Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Twice” by Christina Georgina Rossetti is a poem about love and loss, focusing on the speaker's yearning for a loved one who has passed away. The poem is composed of two stanzas, each with four lines, and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. "Twice" was first published in 1876 in Rossetti's collection "A Pageant and Other Poems."

The first stanza describes the speaker’s desire to be reunited with the one they love, using vivid imagery to convey the intensity of their longing. The second stanza shifts to a more reflective tone, acknowledging the reality of the loved one's absence and the speaker's need to move on with their life.

Throughout the poem, Rossetti employs a variety of poetic devices to heighten the emotional impact of the speaker’s words. The use of repetition, particularly in the repeated phrase “I know not which” at the end of each stanza, emphasizes the speaker's uncertainty and the depth of their longing. The use of alliteration in “fain” and “fly” and “knew” and “kind” further emphasizes the musical quality of the poem.

Overall, “Twice” is a poignant expression of grief and the enduring nature of love. Through its use of rich imagery and poetic devices, the poem captures the complexity of the speaker’s emotions and the struggle to come to terms with loss.

In terms of poetic essential elements, the poem's form is simple yet effective, with the two stanzas mirroring each other in structure and the ABAB rhyme scheme adding to the poem's musicality. The use of vivid imagery, repetition, and alliteration all contribute to the poem's emotional impact, making it a powerful example of Rossetti's skill as a poet.

In summary, "Twice" is a moving expression of love and loss, with Rossetti's skillful use of poetic devices adding depth and emotion to the speaker's words.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...