Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“De Profundis” is a poignant and contemplative poem written by Christina Rossetti, exploring the themes of sorrow, loss, and faith. The title is Latin for “from the depths,” which sets the tone for the poem. The poem was published in Rossetti’s collection “Verses” in 1893.

The poem is divided into six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABBA, which gives the poem a gentle and almost musical quality. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker addressing God directly.

In the first stanza, the speaker is addressing God, asking Him to hear their cry from the depths of their sorrow. The second stanza explores the idea of waiting for God and having faith in His deliverance. The third stanza speaks of the speaker’s own guilt and unworthiness, acknowledging that their sins have caused their pain.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker again addresses God, asking Him to redeem them and bring them out of their despair. The fifth stanza is a plea for mercy and forgiveness, with the speaker recognizing that only God has the power to heal their wounds. In the final stanza, the speaker offers a final prayer of surrender and trust, recognizing that only God can provide the strength and comfort needed to endure their suffering.

Overall, “De Profundis” is a deeply personal and emotional poem that explores the themes of grief, faith, and redemption. The use of the ABBA rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality, while the direct address to God lends a sense of intimacy and urgency to the speaker’s plea for help. 

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