Eyes wide shut: re-envisioning Christina Rossetti’s poetry and prose

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Christina Rossetti’s poetry and prose from 19th-century England explore the human fixation on appearance, influenced by her belief in the Tractarian principles of the Oxford Movement and her association with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Melanie Hanson’s study re-envisions Rossetti’s work through deconstructionist, feminist, and Marxist literary theories. The first section delves into Rossetti’s fascination with Plato’s concept of the "eye of the mind" from The Allegory of the Cave, emphasizing that physical sight must be closed to achieve true insight. This notion is tied to her Tractarian beliefs and Eastern religious philosophy, offering an alternate perception of reality. Rossetti’s writing not only examines the dynamics of gaze but also reinterprets John Milton’s Eve from Paradise Lost, shaping her own vision of creation. In the second part, Hanson argues that Rossetti’s re-envisionment of Eve contributes to the emergence of feminist literary criticism in the 20th century, despite Rossetti not identifying as a feminist. The third section employs Marxist literary theory to analyze Rossetti’s epic poem Goblin Market, addressing her portrayal of the consumed consumer. Hanson’s work fills a gap in the existing literary criticism of Rossetti, particularly regarding her engagement with Plato, making it essential for scholars and enthusiasts of Victorian literature seeking fresh perspectives.