This document covers the poem: 'Froth on the Face of the Deep' by Christina Rossetti. I studied this poem for my A Level, Edexcel English Literature Exam as part of the poetry module.
By constructing these summarises and notes these provided me with ideas and themes which I could for my essays ...
• Repetition of first line of the poem. Reinforces the importance of a spiritual relationship
• ‘froth’ suggests something which surface level
• ‘face’ could relate to that of something human
• ‘deep’ could suggest that of the sea and the yearn to find out more
• Suggestion that this is unable to be achieved unless they accept a spiritual relationship with God
Language:
• The first two similes depicting that of the sea. The idea of the ‘deep’ and ‘the crest; creates the
idea that God penetrates everywhere. Foam and froth are insubstantial, as is a world without
God. Abstract images which help to bring the reader from the intangible down to the
recognizable
• allusion to the creation in genesis, when God gave form to an insubstantial, amorphous void
‘And the earth without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the
Spirit of God moved pond the face of the waters’. Expresses the state of the universe prior to
the creations, a tactless waste, a great void. Expresses the importance of God in giving human
life and somewhere to live and thrive
• ‘Froth on the face of the deep’ suggest that it is not the first time that this has been encounter.
Equally suggests a lack of faith. The presence of froth, or the white ‘foam’ created from the
dissolution of organic matter, should not exist ‘on the face of the deep.’ It would have no place
on the bottom of the sea. That is not its proper place.
• Idea of ‘froth’ expresses a surface level and insubstantial relationship. While ‘depth’ becomes
the antithesis of this. Reflected by the persona to suggest that one is unable to form a greater
meaning to life without devoting oneself to God.
• This is continued through the ideas between the antithesis of ‘foam’ and ‘crest’. The similes
expressing images of the sea, creating images of peace and content. Through the use of nature
could represent the theme of vanitas mundi. In a way this is suggesting through ideas of nature
that they will only be able to truly appreciate life with their presence of God.
• Rossetti's suggestion that these insubstantial ‘dreams’ do not accomplish anything if they occur
as, one is ‘waking’ up. They are misplaced, useless, and in this particular case, quickly halted as
one comes fully awake. Equally the idea of ‘dreams at the waking of sleep’ suggests that they
will be unable to reach a level of fulfilling deep sleep that is needed to fully restore one's body
unless they have a relationship with God. Potentially suggests the mental unrest that is caused
for one without the reassurance of God in their life. Could convey that they are only able to
appreciate the true pleasures and luxuries of life with God in their life
• Fourth line is somewhat more abstract. Speaker refers to as ‘gourd’. This would usually refer to
kind of fruit that has a hard shell. Perhaps Rossetti was considering that shell as a kind of
container, as they are often used. ‘Day and night’ are supposed to fit into this single space.
Without explanation, it is clear this is an impossibility. Alternatively, the idea of an ‘gourd’ could
suggest that thy relationship with God is unfilled. They are unable to overcome the boundaries
, and obstacles they may face psychologically and physically in life to reach accomplishments and
connections without the guidance that is provided by God.
• 5th and 6th similes are related in terms of food and drink. They refer to vital aspects of life that
mean nothing without God. A harvest produces food, but is often used metaphorically to mean
anything that brings benefit or profit. Harvest is meaningless without man's trust in God for the
creation of healthy crops that can be used to feed the nation
• Pointlessness of life without God occurs in the fifth line. Speaker imagines a ‘harvest’ that ‘no
man shall reap’. Whole seasons’ crops that are grown, and then not picked. Exist for no purpose.
• Dynamic verb ‘harvest’ relates to a period of time when food is collected and is ripe enough to
eat. Suggesting that without forming a relationship with God first they will never have plentiful
success or accomplishments. Potential the idea that by the time one dies they would not have
led a purposeful life and not experienced life to the full without the belief of God
• ‘vintage’ may refer to good wine, matured over time, but time and the wine that is produces will
not be enjoyed by man. Obscure line. Reference to something old and not of great taste. Could
be wine or another it. If does to exist then it can never age and become the thing it could’ve
been. Another example of things being out of place and out of line with God.
• Use of the declarative nature ‘never shall be’ creates a more mundane tone that juxtaposes the
exotic and peaceful image contrasted by the abstract view of the sea. Instead brings a
monotonous and un-existing image suggesting the pointless and mundane nature of life if one
has failed or rejects to form a relationship with God
• Final conclusion states that hope is also meaningless if it ‘cling not aright’ to God. The last
emphatic line is more effective for its catalectic construction, with fewer syllables than the resto
of the poem. Exclamatory ‘O’ suggests emotion after the measured similes the precede it.
Possessive ‘my’ relates the universality of the theme to Rossetti’s personal view of God.
• The abstract noun ‘hope’ suggests that there is no hope without God. Suggesting that there is
more meaning with God now. Definitive pronoun ‘it’ creates a sense of certainty. Personas in a
way suggests that the own clarity and point that can come from life is if one forms a relationship
with God,
• End of poem it becomes clear that the images and comparison that were being made were to
bolster one’s view of God in the workings of the world. Nothing can function without his
presence. One should be without doubt at this point that faith is an important part of this
speaker’s life. Wants to live in a way that allows her existence to be more and mean more. And
the closer she gets to God, the more likely that’s going to be.
• ‘O my God’ possessive pronoun ‘my’ suggesting that the persona is taking ownership of her own
spiritual relationship with God. Suggests there is no doubt now in the purpose of life now that
she has formed a relationship with God. ‘thee’ suggestion you. Perhaps in a way encouraging
both the contemporary and modern reader to form and develop their relationships with God in
the belief that they will live a better and more fulfilled life because of this.
• Final similes are more mundane than at the beginning. Deepmost from ‘froth’ in the sea to a
harvest ‘no man shall reap’ express the more ethereal to the everyday slowly brings the reader
closer to their own life. The development also works to empathize God’s ability to touch every
part of the world. He is just as much involved with dreams as harvests
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