The House of Life By: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)
Dante Gabriel Rossetti's The House of Life is a captivating collection of sonnets that explores the various facets of love, desire, and mortality. Through beautiful and evocative language, Rossetti navigates the complexities of human emotions, inviting readers into a world where every emotion is delicately painted on the canvas of his verses. The collection opens with a profound reflection on love and its transformative power. Rossetti effortlessly weaves together themes of passion, longing, and loss, creating a tapestry of emotions that readers will undoubtedly resonate with. Each sonnet delves deep into the realm of human experience, touching upon both the ecstasy and torment that love can bring. Rossetti's mastery of language is evident throughout the collection. His verses are infused with a rare blend of elegance and intensity, capturing the essence of each sentiment he explores. From the tender vulnerability of unrequited love to the fiery passion of mutual desire, the poet's words take on a life of their own, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. Moreover, The House of Life serves as a reflection on mortality and the passing of time. Rossetti contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, injecting a poignant introspection that adds depth to the collection. His words provoke profound thoughts on the transient nature of existence, urging readers to ponder their own mortality and the significance of their fleeting moments on this earth. What sets The House of Life apart is its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. Rossetti's exploration of love and mortality is not limited to predetermined narratives, but rather, it embraces the complexities and nuances of the human condition. As a result, each sonnet feels like a deeply personal conversation, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and unravel the mysteries of their own hearts. In conclusion, Dante Gabriel Rossetti's The House of Life is a profound and poignant collection of sonnets that explores the depths of human emotions and the transient nature of existence. With his masterful command of language and his ability to captivate the reader, Rossetti leaves an indelible mark on the literary landscape. This collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of words to illuminate the human experience. First Page: The House of Life by Dante Gabriel Rossetti Part I. YOUTH AND CHANGE INTRODUCTORY SONNET A Sonnet is a moment's monument, Memorial from the Soul's eternity To one dead deathless hour. Look that it be, Whether for lustral rite or dire portent, Of its own arduous fulness reverent: Carve it in ivory or in ebony, As Day or Night may rule; and let Time see Its flowering crest impearled and orient. A Sonnet is a coin: its face reveals The soul, its converse, to what Power 'tis due: Whether for tribute to the august appeals Of Life, or dower in Love's high retinue, It serve; or, 'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath, In Charon's palm it pay the toll to Death. LOVE ENTHRONED I marked all kindred Powers the heart finds fair: Truth, with awed lips; and Hope, with eyes upcast; And Fame, whose loud wings fan the ashen Past To signal fires, Oblivion's flight to scare; And Youth, with still some single golden hair Unto his shoulder clinging, since the last Embrace wherein two sweet arms held him fast; And Life, still wreathing flowers for Death to wear. Love's throne was not with these; but far above All passionate wind of welcome and farewell He sat in breathless bowers they dream not of; Though Truth foreknow Love's heart, and Hope foretell, And Fame be for Love's sake desirable, And Youth be dear, and Life be sweet to Love... Continue reading book >>

The House of Life By: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)

Dante Gabriel Rossetti's The House of Life is a captivating collection of sonnets that explores the various facets of love, desire, and mortality. Through beautiful and evocative language, Rossetti navigates the complexities of human emotions, inviting readers into a world where every emotion is delicately painted on the canvas of his verses.

The collection opens with a profound reflection on love and its transformative power. Rossetti effortlessly weaves together themes of passion, longing, and loss, creating a tapestry of emotions that readers will undoubtedly resonate with. Each sonnet delves deep into the realm of human experience, touching upon both the ecstasy and torment that love can bring.

Rossetti's mastery of language is evident throughout the collection. His verses are infused with a rare blend of elegance and intensity, capturing the essence of each sentiment he explores. From the tender vulnerability of unrequited love to the fiery passion of mutual desire, the poet's words take on a life of their own, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Moreover, The House of Life serves as a reflection on mortality and the passing of time. Rossetti contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, injecting a poignant introspection that adds depth to the collection. His words provoke profound thoughts on the transient nature of existence, urging readers to ponder their own mortality and the significance of their fleeting moments on this earth.

What sets The House of Life apart is its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. Rossetti's exploration of love and mortality is not limited to predetermined narratives, but rather, it embraces the complexities and nuances of the human condition. As a result, each sonnet feels like a deeply personal conversation, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and unravel the mysteries of their own hearts.

In conclusion, Dante Gabriel Rossetti's The House of Life is a profound and poignant collection of sonnets that explores the depths of human emotions and the transient nature of existence. With his masterful command of language and his ability to captivate the reader, Rossetti leaves an indelible mark on the literary landscape. This collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of words to illuminate the human experience.

First Page:

The House of Life

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Part I. YOUTH AND CHANGE

INTRODUCTORY SONNET

A Sonnet is a moment's monument, Memorial from the Soul's eternity To one dead deathless hour. Look that it be, Whether for lustral rite or dire portent, Of its own arduous fulness reverent: Carve it in ivory or in ebony, As Day or Night may rule; and let Time see Its flowering crest impearled and orient.

A Sonnet is a coin: its face reveals The soul, its converse, to what Power 'tis due: Whether for tribute to the august appeals Of Life, or dower in Love's high retinue, It serve; or, 'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath, In Charon's palm it pay the toll to Death.

LOVE ENTHRONED

I marked all kindred Powers the heart finds fair: Truth, with awed lips; and Hope, with eyes upcast; And Fame, whose loud wings fan the ashen Past To signal fires, Oblivion's flight to scare; And Youth, with still some single golden hair Unto his shoulder clinging, since the last Embrace wherein two sweet arms held him fast; And Life, still wreathing flowers for Death to wear.

Love's throne was not with these; but far above All passionate wind of welcome and farewell He sat in breathless bowers they dream not of; Though Truth foreknow Love's heart, and Hope foretell, And Fame be for Love's sake desirable, And Youth be dear, and Life be sweet to Love... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Poetry

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Wikipedia – Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Wikipedia – The House of Life

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