Song- Christina Rossetti: What is the poem about?

Song

The poem ''Song'' is in essence, about the attitude towards death and grief. Although it is indirect, the speaker trivialises grieving as it does not help the deceased in any particular way, more is used for the benefit and comfort of the griever. The speaker addresses their ‘’dearest’’ directly in the first stanza. Obstinately saying ‘’sing no songs ’’, reflecting not only on their condescending attitude towards the concept of grieving, but also on their controlling nature, and on their ability to direct their grievers behaviour to a certain extent. This control over her ‘’dearest’’ suggests that they are in an intimate relationship. Particularly as the speaker disrupts the iambic trimeter of the poem in order to address them as such, showing that the speaker will go to great lengths to contact this loved one. This interlocks with the context of the poem, as the speaker trivialises grieving, perhaps, for the benefit of their partner.

This however, conflicts with the interpretation that the speaker belittles grieving in order to reveal its pettiness and triviality in relation to death. The speaker shows this attitude to grief by her blunt approach towards such a sensitive subject, stating primarily ‘’When I am dead’’. Her lack of sensitivity and caution towards the emotional wellbeing of her partner once she is deceased reveals her insensitivity and her lack of pensiveness for the impact upon her lover.

Although the poem is focused on revealing the speaker’s beliefs that grieving is an indulgence of the living. The speaker also romanticises death, which is most likely due to Rossetti's strong religious beliefs; and that death to her, is a blessing rather than a curse. Although the romanticism of death in the poem can be traced to Rossetti's religiosity, her mental health has been noted to fluctuate throughout her life. Diagnosed as ‘religious mania’ Rossetti most likely suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety. The melancholy her poems reflects this, and ‘’Song’’ is a perfect example.

The speaker states ‘’haply I may remember. And haply may forget.’’ In reference to her attitude towards the nature of death, and what she believes death to be. She trivialises the grief of her ‘’dearest’ not only due to her controlling attitude, but also because it seems completely obscure to her. Her interpretation of death is one of peace and tranquillity, although she will be leaving behind what she loves (the ‘’song’’ being a metaphor for poetry) she is ultimately happy in death. Most likely due to her belief that within the afterlife lies God. Therefore, she will not need ‘’roses at my head’’ as the physical world no longer affects her, grief and its rituals does not affect her. Hence why she belittles the fancies of grieving, as it is completely irrelevant to her in the afterlife. In which she is at peace, so does not need the pity of those left behind- more so that they require her pity, suggesting she undermines the concept of grief through compassion for those who loved her. This is an unusual approach to give her ‘’dearest’’ clarity, in order for them to accept her departure, and move on regardless.