Dante Gabriel Rossetti's Poem "The Portrait"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the "The Portrait," a complex poem, operates on two different levels: First, the reader becomes aware of the relationship of the artist and his piece of work; and then the poem probes the connection existing between the artist, his sense of self and how those emotions shape the creation of art. The author points out that the rhyme scheme in this poem is ababccddc, which allows the poem to read smoothly, and the poet's use of words forces the reader to read slowly. The paper relates that Rosette includes the mythological story of Narcissus to further the idea that the poet is just as attached to his art as he is to the memory of his lover.

From the Paper:

"The first lines of the poem introduce us to a relationship between an object of art and the viewer of that piece of art. It is important to note that the poet is speaking to himself because this allows us to see how the poet is not just examining the work of art. The act of looking at his artwork moves him to explore himself as well. The notion of the exploration of self can also be seen when the poet compares the painting to the image he sees in a mirror. He writes, "It seems a thing to wonder on/As though mine image in the glass/Should tarry when myself am gone" (Rosetti 2-4). These statements reflect the story of Narcissus in that when the young man turns from his image, the object of his affection disappears."

More papers on Dante Gabriel Rossetti's Poem "The Portrait":

• Analytical Essay # 60408 : "The Portrait"
• Poem Review # 133312 : "Metaphor in Elizabeth Bishop's poem "The Fish"
• Analytical Essay # 34166 : "The Portrait of a Lady"

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