Remember

Question 1

“Remember me when I am gone away, / Gone far away into the silent land;”

Answer 1

This opening establishes the speaker’s plea to be remembered after death, using repetition of “gone away” to emphasize the finality of her departure. The metaphor “silent land” refers to death, evoking a place devoid of life and communication.
This phrase emphasizes the separation between the living and the dead, reinforcing the inevitability of loss.
The tone is tender and contemplative, suggesting a deep awareness of mortality.
The enjambment mirrors the continuity of thought, reflecting how memory persists even beyond physical absence.
This opening encapsulates the poem’s central theme of remembrance and sets a reflective tone, inviting the reader to consider the lasting impact of love and memory.

Question 2

“When you can no more hold me by the hand,”

Answer 2

This line uses physical imagery to convey the intimacy and closeness of the relationship between the speaker and her loved one.
The act of “holding hands” symbolizes emotional connection and support, which will no longer be possible after her death.
The phrase highlights the tangible loss that comes with separation, making the grief more personal and immediate.
By focusing on such a simple, human gesture, Rossetti emphasizes the poignancy of what will be lost.
The tone is both mournful and tender, reflecting the speaker’s understanding of the profound impact her absence will have.
This line deepens the emotional resonance of the poem, grounding its themes of love and loss in relatable human experiences.

Question 3

“Yet if you should forget me for a while / And afterwards remember, do not grieve:”

Answer 3

This shift in tone reflects the speaker’s selflessness and maturity, as she acknowledges the possibility that her loved one may occasionally forget her.
The conjunction “yet” introduces a moment of reconciliation, where the speaker prioritizes the well-being of her loved one over the need to be remembered.
The phrase “do not grieve” reveals her desire to alleviate the pain of loss, demonstrating unconditional love.
The enjambment mirrors the flow of time and the natural process of forgetting and remembering, emphasizing the cyclical nature of memory and grief.
This line marks a turning point in the poem, moving from a plea for remembrance to an acceptance of forgetting as a part of healing.

Question 4

“Better by far you should forget and smile / Than that you should remember and be sad.”

Answer 4

Here, the speaker fully prioritizes her loved one’s happiness over her own desire for remembrance. The juxtaposition of “forget and smile” with “remember and be sad” contrasts the emotional weight of memory with the lightness of moving forward.
This line reflects the speaker’s selflessness, as she relinquishes control over her legacy to ensure her loved one’s peace.
The comparative “better by far” reinforces the speaker’s conviction that joy outweighs sorrow, even if it comes at the cost of being forgotten.
The tone is gentle and consoling, offering reassurance and a sense of closure.
This final sentiment encapsulates the poem’s shift from mourning to acceptance, highlighting the redemptive power of love

Question 5

“Only remember me; you understand / It will be late to counsel then or pray.”

Answer 5

This line highlights the urgency of the speaker’s plea, as she acknowledges the inevitability of death and the finality of its separation.
The word “only” underscores the simplicity and sincerity of her request, while the phrase “it will be late” emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing moments before they are lost.
The reference to “counsel” and “pray” reflects the religious undertones of the poem, suggesting that death marks the end of earthly interactions and spiritual intercession.
The tone is earnest and reflective, urging the loved one to recognize the value of memory while it still holds meaning.
This line reinforces the poem’s exploration of mortality and the enduring significance of love.

Question 6

Form

Answer 6

1. Petrarchan Sonnet:
   • “Remember” is written as a Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet, consisting of 14 lines divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines). This traditional form is often used for themes of love, loss, and reflection, perfectly aligning with the poem’s meditative tone.
   • The ABBA ABBA rhyme scheme in the octave reflects the speaker’s plea for remembrance and creates a harmonious, reflective tone. The sestet shifts to a more accepting and reconciliatory tone, introducing a looser rhyme pattern.
2. lambic Pentameter:
   • The poem is written in iambic pentameter, creating a rhythmic, flowing quality that mirrors the speaker’s calm and contemplative voice. The meter enhances the reflective nature of the poem and emphasizes its emotional sincerity.
3. Elegiac Tone:
   • The poem’s form lends itself to an elegiac tone, as Rossetti reflects on the inevitability of death while offering consolation to her loved one.

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

1. Octave and Sestet Division:
   • The octave introduces the speaker’s plea for remembrance, focusing on her desire to be remembered after death. The sestet, however, shifts to a more selfless and accepting tone, as the speaker prioritizes her loved one’s happiness over her own legacy. This volta (turn) in tone and focus is a defining feature of the Petrarchan sonnet, marking a shift from personal longing to reconciliation.
2. Repetition:
   • The repeated use of the word “remember” throughout the octave reinforces the speaker’s initial desire to leave a lasting impression on her loved one. This repetition is contrasted in the sestet, where the focus shifts to “forget and smile,” highlighting the speaker’s evolving priorities.
3. Circularity:
   • The poem begins and ends with themes of remembrance, but the shift from a plea to a concession reflects the speaker’s emotional journey from longing to acceptance. This structural progression mirrors the natural process of grief and healing.

Question 8

Context

Answer 8

1. Christina Rossetti’s Life and Beliefs:
   • Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) was a devout Christian, and her faith deeply influenced her poetry. “Remember” reflects her acceptance of death as a natural and inevitable transition. The mention of “counsel” and “pray” highlights her belief in the spiritual significance of memory and the afterlife.
   • Rossetti lived during the Victorian era, a time when death and mourning were prominent themes in art and literature due to high mortality rates and strict religious practices. Her work often explores love, mortality, and faith.
2. Victorian Attitudes Toward Death:
   • Victorians had a strong preoccupation with death and remembrance, influenced by religious beliefs about the afterlife. “Remember” aligns with this cultural context, reflecting both the personal grief associated with loss and the hope of spiritual continuity.

Question 9

Themes

Answer 9

• Love and Memory
• Mortality and Death
• Selflessness and Sacrifice
• Grief and Consolation
• Acceptance and Letting Go
• Faith and Spirituality