'The Italian In England' by Robert Browning
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
That second time they hunted me
From hill to plain, from shore to sea,
And Austria, hounding far and wide
Her blood-hounds through the countryside,
Breathed hot and instant on my trace,—
I made six days a hiding-place
Of that dry green old aqueduct
Where I and Charles, when boys, have plucked
The fire-flies from the roof above,
Bright creeping throuoh the moss they love.
—How long it seems since Charles was lost!
Six days the soldiers crossed and crossed
The country in my very sight;
And when that peril ceased at night,
The sky broke out in red dismay
With signal-fires; well, there I lay
Close covered o'er in my recess,
Up to the neck in ferns and cress,
Thinking on Metternich our friend,
And Charles's miserable end,
And much beside, two days; the third,
Hunger o'ercame me when I heard
The peasants from the village go
To work among the maize; you know,
With us, in Lombardy, they bring
Provisions packed on mules, a string
With little bells that cheer their task,
And casks, and boughs on every cask
To keep the sun's heat from the wine;
These I let pass in jingling line,
And, close on them, dear noisy crew,
The peasants from the village too;
For at the very rear would troop
Their wives and sisters in a group
To help, I knew; when these had passed,
I threw my glove to strike the last,
Taking the chance: she did not start,
Much less cry out, but stooped apart
One instant, rapidly glanced round,
And saw me beckon from the ground;
A wild bush grows and hides my crypt,
She picked my glove up while she stripped
A branch off, then rejoined the rest
With that; my glove lay in her breast:
Then I drew breath: they disappeared;
It was for Italy I feared.
An hour, and she returned alone
Exactly where my glove was thrown.
Meanwhile come many thoughts; on me
Rested the hopes of Italy;
I had devised a certain tale
Which, when 'twas told her, could not fail
Persuade a peasant of its truth;
I meant to call a freak of youth
This hiding, and give hopes of pay,
And no temptation to betray.
But when I saw that woman's face,
Its calm simplicity of grace,
Our Italy's own attitude
In which she walked thus far, and stood,
Planting each naked foot so firm,
To crush the snake and spare the worm—
At first sight of her eyes, I said,
"I am that man upon whose head
They fix the price, because I hate
The Austrians over us: the State
Will give you gold—oh, gold so much,
If you betray me to their clutch!
And be your death, for aught I know,
If once they find you saved their foe.
Now, you must bring me food and drink,
And also paper, pen, and ink,
And carry safe what I shall write
To Padua, which you'll reach at night
Before the Duomo shuts; go in,
And wait till Tenebrae begin;
Walk to the Third Confessional,
Between the pillar and the wall,
And Kneeling whisper whence comes peace?
Say it a second time; then cease;
And if the voice inside returns,
From Christ and Freedom: what concerns
The cause of Peace?—for answer, slip
My letter where you placed your lip;
Then come back happy we have done
Our mother service—I, the son,
As you daughter of our land!"
Three mornings more, she took her stand
In the same place, with the same eyes:
I was no surer of sunrise
Than of her coming: we conferred
Of her own prospects, and I heard
She had a lover—stout and tall,
She said—then let her eyelids fall,
"He could do much"—as if some doubt
Entered her heart,—then, passing out,
"She could not speak for others—who
Had other thoughts; herself she knew:"
And so she brought me drink and food.
After four days, the scouts pursued
Another path: at last arrived
The help my Paduan friends contrived
To furnish me: she brought the news:
For the first time I could not choose
But kiss her hand and lay my own
Upon her head—"This faith was shown
To Italy, our mother;—she
Uses my hand and blesses thee!"
She followed down to the seashore;
I left and never saw her more.
How very long since I have thought
Concerning—much less wished for—aught
Beside the good of Italy,
For which I live and mean to die!
I never was in love; and since
Charles proved false, nothing could convince
My inmost heart I had a friend;
However, if I pleased to spend
Real wishes on myself—say, Three—
I know at least what one should be;
I would grasp Metternich until
I felt his red wet throat distil
In blood through these two hands; and next,
—Nor much for that am I perplexed—
Charles, perjured traitor, for his part,
Should die slow of a broken heart
Under his new employers; last
—Ah, there, what should I wish? For fast
Do I grow old and out of strength.—
If I resolved to seek at length
My father's house again, how scared
They all would look, and unprepared!
My brothers live in Austria's pay
—Disowned me long ago, men say;
And all my early mates who used
To praise me so—perhaps induced
More than one early step of mine—
Are turning wise; while some opine
"Freedom grows License," some suspect
"Haste breeds Delay," and recollect
They always said, such premature
Beginnings never could endure!
So, with a sullen "All's for best,"
The land seems settling to its rest.
I think, then, I should wish to stand
This evening in that dear, lost land,
Over the sea the thousand miles,
And know if yet that woman smiles
With the calm smile; some little farm
She lives in there, no doubt; what harm
If I sate on the door-side bench,
And, while her spindle made a trench
Fantastically in the dust,
Inquired of all her fortunes—just
Her children's ages and their names,
And what may be the husband's aims
For each of them—I'd talk this out,
And sit there, for and hour about,
Then kiss her hand once more, and lay
Mine on her head, and go my way.
So much for idle wishing—how
It steals the time! To business now.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Italian In England by Robert Browning: A Deep Dive into the Human Psyche
Have you ever found yourself in a foreign land, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and languages, struggling to find your place in a world that seems both exciting and daunting? If so, you'll find a kindred spirit in the protagonist of Robert Browning's classic poem, The Italian in England.
Written in 1845, The Italian in England is a masterful exploration of the human psyche, filled with vivid imagery, complex emotions, and profound insights into the nature of identity and belonging. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a deep dive into this remarkable poem, examining its themes, symbols, and language to uncover the hidden depths of Browning's masterpiece.
Context: Browning and the Victorian Era
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Robert Browning was a prominent poet of the Victorian era, a time of great social, political, and cultural change in England. Victorian society was characterized by a strict moral code, which valued propriety, duty, and respectability above all else. At the same time, the era was marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancement, which brought about unprecedented levels of wealth and prosperity, but also social upheaval and inequality.
Browning was deeply interested in exploring the complex realities of this era, particularly the ways in which individuals navigated the competing demands of tradition and progress, identity and conformity, and personal freedom and social obligation. The Italian in England is one of his most powerful and enduring works, capturing the tumultuous spirit of the Victorian era in all its glory and complexity.
Summary of the Poem
The Italian in England tells the story of a young Italian musician who has come to England to pursue his dreams of fame and fortune. As he wanders the streets of London, he is struck by the stark contrast between the vibrant, colorful world of his homeland and the drab, gray landscape of England. He feels isolated and alone, a stranger in a strange land, and longs to return to the warmth and beauty of Italy.
Despite his longing for home, the Italian begins to find a place for himself in English society. He impresses the locals with his musical talent, and soon becomes a popular performer in the city's salons and concert halls. He even falls in love with an Englishwoman, who he believes will help him find a sense of belonging in this foreign land.
But as time goes on, the Italian begins to realize that he can never truly be English. He is haunted by memories of his past, and struggles to reconcile his love for Italy with his desire for success in England. Ultimately, he decides to return to his homeland, realizing that his true identity is inseparable from the land and culture of his birth.
Themes and Symbols
At its core, The Italian in England is a powerful exploration of the themes of identity, alienation, and belonging. The Italian is a symbol of the individual who is caught between two worlds, struggling to find a sense of self in a world that is constantly changing.
One of the key symbols in the poem is the contrast between Italy and England. Italy is portrayed as a land of warmth, beauty, and passion, while England is depicted as cold, gray, and dull. The Italian is torn between his love for the vibrant culture of his homeland and his desire for success and acceptance in England. This contrast between the two cultures is a powerful symbol of the tension between tradition and progress, which was a defining feature of the Victorian era.
Another important symbol in the poem is the Italian's music. Music is a powerful expression of individuality and emotion, and the Italian's talent for music is a symbol of his unique identity. At the same time, his music is also a means of connecting with others and finding a sense of belonging in a foreign land. The Italian's love for music is a reminder that art and creativity are essential to the human experience, and that they can bridge the gap between cultures and bring people together.
Language and Style
The Italian in England is written in Browning's characteristic style, which is characterized by its complexity, ambiguity, and depth of emotion. Browning's use of language is particularly powerful in this poem, as he uses vivid imagery and rich metaphor to create a sense of place and mood.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "Italy, my Italy!" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia that is central to the Italian's character. The repetition of this phrase is a reminder of the power of memory and the importance of cultural identity in shaping our sense of self.
Browning's use of vivid sensory details is also noteworthy. The poem is filled with rich descriptions of color, sound, and texture, which create a vivid sense of place and mood. For example, the description of the "dull, gray sky" in England is contrasted with the "brilliant blue" of the Italian sky, creating a powerful contrast between the two cultures.
Interpretation
So what does The Italian in England mean? What insights does it offer into the human condition?
At its core, the poem is a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural identity and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a constantly changing world. The Italian is a symbol of the individual caught between tradition and progress, struggling to reconcile his love for his homeland with his desire for success in a foreign land. His story is a reminder that human beings are deeply shaped by their cultural background, and that this background plays a crucial role in shaping our sense of self.
But the poem also offers a more universal message about the human experience. The Italian's struggle to find a sense of belonging is a reminder that we all face moments of isolation and alienation in our lives. We all have to navigate the competing demands of tradition and progress, identity and conformity, and personal freedom and social obligation. The Italian's story is a reminder that these struggles are universal, and that they are an essential part of the human experience.
Conclusion
In the end, The Italian in England is a timeless masterpiece of poetry, a profound exploration of the human psyche that speaks to the universal experiences of love, loss, identity, and belonging. Through its vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and complex characters, the poem offers a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural identity and the struggle to find a sense of self in a constantly changing world. It is a work of art that continues to resonate with readers today, and will undoubtedly do so for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Italian In England: A Masterpiece by Robert Browning
Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his dramatic monologues that explore the complexities of human nature. His poem, "The Italian in England," is a prime example of his mastery of the form. Written in 1845, the poem tells the story of an Italian immigrant who has come to England in search of a better life. Through the use of vivid imagery, rich language, and a keen understanding of human psychology, Browning creates a powerful portrait of a man caught between two worlds.
The poem begins with the Italian's arrival in England. He is immediately struck by the differences between his homeland and his new surroundings. The opening lines, "That second time they hunted me / From hill to plain, from shore to sea," suggest that the Italian has been forced to flee his home country, perhaps due to political unrest or economic hardship. He is now in a foreign land, where he is confronted with a language and culture that are unfamiliar to him.
Browning uses the Italian's observations of his new surroundings to highlight the differences between Italy and England. The Italian is struck by the "dullness" of the English landscape, which he contrasts with the "glory" of his homeland. He is also bewildered by the English language, which he describes as "a noise / Of words that mean not anything." These observations reveal the Italian's sense of displacement and his struggle to adapt to his new environment.
As the poem progresses, Browning delves deeper into the Italian's psyche, exploring his feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Italian longs for the company of his fellow countrymen, but he finds himself alone in a foreign land. He is haunted by memories of his homeland, which he describes as "a dream / Of sunny Italy." These memories serve as a reminder of what he has lost and what he can never regain.
Despite his sense of isolation, the Italian is determined to make a life for himself in England. He takes on odd jobs and tries to learn the language, but he is constantly reminded of his outsider status. He is mocked by the English for his accent and his foreign ways, and he is forced to endure the indignities of poverty and discrimination. Browning captures the Italian's frustration and anger in lines such as "I curse that English climate, flat and stale, / The cruel churls that caught me in their jail."
As the poem reaches its climax, Browning reveals the Italian's true nature. Despite his struggles, the Italian remains proud and defiant. He refuses to be broken by the hardships he has faced, and he clings to his identity as an Italian. In the final lines of the poem, he declares, "I am my own self, Italy my land." These words are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of identity.
In "The Italian in England," Browning explores themes that are still relevant today. The poem speaks to the experiences of immigrants who are forced to leave their homes in search of a better life. It also highlights the challenges of adapting to a new culture and the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can accompany such a journey. Browning's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his understanding of human psychology is profound.
In conclusion, "The Italian in England" is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry. It is a powerful exploration of the human experience, and it speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the immigrant experience. Browning's use of language and imagery is stunning, and his understanding of human psychology is unparalleled. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to capture the complexities of the human spirit.
Editor Recommended Sites
Analysis and Explanation of famous writings: Editorial explanation of famous writings. Prose Summary Explanation and Meaning & Analysis ExplanationOntology Video: Ontology and taxonomy management. Skos tutorials and best practice for enterprise taxonomy clouds
Dev Wish I had known: What I wished I known before I started working on
ML Cert: Machine learning certification preparation, advice, tutorials, guides, faq
Tech Summit: Track upcoming Top tech conferences, and their online posts to youtube
Recommended Similar Analysis
Frederick Douglass by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysisMemorabilia by Robert Browning analysis
Enter a Dragoon by Thomas Hardy analysis
Tommy by Rudyard Kipling analysis
Hymn To Adversity by Thomas Gray analysis
Narrative And Dramatic The Wanderings Of Oisin by William Butler Yeats analysis
Leaves Of Grass. A Carol Of Harvest For 1867 by Walt Whitman analysis
Holy Thursday by William Blake analysis
Apologia Pro Poemate Meo by Wilfred Owen analysis
Dreamland by Edgar Allan Poe analysis