In the Round Tower at Jhansi June 8, 1857

Saturday, 10 November 2018 Learning Outcome To have explored the historical context of the poem To understand how Rossetti presents her ideas in the poem by analysing her use of language, structure and form

Context The poem is mostly based on the Indian Mutiny, otherwise known as the Sepoy Mutiny, however; it may not be fully historically accurate. Some minor details may have been altered in order to be applied to Rossetti’s frequent theme of love. This tragic event involved an uprising or rebellion of a Mutiny of Sepoys working for the British East India Company. Sepoys These were Indian soldiers The British East India Company This was an English and later British joint-stock company, formed to pursue trade with the East Indies. The company rose to account for half of the world's trade, particularly trade in basic commodities that included cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, saltpetre, tea and opium. The company also ruled the beginnings of the British Empire in India.

Historically, it is suspected that Captain Skene met his demise, along with his family, when they were captured and killed. Mrs Skene and her husband, Captain Alexander Skene of the 68th Bengal Native Infantry, were killed at Jhansi Fort on 8 June 1857 during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). Captain Skene was British superintendent at Jhansi. At the first sign of unrest, he had ordered all Christians in Jhansi to take refuge in the fort. They remained under siege there until 8 June when the rebels offered to spare their lives if they surrendered the fort. Skene agreed, believing that the Rani of Jhansi had guaranteed their safety, but the 56 Christians were all hacked to death with swords. The Rani's personal responsibility for the massacre is still hotly debated.

Christina Rossetti’s poem - In The Round Tower at Jhansi, June 8, 1857 The poem targets the issues and struggles of the political subject matter and, on a larger scale, may be reflective of the effects and outcomes such political matters may have on the lives of others.

This was India’s first war of Independence This was India’s first war of Independence. As a result of the war, the British suppressed the revolt and the East India Company dissolved. In addition, the army; financial system and administration were all restructured. Rossetti herself appended a footnote stating: “I retain this little poem, not as historically accurate, but as written and published before I heard the supposed facts of its first verse contradicted”.

Read the Poem Bearing in mind the historical context you have been given, discuss your first impressions of the poem.

The Indian Mutiny The poem commemorates a historical event - often called the Indian Mutiny, it was an Indian uprising against the British colonists, who were massacred. In the poem, they stand in the tower and see the swelling masses below, and decide to take their own lives rather than be overtaken by the revolt. Although the poem may not be historically accurate, some factors of it do recall events of the Indian Mutiny. Throughout the poem, the couple is contemplating whether or not they should take their own lives, or leave their fate in the hands of “the swarming howling wretches below”. The omniscient narrator asks for “God (to) forgive them this”, which shows the struggle they endured in order to come to a decision.

They did not want to displease God or disobey his word by committing suicide; however, they did not want to allow their fates to remain in the hands of others. The pair make attempts to console each other as they question if it will “hurt much”. As their life draws to a close, and their time on earth grows shorter, they attempt to create long-lasting intimate moments by comforting each other. They “kiss and kiss” and “kiss (once) more” in order to block out and ignore the “swarming howling wretches below” and, say their “goodbyes”.

FORM: Omniscient third person narrator FORM: Omniscient third person narrator. Setting is distressful –“in the round tower” they are isolated and alone. TONE: How would you describe the tone of the poem? The tone is fairly calm which reflects the couple’s acceptance of death. Sad, yet harsh tone follows: “the agony struck them dumb”. Intimate comforting tone, as they “kiss and kiss” and “kiss (once) more”. Desperate. Trying to hold onto moments.

How has Rossetti structured her ideas? Regular rhyme scheme - ABAB. Regularity mirrors their acceptance of fate/death. Even stanzas collectively reinforce the consistent progression of the “howling wretches” towards their position. It also reinforces their knowledge of their fate and their calm acceptance of inevitable death. Strict rhyme scheme and even stanzas show the control they have over fate. Frequent caesuras - Hyphens -convey their attempts to prolong their death. Heightens fear. Outbursts of anxiousness.

LANGUAGE What is the impact of “Howling wretches” LANGUAGE What is the impact of “Howling wretches”? It portrays soldiers to be animalistic and inhumane. It shows the people below the couple outside the tower are dangerous and to be feared. How does Rossetti present the soldiers? Critique of war - animalistic reference to soldiers. Heightens lack of immorality of soldiers as animals do not have a conscience - dehumanises them. What is the effect of the repetition of “kiss”? It reinforces the idea that love always prevails over war and death. How does Rossetti present the idea of fear? “Pale” shows fear. “Will it hurt much?” again emphasises fear and innocence, as death is a foreign concept to them