Robert Browning

“Porphyria’s Lover”

Robert Browning: Biography

• 1812-1889• Pauline pub. at age 21• Married poet Elizabeth

Barrett in 1846• Elizabeth died in 1861• 1869: The Ring and the

Book pub.• Considered one of the

great Victorian poets

Dramatic Monologue

• Poem in which a single character (not the poet) delivers a speech

• Speaker indirectly reveals his or her situation and character

• A silent listener is often implied

What is Porphyria?• Archaic term for the color “purple” (Greek porphura,

meaning “purple pigment”)• A disease characterized by overproduction of porphyrins

– Causes urine to appear purple– Hallucinations, anxiety, depression, paranoia– Seizures– Abdominal pain– Receding gums– Pale skin

• Vampires and werewolves?• Famous cases: George III, King of England; Mary, Queen of

Scots; Vincent Van Gogh; King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon

“Porphyria’s Lover”

• Appeared in 1836• Earliest dramatic monologue• ABABB rhyme scheme• Iambic tetrameter• Tableau vivant