Christina Rossetti
Info
- England's greatest woman poet (644)
- debating Christian orthodoxy was "as useless as arguing about the air we breathe" (Horton 644)
- naive charm and careful workmanship stressed by pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (644)
- theme - painful submission to God's will; undercurrent of positive faith (644)
Analysis - "Uphill"
The poem "Uphill" is an allegorical conversation that represents the Christian life. The traveler (the audience) asks questions, which the guide (the author, or God or Christ) answers. The simple dialogue reflects the simplicity of the message of salvation. The winding road symbolizes the Christian's life; it's an uphill battle against the flesh, yet the destination--heaven--lies at the end. God will provide refuge from the darkness, which cannot detract from the illumination of God's Word. Other believers ("those who have gone before") will offer additional support. In the last exchanges of the last two stanzas, Rossetti emphasizes that salvation is free to anyone who asks and believes: "'May the darkness hide it from my face?'/They will not keep you standing at that door...'Will there be beds for me and all who seek?'/Yea, beds for all who come" (Horton 646).
The conversational structure of the poem effectively conveys a comforting tone. The guide delivers clear, direct replies that are impossible to misunderstand. Overall, Rossetti passes on the message of hope to those who are experiencing hardship.
Application
Though several biblical concepts permeate this poem, the underlying theme is Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Even when life throws hectic schedules, miscommunication, and other problems at me, I know that heaven is waiting at the end of the road. Since Christ provided a place for me, I have a reason to keep moving. God's Word is my sole source of comfort, but "Uphill" reinforces its message of encouragement.
Citation
Horton, Ronald A. British Literature for Christian Schools. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones University Press, 1992.
Thanks for the correct MLA format! I appreciate the insight and maturity you display here. The journey is rough, but I'm excited about the destination as well.
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