Maude Clareis a complex Victorian ballad by Christina Rossetti... Show more
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maria
13/10/2025
English Literature
Maude Clare - Christina Rossetti
677
•
13 Oct 2025
•
Maude Clare Poem PDF: Easy Summary and Fun Facts
maria
@maria_reji
1 / 3
Publication and Context of Maude Clare
The Maude Clare poem was first published in "Once a Week" magazine in 1859 and later included in Rossetti's collection "Goblin Market and Other Poems" in 1862. The poem underwent significant revisions, being cut from 41 stanzas to 12 in its final version.
Highlight: The original manuscript version portrayed Maude Clare more sympathetically, raising questions about how readers perceive her character in the shorter, published version.
Christina Rossetti's experiences as a volunteer at St Mary Magdalene house from 1859 to 1870 influenced her writing on themes of fallen women and sisterhood. This context provides insight into the social issues addressed in Maude Clare and other poems.
Vocabulary: "Fallen woman" - A term used in Victorian times to describe a woman who had lost her innocence or reputation, often through sexual activity outside of marriage.
The names Maude, Clare, and Nell have literary significance, echoing characters from other contemporary works:
- Maud from Tennyson's poem "Maud" (1855)
- Ada Clare from Dickens' "Bleak House"
- Nell from Dickens' "The Old Curiosity Shop"
This connection to other literary works adds depth to the characters and places Maude Clare within the broader context of Victorian literature.
Page 2: Character Development and Historical Context
The Maude Clare context reveals significant editorial changes from its original publication to its final form.
Highlight: Nell emerges as a powerful character in the final stanzas, directly confronting Maude Clare and asserting her position as Thomas's chosen bride.
Publication history:
- First appeared in "Once a Week" (1859)
- Included in "Goblin Market and Other Poems" (1862)
- Reduced from 41 to 12 stanzas in final version
Definition: The shorter version presents a more ambiguous portrayal of Maude Clare's character, leaving readers to question whether she deserves sympathy or criticism.
Structure and Style of Maude Clare
The Maude Clare poem follows a ballad structure with an ABCB rhyme scheme, creating a sense of discomfort that mirrors the narrative tension. Rossetti employs dialogue extensively, particularly from female characters, to highlight women's perspectives in Victorian society.
Highlight: The caesurae in stanza 8 when Thomas struggles to speak illustrates his emotional turmoil, leaving his motivations ambiguous.
The poem presents five points of view through a narrator and four characters: Thomas's mother, Maude Clare, Thomas, and Nell. This multi-perspective approach adds depth to the story and allows readers to interpret events from different angles.
Example: Maude Clare's repetition of "brought my gift" and "to bless" emphasizes her scornful tone as she sarcastically presents her anger.
Narrative Impact and Character Analysis
The poem's ending leaves a lasting impact, with Nell asserting her determination to win Thomas's love. However, Rossetti's choice to emphasize Maude Clare's name in the finale suggests an uncertain future for the newlyweds.
Quote: "I'll love him till he loves me best, / Me best of all, Maude Clare."
Nell's confrontation with Maude Clare in the final stanzas demonstrates her strength and defiance, contrasting with Thomas's weakness and indecision throughout the poem.
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Paul T
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Xander S
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Maude Clare Poem PDF: Easy Summary and Fun Facts
maria
@maria_reji
Maude Clare is a complex Victorian ballad by Christina Rossetti that explores themes of love, marriage, and female rivalry through the dramatic confrontation between a bride and her groom's former lover on their wedding day.
Key aspects:
- Written between... Show more
Publication and Context of Maude Clare
The Maude Clare poem was first published in "Once a Week" magazine in 1859 and later included in Rossetti's collection "Goblin Market and Other Poems" in 1862. The poem underwent significant revisions, being cut from 41 stanzas to 12 in its final version.
Highlight: The original manuscript version portrayed Maude Clare more sympathetically, raising questions about how readers perceive her character in the shorter, published version.
Christina Rossetti's experiences as a volunteer at St Mary Magdalene house from 1859 to 1870 influenced her writing on themes of fallen women and sisterhood. This context provides insight into the social issues addressed in Maude Clare and other poems.
Vocabulary: "Fallen woman" - A term used in Victorian times to describe a woman who had lost her innocence or reputation, often through sexual activity outside of marriage.
The names Maude, Clare, and Nell have literary significance, echoing characters from other contemporary works:
- Maud from Tennyson's poem "Maud" (1855)
- Ada Clare from Dickens' "Bleak House"
- Nell from Dickens' "The Old Curiosity Shop"
This connection to other literary works adds depth to the characters and places Maude Clare within the broader context of Victorian literature.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 2: Character Development and Historical Context
The Maude Clare context reveals significant editorial changes from its original publication to its final form.
Highlight: Nell emerges as a powerful character in the final stanzas, directly confronting Maude Clare and asserting her position as Thomas's chosen bride.
Publication history:
- First appeared in "Once a Week" (1859)
- Included in "Goblin Market and Other Poems" (1862)
- Reduced from 41 to 12 stanzas in final version
Definition: The shorter version presents a more ambiguous portrayal of Maude Clare's character, leaving readers to question whether she deserves sympathy or criticism.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Structure and Style of Maude Clare
The Maude Clare poem follows a ballad structure with an ABCB rhyme scheme, creating a sense of discomfort that mirrors the narrative tension. Rossetti employs dialogue extensively, particularly from female characters, to highlight women's perspectives in Victorian society.
Highlight: The caesurae in stanza 8 when Thomas struggles to speak illustrates his emotional turmoil, leaving his motivations ambiguous.
The poem presents five points of view through a narrator and four characters: Thomas's mother, Maude Clare, Thomas, and Nell. This multi-perspective approach adds depth to the story and allows readers to interpret events from different angles.
Example: Maude Clare's repetition of "brought my gift" and "to bless" emphasizes her scornful tone as she sarcastically presents her anger.
Narrative Impact and Character Analysis
The poem's ending leaves a lasting impact, with Nell asserting her determination to win Thomas's love. However, Rossetti's choice to emphasize Maude Clare's name in the finale suggests an uncertain future for the newlyweds.
Quote: "I'll love him till he loves me best, / Me best of all, Maude Clare."
Nell's confrontation with Maude Clare in the final stanzas demonstrates her strength and defiance, contrasting with Thomas's weakness and indecision throughout the poem.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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