Advancing in Poetry Advancing in Poetry    

Lesson 18: Uphill

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

Performer: Librivox - Peter Yearsley


Does the road wind uphill 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.

    Advancing in Poetry Advancing in Poetry    

Lesson 18: Uphill

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

Performer: Librivox - Peter Yearsley

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

  • Read or listen to the poem.
  • Review the synopsis.
  • Read about the poet.
  • Complete the enrichment activities.

Synopsis

Christina Georgina Rossetti's 'Uphill,' employs a journey up a winding road as a metaphor for life. The poem features two people conversing, one asking questions and another answering the questions. The journey culminates at an inn, where there are beds for all who arrive.

Concepts

  1. Christina Georgina Rossetti was born in 1830 in London, England.
  2. Zoom in and find Rossetti's city and country of birth, London, England, on the map of Europe.
  3. Rossetti was born into an artistic family. Her father was a poet and a teacher, one of her siblings was an artist and poet, and her other two siblings were writers.
  4. Rossetti was homeschooled by her parents and studied religious books, works of fiction, and fairy tales.
  5. Rossetti published her first poems when she was 18 and a full volume of poetry at age 31.
  6. Rossetti died of cancer in London, England at the age of 64.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite Poem Information

Recite the title of the poem and the name of the poet.

Activity 2: Study the Poem Picture

Study the poem picture and describe how it relates to the poem. How does the image differ from the poem?

Activity 3: Recite the Poem

Practice reciting the poem aloud.

Activity 4: Complete Book Activities   

  • Click the crayon above, and complete pages 113-118 of 'Elementary Poetry 4: Advancing in Poetry.'

References

  1. 'Christina Rossetti.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.