A Thematic Approach to a Selection of Christina Rossetti’s Poetry

Abstract

The aim of the thesis is to examine the main themes of Christina Rossetti's secular and devotional poetry. Critics have focused for a long time on the religious side of Rossetti's poetry describing her as a poet prophet and a saint ignoring her ties to the radical feminist movements of the 19th century. The aim of the present study is to explore Rossetti's religious perspective in addition to her peculiar comprehension of the "Woman Question". It establishes the proper socio-historical and literary contexts in which to view Rossetti's poetry. It asserts a side of Rossetti's identity that has remained concealed for a long time and argues that her poetry is actually a feminist critique of Victorian society.