Christina Rossetti Poetry Context Flashcards
(16 cards)
Where did Rossetti volunteer?
Links contextually to fall of women, position of women and religion etc.
St Mary Magdalene Penitentiary in Highgate, a charitable institution for “fallen women” or those struggling with social stigma. She worked there for 11 years (1859 to 1870)
Which movement of Christianity did Rossetti follow?
New Oxford Movement - trachtarianism (founded in 1833)
When was the New Oxford Movement founded?
1833
Which family member was a political exile?
Gabriel Rossetti (father), could potentially explain her political caution
What were the key beliefs of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood?
Rejection of Academicism:
The Brotherhood rejected the traditional, academic style of the Royal Academy, which they saw as lifeless and lacking in sincerity.
Return to Nature:
They believed in studying nature directly and representing it truthfully in their art, inspired by the theories of John Ruskin. This heavily influenced Rossetti’s incorporation and depth of natural imagery throughout her poems, with aims to redirect society.
Moral Seriousness and Sincerity:
They sought to express a new moral seriousness and sincerity in their works, addressing themes of religion, love, and death with a new level of depth and realism. Also influences Rossetti’s reflections, or rather lack of, on societal conflicts and problems like female suffering/ empowerment.
How is Rossetti connected to the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood?
Older brother Dante, founded the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood.
When was the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood founded?
1848
Rossetti and comfort in faith
Rossetti suffered from a nervous breakdown in her teenage years ‘religious mania’, and pursed a solution through her devotion and faith, therefore explaining her priorities in pursuing a relationship with God.
Does religion inhibit Rossetti from addressing societal problems?
Rossetti first and foremost prioritises her relationship with God. Religion often hinges on self-denial and self-sacrifice, which prevents Rossetti from addressing earthly problems that are diminished by the importance of her spiritual/ divine connection.
Rossetti is preoccupied with spiritual concerns rather than earthly, this is conveyed in her poems shut out and up hill.
What is an example of Rossetti prioritising her spiritual concerns over earthly expectations?
Rejecting Charles Cayley Bagot’s proposal due to comprising contention between their faiths. Charles was a Roman Catholic, Rossetti defied her societal expectations of marrying in order to pursue her spiritual journey.
When was the suffragette movement?
Suffragette movement was initiated by Emmeline Pankhurst 1903.
When was the radicalisation of the suffragette movement?
1910, they began to use militant tactics to promote the cry for societal reform. Aiming to improve women’s lives.
When did Christian Rossetti sign an Anti-suffrage movement?
1889
what remark did Christina Rossetti make about government?
‘need for mother MPs, and female representation in parliament’
When did Rossetti petition for the legislation to protect children from prostitution and sexual exploitation by raising the age of consent?
Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885
Literary canon dominated by…
Men
