Song: When I am Dead, My Dearest

Question 1

Written in…

Answer 1

1848

Question 2

Published in…

Answer 2

1862

Question 3

Rhythm

Answer 3

Iambic tetrameter; song-like rhythm

Question 4

Addresses

Answer 4

Direct address - speaking to someone
this allows an emotional connection to form

Question 5

Victorian Society

Answer 5

Had strict rules for mourning
due to Queen Victoria’s deep mourning for Albert

Question 6

Criticizing

Answer 6

Rossetti is criticizing the mourning rituals of death
the dead can’t hear or see - “I shall not see” “I shall not hear”

Question 7

Rhyme Scheme

Answer 7

ABCB

Question 8

Context

Answer 8

Death: Rossetti had and obsession with death and the afterlife.
‘Soul sleep’: This doctrine teaches that when Christians die they experience a period of rest and sleep in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus, at which point they will be taken up to heaven and be rewarded with eternal life.
Literary context: was heavily influenced by Keats (nightingale).
Religion: closeness to God.