Death

Death is a theme central to many of Rossetti's poems. The topic of Death is approached with differing points of view. On one hand death is seen as a sweet and comforting end to life. On the other hand death is scary and unknown; a finite end to life.

Many of Rossetti's poems focus on linking death in nature with death in mankind. Death is symbolised by flowers withering and crops dying. Spring represents hope for new life, but very often this hope is not fulfilled and there is no regeneration. Death in nature, through the changing seasons, is linked to death in humans. Winter is linked to old age with no possibility of spring or new life.

The issue of what happens after death is raised. One interpretation is that death is a finite process. Our bodies return to earth and we have no new opportunities to...