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 milestone of union. lining strong pressures from society, Rossettis speaker refuses marriage in three well-reasoned arguments which are veiled in a guise of superciality. Conversely, Poes speaker accepts marriage, but by the end of the verse form realizes the dire consequences of her decision. Rossetti knows what she wants and does not want out of life subsequently, Rossetti realizes that personal satisfaction and even joy may exist without a man and thus makes the big decision not to marry. Poes naive bride trusts in society and marries not out of love but in an attempt to attain happiness. Failing to either run into her inner thoughts or accept her misgivings, Poes bride remains emotionally unready to marry. A paragon of the nineteenth century woman, Poes bride, despite her doubts, succumbs to mar riage whereas Rossettis strong-willed speaker vehemently rejects the institution. Poes superficial conformity opposes Rossettis independent spirit however, societys pressures affect both 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 maid 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 dead 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, ig nores 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 English 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 sustenance 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.