Robert Browning Poems - Poem Analysis (original) (raw)
(15 to start, 40+ to explore)
Robert Browning was an English poet born in 1812. He is considered one of the preeminent Victorian poets of the period. His work is noted for its dark humor, historical commentary, and challenging syntax. He published numerous long poems throughout his career, including The Ring and the Book.
‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning is a well-known dramatic monologue. It suggests that the speaker has killed his wife and will soon do the same to the next.
Robert Browning was known for his dramatic monologues, a form that allows deep psychological exploration of characters. In 'My Last Duchess,' he uses this style effectively to showcase the darker aspects of human behavior, such as jealousy and possessiveness. Browning's skill lies in revealing a story without explicit narration; the Duke inadvertently reveals his own character flaws through what he chooses to say and not say.
That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,
Looking as if she were alive. I call
That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands
Worked busily a day, and there she stands.
‘The Lost Mistress’ is a poem written by Robert Browning, it is a dramatic monologue that expresses the pain and agony of a lover.
Robert Browning, a prominent figure in Victorian poetry, is known for his dramatic monologues that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. 'The Lost Mistress' showcases Browning's skill in capturing the nuances of love and the power of his verse His poetic style, characterized by introspection and psychological depth, is on full display in this poem.
All’s over, then: does truth sound bitter
As one at first believes?
Hark, ’tis the sparrows’ good-night twitter
About your cottage eaves!
‘Caliban upon Setebos’ by Robert Browning delves into Caliban’s contemplation of God’s power, nature, and his place in the universe.
This poem encapsulates key elements of Robert Browning's poetic style. His dramatic monologue technique is evident as Caliban contemplates divinity and existence. Browning's nuanced exploration of complex themes, psychological insight into characters, and use of vivid imagery align with his broader body of work. The poem mirrors Browning's tendency to delve into the intricacies of human thought and emotion.
'Will sprawl, now that the heat of day is best,
Flat on his belly in the pit's much mire,
With elbows wide, fists clenched to prop his chin,
And, while he kicks both feet in the cool slush,
‘De Gustibus’ by Robert Browning is a thoughtfully composed poem that speaks about memory and the importance of specific places in one’s life.
Browning's works often digs into psychological and emotional issues that impacted him. In 'De Gustibus,' these traits manifest in his attachment to specific landscapes. His well-known use of dramatic monologues and introspection offers readers clear insight into the poet's experiences.
Your ghost will walk, you lover of trees,
(If our loves remain)
In an English lane,
By a cornfield-side a-flutter with poppies.
In ‘Rabbi Ben Ezra’ by Robert Browning, aging wisdom urges surrender to divine plan, embracing life’s imperfections for spiritual refinement.
'Rabbi Ben Ezra' embodies the quintessential characteristics of Robert Browning's poetry. It showcases Browning's skillful use of dramatic monologue, philosophical musings, and complex themes such as the human condition, aging, and spirituality. The poem's rich imagery, rhythmic structure, and exploration of profound ideas align with Browning's signature style, making it a fitting representation of his body of work.
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
In Robert Browning’s ‘Meeting at Night,’ the speaker sails across the sea to secretly reunite with his beloved under the moon’s soft glow.
The poem holds significance within Browning's work for its connection to his courtship with Elizabeth Barrett and expression of the human condition characterized by intense passion. It mirrors their clandestine meetings due to Elizabeth's father's disapproval of their relationship. The poem delves into the depths of love, capturing the urgency and passion of blossoming love. It is one of Browning's most sensual works, showcasing his ability to present intense passion through aesthetic metaphors and language.
The gray sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half-moon large and low:
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
‘Pictor Ignotus’ is a poem about an artist who chooses obscurity over fame, painting religious works in solitude rather than seeking public acclaim.
Robert Browning was an English poet famous for his dramatic monologues. He loved Italy and often drew inspiration from its history and culture. 'Pictor Ignotus' reflects his interest in the Renaissance and explores deep emotions and artistic integrity. Browning's work often focuses on personal dilemmas and the value of art.
I could have painted pictures like that youth’s
Ye praise so. How my soul springs up! No bar
Stayed me–ah, thought which saddens while it soothes!
–Never did fate forbid me, star by star,
‘The Confessional’ by Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue following a woman who is betrayed for her blind faith.
Robert Browning has an exceptional portfolio of dramatic monologue poetry and often uses stories from another character's perspective to influence the audience. He does this exceptionally well in this poem, as the readers follow the journey of a woman who lost her love to a betrayal from the church. In addition, the language he uses captures many incredible emotions from the characters.
It is a lie—their Priests, their Pope,
Their Saints, their... all they fear or hope
Are lies, and lies—there! through my door
And ceiling, there! and walls and floor,
Browning’s ‘A Light Woman’ is a dramatic monologue in which the narrator tells how he disrupts a loving relationship between his friend and his friend’s lover. Through the narrator’s actions, the poem expounds on love and possessiveness.
Browning's 'A Light Woman' is one of his more famous poems. It portrays his signature style of writing (dramatic monologues) and elaborates on topics he is known for: the complexity of human nature and emotions. This topic is expanded upon with Browning’s classic style of storytelling where he says a lot about characters with more descriptive action than words.
So far as our story approaches the end,
Which do you pity the most of us three?---
My friend, or the mistress of my friend
With her wanton eyes, or me?
‘Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came’ by Robert Browning is journey of perseverance in a desolate landscape, confronting fear and embracing defiance against insurmountable odds.
'Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came’ encapsulates Robert Browning's signature style with its dramatic monologue, rich imagery, and complex psychological exploration. The poem's dark tone, intricate symbolism, and exploration of the human psyche align closely with Browning's other works, showcasing his mastery in crafting poems that delve deep into the complexities of the human experience.
My first thought was, he lied in every word,
That hoary cripple, with malicious eye
Askance to watch the working of his lie
On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford
Explore more poems from Robert Browning
‘Women and Roses’ by Robert Browning conveys a man’s perspective on women throughout time. They are represented by three apples on his metaphorical apple tree.
Robert Browning was an English poet, known for his contributions to Victorian poetry. He wrote many famous poems and plays. His work often explored deep emotions and complex ideas. He is considered one of the great poets of the Victorian era.
I dream of a red-rose tree.
And which of its roses three
Is the dearest rose to me?
‘Johannes Agricola in Meditation’ by Robert Browning features the various beliefs about salvation the titular character was known for during his life.
Browning's works often explore the psychological and moral dimensions of his characters. In 'Johannes Agricola in Meditation,' he crafts a persona that grapples with spiritual assurance, echoing his broader thematic interests in exploring the human psyche.
There's heaven above, and night by night
I look right through its gorgeous roof;
No suns and moons though e'er so bright
Avail to stop me; splendour-proof
‘Cristina’ by Robert Browning speaks about love’s power in one’s life and how transformative one moment can be.
This poem is a good, although not incredibly well-known, example of Browning's poetry. It demonstrates his love of the dramatic monologue but is not regarded as the best piece of writing within his oeuvre.
She should never have looked at me
If she meant I should not love her!
There are plenty ... men, you call such,
I suppose ... she may discover
‘Life in a Love’ by Robert Browning is an obsessive love poem in which a speaker tells the person they’re in love with that no matter how many times they’re torn down; they’re always going to get back up.
Among Robert Browning's poems, this piece is not one of his best or most influential. It is a far lesser-known piece of verse than the work that is considered his best today.
Escape me?
Never—
Beloved!
While I am I, and you are you,
‘Summum Bonum’ by Robert Browning is a fairly straightforward and memorable poem about love and how it is far more important, and valuable than any beautiful summer day or shining gemstone.
This is not a well-known Robert Browning poem, nor does it adequately represent the skill he was capable of writing. This means the poem is far less influential than most of his other work.
All the breath and the bloom of the year in the bag of one bee:
All the wonder and wealth of the mine in the heart of one gem:
In the core of one pearl all the shade and the shine of the sea: