The Use of Imperatives in Remember by Christina Rossetti
Christina Rossetti’s Remember is characterized by the use of imperatives—direct commands that shape the tone and urgency of the poem. The poem’s commanding language, particularly in the repeated use of “Remember,” creates an emotional appeal that makes the speaker’s plea feel more urgent and personal. The use of imperatives conveys a sense of desperation and love that underscores the speaker’s desire for remembrance after death.
The repetition of the imperative “Remember” throughout the poem creates a strong emotional pull, emphasizing the importance of the request. By using direct commands, the speaker implies that remembrance is not only desired but necessary. This language fosters an intimacy between the speaker and the reader, inviting them to experience the urgency of the plea firsthand. The speaker is not simply suggesting or hoping for remembrance but is actively calling for it—making the request feel as if it comes from the heart.
Later in the poem, the shift in tone is also marked by the subtle imperatives, such as when the speaker encourages their loved one to “forget” them if it would allow them to live a fuller life. This command softens the tone, showing the speaker’s selflessness and understanding that love also means letting go. This shift in imperatives reveals a balance between wanting to be remembered and understanding the importance of the loved one’s happiness beyond death.
In conclusion, the use of imperatives in Remember plays a crucial role in creating the emotional depth and urgency of the poem. Rossetti’s choice of commanding language emphasizes the speaker’s desire for connection and memory while also highlighting their selflessness in accepting the possibility of being forgotten for the sake of their loved one’s peace.
4. The Shift in Tone in Remember by Christina Rossetti
One of the most striking features of Remember is the shift in tone as the speaker’s request evolves. The poem begins with a sense of longing and urgency, where the speaker pleads for remembrance after death. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts to one of acceptance and selflessness, reflecting the speaker’s understanding of the need for their loved one to move on after they are gone.
In the opening lines, the tone is one of longing, as the speaker expresses the desire to be remembered: "Remember me when I am gone away." The repetition of “Remember” reinforces the urgency of this plea, suggesting that the speaker’s love and presence are so vital that they must endure beyond death. The tone here is wistful, filled with a longing for continued connection even after the physical separation brought by death.
However, the tone shifts in the latter part of the poem when the speaker expresses that if their loved one forgets them, it should not cause sorrow. “Better by far you should forget and smile / Than that you should remember and be sad” reveals the speaker’s selflessness. The shift here shows that love is not about clinging to memory but about the well-being of the loved one, even if that means letting go.
In conclusion, the shift in tone throughout Remember emphasizes the transition from personal desire to selfless love. The speaker’s shift from pleading to acceptance highlights the complexities of love, where the ultimate goal is not just remembrance but the happiness and peace of the loved one.