Marriage in Christina Rossettis Promises Like Pie-Crust and Edgar Alla

Marriage in Rossettis Promises Like Pie-Crust and Poes Bridal ballad In Christina Rossettis Promises Like Pie-Crust and Edgar Allan Poes Bridal Ballad female speakers encounter the milepost of marriage. Facing strong pressures from society, Rossettis speaker refuses marriage in three well- formered arguments which are veiled in a guise of superciality. Conversely, Poes speaker makes marriage, but by the end of the poem realizes the dire consequences of her decision. Rossetti knows what she wants and does non want out of keep subsequently, Rossetti realizes that personal satisfaction and even joy may exist without a man and thus makes the tough decision not to marry. Poes naive bride trusts in society and marries not out of love but in an blast to attain happiness. Failing to either examine her inner thoughts or accept her misgivings, Poes bride remains emotionally unready to marry. A paragon of the nineteenth century charwoman, Poes bride, notwithstanding her doubts, succum bs to marriage whereas Rossettis strong-willed speaker vehemently rejects the institution. Poes ostensible conformity opposes Rossettis freelancer spirit however, societys pressures affect some(prenominal) women. Poe writes Bridal Ballad in 1837 in America while Rossetti writes Promises Like Pie-Crust during the Victorian era in England during both periods society demands that women marry (Mayberry 11). Referring to the unwedded woman as an old amah or spinster, society reinforces the notion that matrimony alone leads to a contented, blissful state. Born and bred to marry, a womans disruption of the wed-and-then- procreate cycle engenders not only societys disrespect but also frightening uncertainty for the woman (Mayberry 11). ... ...ed bliss. Emotionally attached to her exsanguine lover, Poes bride proves her incapability of loving anyone else besides the dead DElormie. Citing several valid reasons, Rossetti eschews the decadent dessert while Poes bride, deafened to reason by societys expectations, ignores Rossettis arguments, seeks marriage as a panacea, and chokes on her medicine. Works CitedGreenblatt, Stephen, and M. H. Abrams. Christina Rossetti. The Norton Anthology of side Literature. 9th ed. Vol. 2. New York Norton, 2012. 1489-512. Print.Sova, Dawn B. Bridal Ballad. Critical Companion to Edgar Allan Poe A literary Reference to His Life and Work, Critical Companion. New York Facts On File, Inc., 2007. Blooms Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 11 Dec. 2010. http//www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= CCEAP1298&SingleRecord=True.