Short Answer 
The passage discusses how time and memory are elusive, emphasizing the speaker’s regret over not recalling a significant encounter vividly. It explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the transient nature of cherished experiences, reflective of a universal struggle with memory.
Step 1: Understand the Main Idea
The passage centers around the theme of how time and memory are often elusive and fleeting. It emphasizes the speaker’s struggle to clearly remember a significant encounter, highlighting the profound impact that time can have on our recollections. This sets the stage for exploring complex emotions tied to nostalgia and memory, which are pivotal in the overall message.
Step 2: Analyze the Speaker’s Regret
The speaker expresses a sense of regret for their inability to vividly recall the details of their first meeting with an important person, underscoring how precious moments can fade over time. This regret contributes to themes of loss and the transient nature of experiences we cherish. The difficulty in grasping these memories reflects a universal struggle many people face regarding their past.
Step 3: Explore the Themes of the Poem
In Christina Rossetti’s “Monna Innominata 2,” the exploration of memory reveals its enigmatic and transient qualities. The poem delves into the emotional complexities tied to our memories of significant events, raising questions about how well we truly remember. The essence of the poem invites readers to reflect on the ways we treasure memories and the inevitable fading of those moments in time.