Skip to content
    English Literature A-Level

    Earthly versus divine love

    What Earthly versus divine love means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for OCR, Pearson Edexcel.

    Definitions of Earthly versus divine love

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Earthly versus divine love in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: Pearson Edexcel

    The tension between secular romantic love and spiritual devotion, a hallmark of Rossetti's Victorian context, moving from suppressed romantic love to divine love.
    Pearson Edexcel · Component 3: Poetry – Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – Pre-1900 – The Victorian Period – Christina Rossetti Selected Poems, editor Dinah Roe (Penguin, 2008) (study guide)
    The contrast between the fragility of earthly romance and the absolute security of divine love, shown through the two offerings of the speaker's heart.
    Pearson Edexcel · Component 3: Poetry – Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – Pre-1900 – The Victorian Period – Christina Rossetti Selected Poems, editor Dinah Roe (Penguin, 2008) (study guide)
    The dichotomy between earthly, romantic love and divine, spiritual love, moving from a human lover's rejection to God's acceptance.
    OCR · 5c. Component 01 – Drama and poetry pre-1900 selected poems - Christina Rossetti – Selected Poems
    The tension between intense earthly passion and Puritan religious expectations regarding the primacy of divine love.
    Pearson Edexcel · Component 3: Poetry – Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – Pre-1900 – Metaphysical Poetry – Metaphysical Poetry, editor Colin Burrow (Penguin, 2006) (study guide)

    Topics that use Earthly versus divine love

    Related terms

    Using Earthly versus divine love in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise English Literature questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All English Literature A-Level terms