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" (1852-53)
• Nell from Dickens' "The Old Curiosity Shop" (1840-41)

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.