*Rossetti: Shut Out (QUOTES)

Question 1

STRUCTURE

Answer 1

• Equal stanza length > God is fair/equal/unchangeable
• Quatrains
• Iambic
• Change in tone in 3rd stanza > serious/dark
• Last stanza returns to iambic

Question 2

• Cried so much they can’t see
• Cannot see the other side
• Cannot see anyway out
• Frustration / Rejection
• Rossetti’s religious doubt

Answer 2

“Blinded by tears”

Question 3

• Twigs cannot regrow > no redemption allowed… REJECTION
• Twigs fall from trees just like she has fallen from existence and the safety of God
• or fallen like FALLEN WOMEN

Answer 3

“One small twig from shrub or tree”

Question 4

• Lifeless, contradicts imagery of life previously
• Changed tone; suggests how God suddenly changed on her, distrust??? RELIGIOUS DOUBT
• Not leaving a trace behind, just like fallen women, erased from life

Answer 4

“Shadowless spirit”

Question 5

• Not like anyone else
• Doesn’t fit in
• Rossetti not conforming with her family

Answer 5

“Outcast state”

Question 6

• Contradictory
• Stanza 1: “My Garden” > life thriving, sudden change
• Twigs cannot regrow, this is the end of the road

Answer 6

“One small twig from shrub or tree”