Winter, My Secret Flashcards
what is the historical and literary context of this poem?
To write this poem Rossetti steals the stanza form that was used by Tennyson when he wrote his elegy, in Memorium.
This poem was to origannly be titled nonsense, a nod to its childish form.
what are three key critics of the poem?
Jan Marsh- “the poem would not work unless the reader felt that the secret was about to be told”
Simon Avery- “intriguing study of the manipulation of power”.
Emma Mason- has suggested that the speaker can be associated with God.
what is key about women in the Victorian era at this time?
“separate spheres” roles became more defined
women were seen to be morally superior to men
Feminine traits such as grace and good manners were viewed with the upmost respect.
women were expected to desire marriage but to want it too much
women were to remain chaste with men and sometimes not talk to men if a chaperone was not present.
is this poem a rebellion?
it can be said that Rossetti rebels against restrictions that were placed on women during this time.
5 key quotes and their significance?
“tell my secret? No indeed, not I”- this reflects the theme of secrecy and power that is evident in the poem.
There’s a playful evasive tone, which may be used along with Goblin. As it’s states “but only my fun”
There’s a reference/ juxtaposition between the weather, “nipping”“march with its peck of dust”- sense that it will be better when the weather changes. May reflect that her secret displays sharing her soul.
Clothing, used as a weapon of femininity “cloak”
Repeated reference to “secret”/”my secret’s mine and I won’t tell”- key link to female agency.
