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Remember me when I am gone away, by Christina Rossetti — Analysis & Translation

2 min read English

Original Poem

Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you plann'd: Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve: For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad.

Translation (English)

Think of me when I'm not here anymore, Gone far away to a quiet place; When you can't hold my hand anymore, And I can't decide whether to leave or stay. Think of me when you no longer tell me every day About the future you planned for us: Just remember me; you know It will be too late to give advice or pray then. But if you forget me for a while And then remember, don't be upset: If darkness and decay leave A trace of the thoughts I once had, It's much better that you forget and smile Than remember and be sad.

About the Poet

Christina Rossetti (19th Century)

Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894) was an English poet known for her romantic and devotional works. She was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement and influenced writers like Virginia Woolf and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Despite health issues and depression, she devoted her life to poetry and faith.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Historical Context

Literary Form
Sonnet
When Written
Published in 1862
Background
The poem reflects themes of memory, loss, and the acceptance of mortality, common in Rossetti's work, possibly influenced by her religious beliefs and personal experiences with illness.

Sources: https://www.mona.uwi.edu/soe/sites/default/files/soe/uploads/British+Poems+for+Anthology.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_Rossetti

Detailed Explanation

This poem by Christina Rossetti is a meditation on memory and the inevitability of death. The speaker asks to be remembered after they have passed away, acknowledging that they will be in a 'silent land' where physical connections are no longer possible. The poem reflects on the plans and dreams shared with a loved one, emphasizing the importance of memory over mourning. The speaker suggests that if forgetting brings happiness, it is preferable to remembering with sadness. The poem's gentle acceptance of mortality and its focus on the emotional well-being of the living highlight Rossetti's contemplative and empathetic style.

Themes

  • Memory
  • Mortality
  • Loss
  • Acceptance

Literary Devices

  • Metaphor: 'silent land' as a metaphor for death or the afterlife.
  • Repetition: 'Remember me' emphasizes the desire to be remembered.
  • Contrast: The contrast between remembering with sadness and forgetting with a smile.
  • Imagery: Vivid imagery of holding hands and planning a future.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
vestige trace, small amount a small part that remains ves-tij
corruption decay, deterioration the process of becoming bad or rotten kuh-ruhp-shun
grieve mourn, feel sorrow to feel deep sadness greev
counsel advice, guidance helpful advice koun-suhl
plann'd planned, arranged organized or arranged pland
silent land quiet place, afterlife a metaphor for death or the afterlife sai-luhnt land
gone away left, departed no longer present gawn uh-way

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