Love And Loss Essay -- English Literature

Love And Loss I chose to discuss love and loss as these were two strong emotions that have occured in my life. They are both very different but also similar in a way. The two poems I felt dealt with love and loss the best were 'The Thickness Of Ice' by Liz Loxley and 'Remember' by Christina Rossetti. I chose these poems as the thoughts reflected and the experiences included related very much to my own life and views. 'The Thickness of Ice' by Liz Loxley is a well structured, modern poem which refers to how strong love can be but how it can also be the cause to end a relationship. It shows how couples need more than love to keep them together. 'Ice' is a metaphor for a relationship. The persona uses this to show how it can be strong and can withstand pressure but can just as easily thaw, crack and eventually break. Also, the persona uses visual metaphors such as "thickness" (stanza two) and "thinness" of ice. One representing a possible long lasting relationship, and the other representing how easily it can fall apart. This poem portrays loss as in a couple going their separate ways. 'Remember' by Christina Rossetti is a pre-1900 sonnet which deals with life after the death of a loved one. It is a request from the poet on what to do and how to feel after her death. The persona is young, and the life expectancy of a young person in Victorian times was not very high compared to modern society. This suggests the persona may be dying which could be the reason she felt she should write her requests down for her partner. Rossetti led a religious lifestyle which is evident from many of her poems and sonnets. For example, in this particular sonnet, she applies euphenisms to sound less harsh. She ... ...s and experiences. I definitely learnt through my mistakes and will always have regrets. I felt the theme expressed the poet's points clearly. This poem was different to the sonnet as it focused on infatuation and a breakup whereas the sonnet focused on eternal love, even after the death of one of the partners. I enjoyed "Remember" as I felt it stated what I wish for my loved ones when I am gone. It was well written and Rossetti's thoughts were expressed beautifully. Love is considered eternal and memories will never fade, but life has to go on, whether you have discontinued a relationship or a partner has passed on. You shouldn't fall in love with someone you can live with, you should fall in love with someone you can't live without. And as the Italians say, "L'amore e un viaggio dentro noi" which translated means "Love is a journey inside ourselves".