Winter my Secret

Question 1

Rejecting of the male suitors

Answer 1

‘You’re too curious: fie!’

‘I cannot ope to everyone who taps’

Question 2

Persistance of the male suitors

Answer 2

‘Bounding and surrounding me, come buffettnig, astoudning me’

‘Nipping and clipping thro’ my wraps and all’

Question 3

The speakers attempt to protect herself from the male suitors

Answer 3

‘I wear my mask for warmth’

Question 4

Suggesting that if she did submit to this sexual desire, that the results would be spoiled/ruined.

Answer 4

‘Perhaos some languid summer day… golden fruit is ripening to excess’

Question 5

Critical quote about the mask

Answer 5

Dolores Rosenblum

‘the owner of the ‘mask’ asserts her right to speak her own thoughts’

Question 6

critical quote about power

Answer 6

Simon Avery

‘An intriguing study in the manipulation of power. Denies entry to the reader, instead metaphorically wraps herself in protective clothing’

Question 7

critical quote about roles for women

Answer 7

Simon Avery

‘Rossetti’s speakers demonstrate both an awareness of and resistance to, those social and political expectations which define acceptable roles for women’