Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett Browning

• During her lifetime, Mrs. Browning was considered a better During her lifetime, Mrs. Browning was considered a better poet than her husband, Robert Browning. Today, her life and poet than her husband, Robert Browning. Today, her life and personality excite more interest than her work.personality excite more interest than her work.

• She is widely known for her treatment of social injustice in her She is widely known for her treatment of social injustice in her poetry. Her political and personal sympathies touch on such poetry. Her political and personal sympathies touch on such issues as slave and child labour as well as the repression of issues as slave and child labour as well as the repression of women, earning her status as an early feminist.women, earning her status as an early feminist.

• She is also well known for her highly individual gift for lyric She is also well known for her highly individual gift for lyric poetry and evidence of classical training in her works of poetry.poetry and evidence of classical training in her works of poetry.

• Although she lived most of her life as a reclusive invalid, she Although she lived most of her life as a reclusive invalid, she established and maintained a popularity among critics and the established and maintained a popularity among critics and the public that made it clear that “no female poet was held in public that made it clear that “no female poet was held in higher esteem among cultured readers in both the United higher esteem among cultured readers in both the United States and England than Elizabeth Barrett Browning during the States and England than Elizabeth Barrett Browning during the nineteenth century.” (“Elizabeth Barrett Browning”)nineteenth century.” (“Elizabeth Barrett Browning”)

Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett Browning1806 - 18611806 - 1861

Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett Browning1806 - 18611806 - 1861

• The oldest of twelve children, she is born into a wealthy family and The oldest of twelve children, she is born into a wealthy family and begins writing poetry as early as 8 years old. (“E. B. Browning – A begins writing poetry as early as 8 years old. (“E. B. Browning – A Chronology”)Chronology”)

• By the time she was ten, she had read the complete works of By the time she was ten, she had read the complete works of Shakespeare, Pope and Milton and had studied the works of Shakespeare, Pope and Milton and had studied the works of prominent classical writers in their original languages. She had also prominent classical writers in their original languages. She had also read the entire Old Testament in Hebrew. read the entire Old Testament in Hebrew.

• In 1821, she injures her spine attempting to saddle her horse and In 1821, she injures her spine attempting to saddle her horse and begins taking opium by prescription. She develops a lifelong habit.begins taking opium by prescription. She develops a lifelong habit.

• Her mother dies in 1828 and not long after, due to financial loss, the Her mother dies in 1828 and not long after, due to financial loss, the Barretts are forced to move to a more modest home, one of three Barretts are forced to move to a more modest home, one of three moves until the family finally settles at 50 Wimpole Street in London. moves until the family finally settles at 50 Wimpole Street in London.

• Elizabeth bursts a blood vessel in 1837, affecting her lungs. From Elizabeth bursts a blood vessel in 1837, affecting her lungs. From this, she develops a chronic cough and coupled with the injury to her this, she develops a chronic cough and coupled with the injury to her spine, Elizabeth suffers a long period of invalidism.spine, Elizabeth suffers a long period of invalidism.

((“Poet’s Corner – Elizabeth Barrett Browning”)“Poet’s Corner – Elizabeth Barrett Browning”)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Elizabeth Barrett Browning A Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Elizabeth Barrett Browning A Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

• Although a prolific writer, her works draw no critical attention Although a prolific writer, her works draw no critical attention to speak of until the publishing of to speak of until the publishing of The Seraphim and Other The Seraphim and Other PoemsPoems. This marks the beginning of her successful literary . This marks the beginning of her successful literary career as critics name her one of England’s most gifted and career as critics name her one of England’s most gifted and original poets. (“Poet’s Corner”)original poets. (“Poet’s Corner”)

• She begins corresponding with such prominent literary figures She begins corresponding with such prominent literary figures as Wordsworth, Carlyle and Edgar Allan Poe.as Wordsworth, Carlyle and Edgar Allan Poe.

• In 1838, Browning moves to Torquay to improve her health. In 1838, Browning moves to Torquay to improve her health. Here, she is accompanied by family members, most often by Here, she is accompanied by family members, most often by her favorite brother (“Bro”). During this time in Torquay, her favorite brother (“Bro”). During this time in Torquay, Elizabeth’s uncle dies and brings her financial security.Elizabeth’s uncle dies and brings her financial security.

• ““Bro” drowns in Babbacombe Bay off Torquay in 1840. This Bro” drowns in Babbacombe Bay off Torquay in 1840. This deeply impacts Elizabeth and her grief and guilt is the subject deeply impacts Elizabeth and her grief and guilt is the subject of “De Profundis”, published after her death.of “De Profundis”, published after her death.

Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett BrowningA Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett BrowningA Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

(“Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A (“Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology”)Chronology”)

• Barrett Browning demonstrates a passion about such issues as Barrett Browning demonstrates a passion about such issues as slave and child labour and the repression of women. These slave and child labour and the repression of women. These sentiments are the driving force behind such poems as “The sentiments are the driving force behind such poems as “The Cry of the Children” (written in 1840) , which is favorably Cry of the Children” (written in 1840) , which is favorably reviewed and very popular. This poem helps to bring about the reviewed and very popular. This poem helps to bring about the regulation of child labour.regulation of child labour.

• Robert Browning begins writing to Elizabeth in praise of her Robert Browning begins writing to Elizabeth in praise of her poetry in 1845. He then visits her and writes a letter declaring poetry in 1845. He then visits her and writes a letter declaring his love the following day.his love the following day.

• Robert Browning begins writing to Elizabeth in praise of her Robert Browning begins writing to Elizabeth in praise of her poetry in 1845. He then visits her and writes a letter declaring poetry in 1845. He then visits her and writes a letter declaring his love the following day.his love the following day.

• Elizabeth begins work on a book of poetry called Elizabeth begins work on a book of poetry called Sonnets from Sonnets from the Portuguese the Portuguese titled after Robert Browning’s pet name for her, titled after Robert Browning’s pet name for her, “my little Portuguese.” “my little Portuguese.”

(“Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology”)(“Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology”)

Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett BrowningA Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett BrowningA Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

• Despite her father having strictly forbidden marriage for any of Despite her father having strictly forbidden marriage for any of his children, Elizabeth and Robert elope in 1846 in London and his children, Elizabeth and Robert elope in 1846 in London and then move to Italy where she becomes involved with the cause then move to Italy where she becomes involved with the cause of political unity. Her father disinherits her.of political unity. Her father disinherits her.

• Elizabeth’s health improves greatly and she has a son in 1849 – Elizabeth’s health improves greatly and she has a son in 1849 – Robert Weideman Barrett-Browning (“Pen”).Robert Weideman Barrett-Browning (“Pen”).

• In 1850, she is mentioned in a literary journal as the leading In 1850, she is mentioned in a literary journal as the leading candidate to succeed Wordsworth as poet laureate.candidate to succeed Wordsworth as poet laureate.

• In 1857, Elizabeth’s father dies and In 1857, Elizabeth’s father dies and Aurora LeighAurora Leigh is published – is published – “a novel in verse.” It is met with much praise but also draws “a novel in verse.” It is met with much praise but also draws attacks for “its sympathetic treatment of a woman as attacks for “its sympathetic treatment of a woman as independent, an artist, and an unmarried mother.” (“E. B. B. – A independent, an artist, and an unmarried mother.” (“E. B. B. – A Chronology”)Chronology”)

• Her health declines in 1860 and she dies the following year in Her health declines in 1860 and she dies the following year in Florence where she is buried.Florence where she is buried.

(“Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology”)(“Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology”)

Elizabeth Barrett Elizabeth Barrett BrowningBrowning

A Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

Elizabeth Barrett Elizabeth Barrett BrowningBrowning

A Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

• ““De Profundis” is published posthumously in De Profundis” is published posthumously in Last PoemsLast Poems in in 1862.1862.

• Emily Dickinson and Virginia Woolf credit Elizabeth Barrett Emily Dickinson and Virginia Woolf credit Elizabeth Barrett Browning with giving a voice to female poets. Dickinson says Browning with giving a voice to female poets. Dickinson says that her work is deeply affected and informed by Barrett that her work is deeply affected and informed by Barrett Browning’s sensibilities. (Everett & Isaacs).Browning’s sensibilities. (Everett & Isaacs).

““One thing is certain, however, One thing is certain, however, her immortality is assured – she her immortality is assured – she stands already crowned. As long stands already crowned. As long

as one human heart throbs for as one human heart throbs for another she will be held in high another she will be held in high

esteem.” (Smith).esteem.” (Smith).

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Elizabeth Barrett Browning A Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Elizabeth Barrett Browning A Brief History . . .A Brief History . . .

What’sWhat’s LOVE LOVE got to do with got to do with it??it??

What’sWhat’s LOVE LOVE got to do with got to do with it??it??

With a partner consider these questions and jot down some With a partner consider these questions and jot down some answers for discussion:answers for discussion:

1.1. We all know that people fall in love and out of love, but how We all know that people fall in love and out of love, but how does it work while you're in it? does it work while you're in it?

2.2. What kinds of love are there, and how and when do they What kinds of love are there, and how and when do they happen? happen?

3.3. What if you love someone in many different, conflicting ways? What if you love someone in many different, conflicting ways? Talk about some examples with your partner.Talk about some examples with your partner.

4.4. These are eternal human questions, and they're the questions These are eternal human questions, and they're the questions Barrett Browning asks – and tries to answer – in her sonnet – Barrett Browning asks – and tries to answer – in her sonnet – “How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the Ways.”“How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the Ways.”

““How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the

Ways”Ways” Sonnet XLIII from Sonnet XLIII from Sonnets from the Sonnets from the PortuguesePortuguese

““How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the

Ways”Ways” Sonnet XLIII from Sonnet XLIII from Sonnets from the Sonnets from the PortuguesePortuguese

1.1. Read “How do I Love Thee?” and write a three-sentence Read “How do I Love Thee?” and write a three-sentence summary of the sentiment it conveys.summary of the sentiment it conveys.

2.2. How would the poem be different if the opening line was How would the poem be different if the opening line was ""WhyWhy do I love thee?" do I love thee?"

3.3. How many ways of loving does the speaker identify? Do How many ways of loving does the speaker identify? Do these ways of loving overlap, conflict, or complement one these ways of loving overlap, conflict, or complement one another? Explain. another? Explain.

4.4. Why do you think "How do I love thee?" is such a popular Why do you think "How do I love thee?" is such a popular love poem? What features of the sonnet might make it more love poem? What features of the sonnet might make it more accessible or universal than other love poetry? accessible or universal than other love poetry?

5.5. How would the poem affect readers differently if the beloved How would the poem affect readers differently if the beloved was referred to as "you" instead of as "thee"? What if the was referred to as "you" instead of as "thee"? What if the beloved was given a first name – Romeo, Robert, etc.? beloved was given a first name – Romeo, Robert, etc.?

Sonnet 43Sonnet 43Sonnet 43Sonnet 43

66.. a)a) Make a list of at least four poetic devices Barrett Make a list of at least four poetic devices Barrett Browning employs in this poem. Browning employs in this poem.

b)b) For each, provide a brief explanation of what the For each, provide a brief explanation of what the device contributes to the poem as a whole. It could, for device contributes to the poem as a whole. It could, for example, inform the poem’s structure, theme, or imagery.example, inform the poem’s structure, theme, or imagery.

7.7. Identify three features of this poem that give it a place in Identify three features of this poem that give it a place in the Victorian age. Explain your ideas.the Victorian age. Explain your ideas.

8.8. What theme is communicated in this poem? In what tone What theme is communicated in this poem? In what tone is this theme conveyed? Support your answers with is this theme conveyed? Support your answers with evidence from the text.evidence from the text.

Sonnet 43:Sonnet 43: Consider This . . . Consider This . . .Sonnet 43:Sonnet 43: Consider This . . . Consider This . . .• E. B. Browning is probably best known for this sincere and E. B. Browning is probably best known for this sincere and

unabashed delineation of her love for Robert Browning, for unabashed delineation of her love for Robert Browning, for whom the entire book of poetry was penned. whom the entire book of poetry was penned.

• In this poem, Browning uses imagery that portrays love as In this poem, Browning uses imagery that portrays love as ethereal, a spiritual experience.ethereal, a spiritual experience.

• Conversely, she describes her subject (love) as three Conversely, she describes her subject (love) as three dimensional, making her experience of love concrete, rather dimensional, making her experience of love concrete, rather than abstract.than abstract.

• In her marriage of the concrete and abstract in this poem, In her marriage of the concrete and abstract in this poem, Browning effectively conveys love as something that transcends Browning effectively conveys love as something that transcends tangible experience (a decidedly Romantic expression of tangible experience (a decidedly Romantic expression of sentiment) but that can also be “known” (certainly palatable for sentiment) but that can also be “known” (certainly palatable for the Victorian leaning toward rationalism). In this, she the Victorian leaning toward rationalism). In this, she demonstrates a blending of Romantic and Victorian sensibilities, demonstrates a blending of Romantic and Victorian sensibilities, placing herself on the cusp of the two eras.placing herself on the cusp of the two eras.

How Do I Love Thee?How Do I Love Thee? This is a wonderfully written poem describing with great passion her love for her significant other.This is a wonderfully written poem describing with great passion her love for her significant other. 01. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.01. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

The number of ways she loves are numerous. She would need to count them.The number of ways she loves are numerous. She would need to count them.

–– .. Cheers Cheers Reply

mennamenna, on , on April 6, 2010 at 5:12 am said: said:    1212    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This it’s really a great analyzing to the poem….i love it and it helped me alot…it’s really a great analyzing to the poem….i love it and it helped me alot… Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on April 6, 2010 at 7:59 am said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Glad to be of service Glad to be of service Reply

Deb Cross, on , on August 17, 2010 at 11:12 pm said: said:    55    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This When I was on business in Montgomery, Alabama, a couple of years ago, I visited the State Capital Building and it was there that I read this sonnet in its entirety. (It is engraved on a beautiful statue of Sonny Wallace.) As I stood there reading the sonnet, I was overcome with emotion. So, as part of my Will, I am including this sonnet as a way of saying goodbye to my children. This sonnet represents the purest love. It matters not that it was written from a woman to a man… love is love and this sonnet expresses the depth of the love I have for my family. Thank you for your analysis. I found it to be truthful and revealing.When I was on business in Montgomery, Alabama, a couple of years ago, I visited the State Capital Building and it was there that I read this sonnet in its entirety. (It is engraved on a beautiful statue of Sonny Wallace.) As I stood there reading the sonnet, I was overcome with emotion. So, as part of my Will, I am including this sonnet as a way of saying goodbye to my children. This sonnet represents the purest love. It matters not that it was written from a woman to a man… love is love and this sonnet expresses the depth of the love I have for my family. Thank you for your analysis. I found it to be truthful and revealing. Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on August 18, 2010 at 12:21 am said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Thanks for taking the time to share that with us Deb.Thanks for taking the time to share that with us Deb. God bless,God bless,

JulesJules Reply

R. LinwoodR. Linwood , on , on November 19, 2010 at 10:29 pm said: said:    11    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Thank you man this helped me understand this poem to a much greater extent. Thank you man this helped me understand this poem to a much greater extent. Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on November 20, 2010 at 6:07 am said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Glad to be of service… Glad to be of service… Reply

MaggieMaggie, on , on December 7, 2010 at 11:58 pm said: said:    11    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This This is a really great analysis. I’ve looked everywhere for a decent one. It defiantly helped me understand some of the lines I was unsure about the meaning of. Great post! =]This is a really great analysis. I’ve looked everywhere for a decent one. It defiantly helped me understand some of the lines I was unsure about the meaning of. Great post! =] Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on December 8, 2010 at 11:59 am said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Thanks Maggie…cheers Thanks Maggie…cheers Reply

Roslyn, on , on December 18, 2010 at 10:15 am said: said:    22    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Your analysis of this poem is absolutely beautiful…Your analysis of this poem is absolutely beautiful…

Certainly one of the best I’ve come across as I’ve read some that didn’t even make sense. Thank you!Certainly one of the best I’ve come across as I’ve read some that didn’t even make sense. Thank you! Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on December 18, 2010 at 10:56 pm said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This I fully agree that it is one of the best if not the Best but again I did not do the work, I managed to find this gem myself. I fully agree that it is one of the best if not the Best but again I did not do the work, I managed to find this gem myself. cheerscheers Reply

branbran , on , on May 22, 2011 at 9:18 am said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This You are a legend, thanks so muchYou are a legend, thanks so much Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on May 22, 2011 at 11:27 pm said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This I am anything but….thanks nonetheless! I am anything but….thanks nonetheless! Reply

arvidarvid , on , on August 17, 2011 at 5:02 pm said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This very good explanation. thank you so much for the insight!very good explanation. thank you so much for the insight! Reply

juleslifejuleslife , on , on August 18, 2011 at 8:55 am said: said:    00    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This Cheers mate! Cheers mate! Reply

sakura^-^sakura^-^ , on , on November 14, 2008 at 7:32 am said: said:    55    00     ii    Rate ThisRate This thanks…this is really a great help for my research…thanks…this is really a great help for my research…

i really like the poem..^-^i really like the poem..^-^ Reply juleslifejuleslife , on , on November 14, 2008 at 9:35 am said: said:    44    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This You’re most welcome and I love this poem…. You’re most welcome and I love this poem…. Reply lyndonlyndon , on , on December 2, 2008 at 4:44 pm said: said:    44    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This weeeeeeee… thx 2 d info…. i understand it very much and it helps me a lot with my project in english hahahaweeeeeeee… thx 2 d info…. i understand it very much and it helps me a lot with my project in english hahaha Reply juleslifejuleslife , on , on December 2, 2008 at 5:49 pm said: said:    33    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This Welcome mate! Welcome mate! Reply wildrosewildrose , on , on March 7, 2009 at 2:47 pm said: said:    33    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This the analysis really is a great help…. tnx!the analysis really is a great help…. tnx! Reply

juleslifejuleslife, on , on March 7, 2009 at 5:46 pm said: said:    22    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This You’re most welcome though I cannot claim credit for it as I found this gem while doing research on it.You’re most welcome though I cannot claim credit for it as I found this gem while doing research on it. cheers cheers Reply Reply

marymary , on April 12, 2009 at 8:25 am said: , on April 12, 2009 at 8:25 am said:    22    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This Is the division organized in a particular way? or is there a sence of progression or movement in the ways in which Barret loves? Pleeease help!!Is the division organized in a particular way? or is there a sence of progression or movement in the ways in which Barret loves? Pleeease help!! Reply Reply juleslifejuleslife , on April 12, 2009 at 9:57 am said: , on April 12, 2009 at 9:57 am said:    22    11     ii    Rate ThisRate This No one can truly answer this question but Barret herself.No one can truly answer this question but Barret herself. However for the love of poetry and exploring the hidden beauty in the language and meaning one can derive that the Author a great one I might add has done both.However for the love of poetry and exploring the hidden beauty in the language and meaning one can derive that the Author a great one I might add has done both. It is organized in perfect form with progression and movement!It is organized in perfect form with progression and movement!

And yet not constricted in any way by which to suffocate the essence of it’s beauty.And yet not constricted in any way by which to suffocate the essence of it’s beauty. You will have to expand on this on your own for your paper but I hope my personal understanding of this poem has helped you.You will have to expand on this on your own for your paper but I hope my personal understanding of this poem has helped you.    Rate ThisRate This The first l ine, ‘how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!-’ presents an absurdity in its attempt to define an abstract concept, love by mathematically adding up the instances. Dealing in lofty and abstract ideas the speaker provides no image to make love concrete or easy to grasp.The first l ine, ‘how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!-’ presents an absurdity in its attempt to define an abstract concept, love by mathematically adding up the instances. Dealing in lofty and abstract ideas the speaker provides no image to make love concrete or easy to grasp. ‘‘ I love thee to the depth and breadth and heightI love thee to the depth and breadth and height

‘My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight’ the speaker says. Ironically though, there are no limits to the soul; it is l imitless, rendering it’s dimensions limitless too. The speaker thus convinces the reader of the largeness of her love while dealing largely with abstract and philosophical ideas. It may be noted that the poet has used internal rhyme, ‘depth’ ‘breadth’ in the second line of the poem. ‘My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight’ the speaker says. Ironically though, there are no limits to the soul; it is l imitless, rendering it’s dimensions limitless too. The speaker thus convinces the reader of the largeness of her love while dealing largely with abstract and philosophical ideas. It may be noted that the poet has used internal rhyme, ‘depth’ ‘breadth’ in the second line of the poem. Elizabeth is telling us that her love is never ending and will not cease to exist even after death, ‘ends of being and ideal grace’. Going by the quote, ‘longetivity is the true test of love’, Elizabeth truly loves her husband. Elizabeth has chosen religious words, ‘ideal grace’ (re lates to judgment day) in the line. It reveals her re ligious background and that she relates love to religion.Elizabeth is telling us that her love is never ending and will not cease to exist even after death, ‘ends of being and ideal grace’. Going by the quote, ‘longetivity is the true test of love’, Elizabeth truly loves her husband. Elizabeth has chosen religious words, ‘ideal grace’ (re lates to judgment day) in the line. It reveals her re ligious background and that she relates love to religion. ‘‘ I love thee to the level of everyday’s most quiet need by sun and candlelight-’ the above line conveys the Victorian side of her love, and the Elizabethan (pun intended) devotion that comes with it. The speaker is te lling us that she will go to any lengths at any time of the day or night, ‘sun and candlelight’ to cater to her husbands smallest wish ‘most quiet need’. The line not only conveys her love for her husband, but also te lls us about the mindset of the people of the Victorian era i.e . their belief that service was an important component of love.I love thee to the level of everyday’s most quiet need by sun and candlelight-’ the above line conveys the Victorian side of her love, and the Elizabethan (pun intended) devotion that comes with it. The speaker is te lling us that she will go to any lengths at any time of the day or night, ‘sun and candlelight’ to cater to her husbands smallest wish ‘most quiet need’. The line not only conveys her love for her husband, but also te lls us about the mindset of the people of the Victorian era i.e . their belief that service was an important component of love. ‘‘ I love thee freely, as men strive for right-’ unashamed love; the kind patriots have for their country. Love with single minded focus. Elizabeth Browning wants to convey that her love had even these qualities too it. Elizabeth loved of her own free will, this was one decision she took herself; not her tyrannical father.I love thee freely, as men strive for right-’ unashamed love; the kind patriots have for their country. Love with single minded focus. Elizabeth Browning wants to convey that her love had even these qualities too it. Elizabeth loved of her own free will, this was one decision she took herself; not her tyrannical father. Elizabeth Browning suggests that she loves him with the same intensity she felt when she lost her brother. Only in that case it was grief she felt; now it is love. Elizabeth Browning is thought to have gone through severe depression after the death of her brother. ‘with my old griefs’Elizabeth Browning suggests that she loves him with the same intensity she felt when she lost her brother. Only in that case it was grief she felt; now it is love. Elizabeth Browning is thought to have gone through severe depression after the death of her brother. ‘with my old griefs’

02 I love thee to the depth 02 I love thee to the depth and breath and heightand breath and height

Her love is three dimensional and Her love is three dimensional and therefore real, in the sense that all real therefore real, in the sense that all real physical things in the universe are three physical things in the universe are three dimensional. Breadth is width, a dimensional. Breadth is width, a measurement of how far across her love measurement of how far across her love is. Height and depth represent how far is. Height and depth represent how far down (deep) and how far up (high) her down (deep) and how far up (high) her love is, in relation to her position in the love is, in relation to her position in the universe.universe.

03. My soul can reach, when feeling 03. My soul can reach, when feeling out of sightout of sightThese measurements, though These measurements, though physical are also spiritual, as they physical are also spiritual, as they pertain to her soul, which is body and pertain to her soul, which is body and spirit infused.spirit infused.

04. For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.04. For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.This physical and spiritual measurement is This physical and spiritual measurement is of her soul and the very essence of her of her soul and the very essence of her being to the ends of her existence.. Ideal being to the ends of her existence.. Ideal Grace is capitalized and probably refers to Grace is capitalized and probably refers to God, and His most perfect gift–Salvation, God, and His most perfect gift–Salvation, and the opportunity to experience eternal and the opportunity to experience eternal love and bliss in His presence. She likens love and bliss in His presence. She likens her love for her husband to that love of her love for her husband to that love of God.God.

05. I love thee to the level of every 05. I love thee to the level of every day’sday’s06. Most quiet need, by sun and 06. Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.candlelight.Her love is on the same level as our Her love is on the same level as our most basic needs–air, water, food, most basic needs–air, water, food, shelter, kinship and love–that need shelter, kinship and love–that need our attention day and night.our attention day and night.

07. I love thee freely, as men strive for 07. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;Right;She loves him of her own free will, and She loves him of her own free will, and not out of obligation. This is the kind of not out of obligation. This is the kind of love that is freely given without any love that is freely given without any coercion by guilt or force or the threat coercion by guilt or force or the threat of force. Men strive for Right freely, for of force. Men strive for Right freely, for it is necessary to their happiness.it is necessary to their happiness.

08. I love thee purely, as 08. I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.they turn from Praise.

Modesty turns from praise because it Modesty turns from praise because it needs it not. She loves him for the needs it not. She loves him for the sake of love itself, and not to receive sake of love itself, and not to receive any praise.any praise.

09. I love with a passion put to use09. I love with a passion put to use10. In my old griefs, and with my 10. In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.childhood’s faith.

Passion put to use in her old griefs, is Passion put to use in her old griefs, is passion that hurts, that reminds one passion that hurts, that reminds one through pain that she is still alive. through pain that she is still alive. The same passion exists in the faith The same passion exists in the faith of a child, who believes without of a child, who believes without doubt because of a lack of life doubt because of a lack of life experience that would go contrary to experience that would go contrary to it.it.

11. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose11. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

12. With my lost saints12. With my lost saints,,

She loves him with the intensity one She loves him with the intensity one feels love during their innocence of feels love during their innocence of youth, which she lost with her youth, which she lost with her innocence, and feels it again for him.innocence, and feels it again for him.

13. I love thee with the 13. I love thee with the breath,breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life!Smiles, tears, of all my life!She loves him with the breath of her life, She loves him with the breath of her life,

with the happiness and sadness of her with the happiness and sadness of her life.life.

– – and, if God choose,and, if God choose,14. I shall but love thee better after 14. I shall but love thee better after death.death.Her love for him will not end at the Her love for him will not end at the grave, but, God willing, will continue on grave, but, God willing, will continue on eternallyeternally

““A Man’s Requirements”A Man’s Requirements”““A Man’s Requirements”A Man’s Requirements”

1.1. Read “A Man’s Requirements” and, with a partner, chart the Read “A Man’s Requirements” and, with a partner, chart the similarities and differences between this and the previous poem, similarities and differences between this and the previous poem, “How do I Love Thee?” “How do I Love Thee?”

Similarities Differences

Do Do YOUYOU see the see the DDiiffffeerreennccee????

Do Do YOUYOU see the see the DDiiffffeerreennccee????

2.2. Now, take another look at your chart and be specific about these Now, take another look at your chart and be specific about these comparisons and contrasts between the two poems. To do so, comparisons and contrasts between the two poems. To do so, consider the following elements:consider the following elements:

4.4. Which poem sends a stronger message? Defend your answer.Which poem sends a stronger message? Defend your answer.

5.5. E. B. Browning was criticized for writing against the ”subjugation E. B. Browning was criticized for writing against the ”subjugation of women to the dominating male” (Everett & Isaacs) in an era of women to the dominating male” (Everett & Isaacs) in an era that held unwavering views of the role of women in society. that held unwavering views of the role of women in society. With reference to this social climate and to the poem, With reference to this social climate and to the poem, demonstrate how “A Man’s Requirements” is a reaction to demonstrate how “A Man’s Requirements” is a reaction to Victorian sensibilities.Victorian sensibilities.

ToneTone SpeakerSpeaker ImageryImagery StructureStructure ThemeTheme Other??Other??

Works CitedWorks CitedWorks CitedWorks Cited• ““Elizabeth Barrett Browning.”Elizabeth Barrett Browning.” The Columbia EncyclopediaThe Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth , Sixth

Edition. 2008. 21 Jul 2009.Edition. 2008. 21 Jul 2009. http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Elizabeth_Barrett_Browninghttp://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Elizabeth_Barrett_Browning

• ““Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning – A Chronology.” The Victorian Web.The Victorian Web. 21 Jul 2009. 21 Jul 2009. http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/ebtl.htmlhttp://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/ebtl.html

• Everett, Glenn and Isaacs, Jason. “The Life of Elizabeth Barrett Everett, Glenn and Isaacs, Jason. “The Life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.” Browning.” The Victorian Web. The Victorian Web. 2002. 22 Jul 2009.2002. 22 Jul 2009.http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/ebbio.htmlhttp://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/ebbio.html

• ““Poet’s Corner – Elizabeth Barrett Browning” 22 Jul 2009Poet’s Corner – Elizabeth Barrett Browning” 22 Jul 2009http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/poets/bio/browninghttp://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/poets/bio/browning

• Smith, George Barnett. “Elizabeth Barrett Browning.” Smith, George Barnett. “Elizabeth Barrett Browning.” The The Victorian Web. Victorian Web. 2005. 22 Jul 2009.2005. 22 Jul 2009.http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/cornhill.htmlhttp://www.victorianweb.org/authors/ebb/cornhill.html