Rossetti Poetry Context Notes

CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Rossetti's brother Dante was the founder

The brotherhood was split into two stages:

• symbols and nature
• romance, moody and medievalism

The brotherhoods models had long hair, they were either blonde or red-headed. They were young and beautiful, often voluptuous with natural clothing

In a letter written to her brother Dante Rossetti expressed her excitement that her poem 'Echo' was going to be heard to music

The Victorian Era, their views on Death and Religion

It saw the advances in medical, scientific, industry and technological knowledge

Christianity began to be questioned, the emergence of new scientific ideologies played a critical role in challenging old religious beliefs and superstitions.

There were a lot of superstitions surrounding death

There were strict rules surrounding funerals, and their mourning period were divided into two-time frames: 

• Deep morning 
• Half morning

A widow was expected to mourn her husband for at least two years during which she was expected to wear black

Queen Victoria morned Prince Albert for 40 years after he died

Rossetti's relation to Death and Religion

Christina Rossetti's life was plagued with death, Rossetti isolated adolescence and devotion to the church left her to spend long periods of time contemplating human mortality

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