The Blessed Damozel by Dante Gabriel Rossetti summary

 

The Blessed Damozel by Dante Gabriel Rossetti is structured as a dramatic monologue delivered by the blessed Damozel, a woman who resides in Heaven and longing for her lover on Earth. The poem begins with the blessed Damozel leaning out from the golden bar of Heaven. Her appearance is described in celestial terms, with blue eyes, lilies, and stars in her hair.

The blessed Damozel lean'd out
From the gold bar of Heaven:
Her blue grave eyes were deeper much
Than a deep water, even.
She had three lilies in her hand,
And the stars in her hair were seven.

 

Her attire is simple, featuring a white rose from Mary and hair like ripe corn. The Damozel appears as if she has just arrived in Heaven, with a day there feeling like ten years on Earth.

Her robe, ungirt from clasp to hem,
No wrought flowers did adorn,
But a white rose of Mary's gift
On the neck meetly worn;
And her hair, lying down her back,
Was yellow like ripe corn.

 

The Damozel stands on the terrace of God's house, overlooking the vastness of space. The imagery evokes the cosmic bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. The heavenly realm is described as a place of utter light and silence. Seraphim move steadily, and there is no echo, conveying a sense of divine tranquility.

The Damozel has new friends in Heaven who play holy games and speak with virginal chaste names. Souls ascend to God like thin flames, adding to the graceful atmosphere. The Damozel continues to bow in contemplation, causing warmth in the celestial surroundings. Lilies she holds seem to sleep on her arm, emphasizing the peace of the scene. The Damozel observes time as a force shaking through the worlds, trying to pierce the vastness of space.

She expresses her longing for her lover to join her in Heaven, confident in their combined prayers. Imagines their union when he arrives, adorned in an aureole and clothed in white. She Plans to teach her lover celestial songs, sharing knowledge and new experiences in their eternal world.

The poet laments the Damozel's simple wisdom, suggesting that she already knew these celestial truths. She Continues to describe their future activities in Heaven, seeking Christ's blessing for peace. Envisions a life of unity and peace with her lover.

The Damozel gazes and listens, expressing her confidence that their union will happen. The light around her is filled with angels, and she smiles, but her joy turns to weeping.

Rossetti employs rich symbolism, such as the celestial setting, lilies, stars, and the golden walls. The heavenly images serve as metaphors for divine love, tranquility, and the yearning for spiritual union. The poem explores the differences between heavenly and earthly time, with a day in Heaven feeling like ten years on Earth.

The poem delves into spiritual themes, including prayer, divine communion, and the symbolic significance of Mary and the Holy Spirit. The Damozel's prayers and anticipation of her lover's arrival convey a deep spiritual connection. The poem explores the nature of love across the celestial and earthly realms. The Damozel's yearning and the anticipation of reunion highlight the enduring power of love beyond physical separation.

The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, allowing readers insight into the Damozel's thoughts and emotions. Rossetti draws on religious and mythological allusions, incorporating Mary, angels, and the Holy Spirit. These elements deepen the poem's spiritual and symbolic dimensions.

The poem is a notable example of Pre-Raphaelite poetry, characterized by its visual imagery, themes of love, longing, and spirituality. It’s a extension of Romanticism.  

Rossetti employs rich, sensual imagery throughout the poem to evoke the spiritual and emotional landscapes of Heaven and Earth. He uses colors, textures, and natural elements to create a vivid depiction of both realms. The central theme of the poem is love and longing. The damozel's desire to be reunited with her lover is palpable, as she gazes down from Heaven with longing and anticipation.