Up-hill by Christina Rossetti
Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.
Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
INTRODUCTION -
Up-hill was a famous poetic work by the English poetess, Christina Rossetti. It is a metaphorical poem that seems to call up her perspective on the concept of struggle in life. The use of the question-answer format further helps us to stand it better. The poem imagines a conversation told in such a way that the reader can easily hear one side or the other coming out of their thought process, and relating to it one way or the other. The title Up-hill suggests the comparison of the difficult life journey to that of climbing a hill. The goal in both cases is the same to reach the end. The poem is also considered as devotional as it discusses the themes of death and the afterlife. The poem consists of 16 lines which are divided into four quatrains. Each quatrain follows the rhyme scheme of ABAB. Though the speaker of the poem is unknown, we can surely say that he is a traveller.
POET -
Christina Rossetti (5 December 1830 - 29 December 1894) was an English poet who wrote many romantic, devotional, and children's poems. She is considered to be one of the finest poets of the Victorian Age. Her most famous works include When I am Dead, My Dearest, Remember, Goblin Market, Love Came Down For Christmas, etc.
SUMMARY -
In the first quatrain, the first speaker asks about “the road,” and whether or not it is uphill for its entire length, as well as whether or not the time it will take to walk the road will mean the entire day. The word long here is meaningful in showing the readers that the speaker asking questions is tired. Their uphill journey has taken some time up to this point, and they are anxious for its conclusion. This seems likely based on the answer they receive — that their journey will not be over before sundown. The other thing that we notice that the second speaker is a friend of the former.
The conversation continues with the second quatrain, where other different questions have arisen. We also notice the fact that both the speakers are quite different in their attitude and enthusiasm. The first speaker is unsure and lacks confidence. he asks if there is a place they can stay for the night at the end of their journey since it will take so long to reach up there. As soon as they are told that such a place exists, he worries that they’ll miss seeing it. The second speaker, by contrast, is sure not only that there is an inn for shelter against the dark, but that they will undoubtedly find it before it is too dark to see. Hence, it is noticeable how the attitudes and emotions of the speakers change from fear to confidence.
In the third stanza, the questioning speaker wonders about the inn they are to find, and whether or not they will be welcome there. This is a strange line of thought — the idea of an inn, after all, is for anyone to find shelter, and an inn is constructed with nomads in mind. He wonders if he will have to knock on the door or make some noise to announce his arrival. And yet, the first speaker here is concerned that they will be unwelcome, despite assurances from their companion that they will be welcomed by the “other wayfarers.” The first speaker hopes to find friends in their same predicament and is told that they will. The anxieties of the initial speaker and the confidence of the second one continue to be the prominent theme of the work, though the identities of both remain concealed.
In the fourth stanza, he questions the other speaker about the quality of service at the inn. He wonders whether he will find comfort and rest at the inn and whether there are enough beds for them. The second speaker replies calmly to his questions that all their needs would be fulfilled at the inn and there will be more than enough beds for all of them. Hence, he consoles his friend and asks him not to worry about the destination or goal but on the journey.
THEMES -
- Life and Journey of life - Life here is considered as a journey similar to climbing up a hill. Though the journey may be difficult and painful at times, it is important to complete it to reach the end - the top of the hill or rather salvation.
- Death - Death here is considered as the end of the journey of life. The journey uphill finishes with the end of human life and the inn which is heaven, the home of God. After our death, we will be allowed to live there and all our needs will be cared for.
END -
The poem with its metaphors and imageries presents a picture that keeps the readers engaged. The two speakers of different attitudes - fear and confidence make us jump over different emotions. It is similar to our emotions during our course of life. The poem though not too exquisite is suggestive and admirable.
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