longing for connection and remembrance. Through its simple yet powerful language, skillful use of literary devices, and exploration of universal themes, the poem transcends its Victorian context, speaking to readers across generations. Its enduring power lies in its ability to articulate the deepest human desires: to be loved, to be remembered, and to leave a lasting mark on the world. Rossetti’s masterpiece serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and the solace found in cherished memories, even in the face of mortality. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its profound emotional resonance and its ability to capture the essence of the human experience. The poem's legacy lies not just in its literary merit but in its ability to comfort, inspire, and provide solace to those grappling with loss and the inevitability of death. It remains a powerful and poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.