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Summary Christina Rossetti, ‘A birthday’ notes
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Notes containing summary and analysis of ‘A Birthday’ by Christina Rossetti.
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Christina RossettiA Christmas Carol
Meaning/context:
‘A Christmas Carol is one of Rossetti’s best known poems, often known as the carol ‘in
the bleak midwinter’ which is taken from its title. The carol was originally published in an
American magazine, Scribner’s Monthly in January 1872. The poem was commissioned by
the magazine’s editor, William James Stillman, husband of Pre-Raphaelite painter, Marie
Spartali. Hence we see evidence of Rossetti’s links to the pre-Raphaelite movement,
which is key as this poem explores themes of love, death, nature and god, all of which
are themes explores within pre-Raphaelite artwork. The title of the poem itself suggests
that the poet’s intent was to write this poem as a carol, or to music, however what is
most important about the title ‘a Christmas carol’ is that it creates accessibility to the
reader and is meant for enjoyment as well as the portrayal of the underlying messages.
The poem itself follows a modern portrayal of the nativity story; the birth of Jesus Christ.
And yet, the sombre tone introduced at the very start of the poem would suggest that
Rossetti is establishing a sad tale, however she then juxtaposes these notions with the
magnificence of god; opposing god against nature. She establishes Jesus’s birth with a
feeling of splendour which celebrates the birth of Christ, and yet there is an undertone of
warmth which conveys the importance of the mother’s love and care in this situation.
Furthermore, as Rossetti was a devout Christian who dedicated her life to god and the
church, perhaps she wrote this poem in celebration of the birth of Jesus and the Christian
faith, as she believed that god provided her with love and comfort on earth, so in some
ways this is a devotional poem.
It could be argued that, through this poem, Rossetti expresses her appreciation of the
unpretentious aspects of Christianity. This may have been influenced by Christina’s
humble life, committing herself to god rather than earthly relationships, losing many of
those she loved along the way.
Along with this, the use of the female role is interesting in this poem, as the mother is
portrayed as offering the child as a gift to the world. Critic Dinah Roe states that ‘this
poem is very much about the gifts women specifically have to offer. Shepherds who
proffer lambs in this bible story are male, as are of course the ‘Wise Men’, who offer
wisdom and riches. However, it is none of these which thaws the frozen landscape.’ It
could be said that Rossetti emphasises the importance of the female role in reproduction,
following the Victorian norm in which women were very much valued for their looks and
ability to have children.
Structure and form:
The stanzas themselves follow a regular form, with a use of five regular octaves and the
use of the half-measure ABCB rhyme scheme with three feet per line. The constant
repetition of which could reflect the cyclical nature of god, and a feeling of comforting
reliability in Christ.
This rhyme also provides a song-like quality to the poem, which suggests that the
speaker is almost singing praises to god; particularly as carols are often written in
celebration of Christianity and god’s love.
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