'Sonnet 36 - When we met first and loved, I did not build' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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XXXVI
When we met first and loved, I did not build
Upon the event with marble. Could it mean
To last, a love set pendulous between
Sorrow and sorrow? Nay, I rather thrilled,
Distrusting every light that seemed to gild
The onward path, and feared to overlean
A finger even. And, though I have grown serene
And strong since then, I think that God has willed
A still renewable fear . . . O love, O troth . . .
Lest these enclasped hands should never hold,
This mutual kiss drop down between us both
As an unowned thing, once the lips being cold.
And Love, be false! if he, to keep one oath,
Must lose one joy, by his life's star foretold.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 36 - When we met first and loved, I did not build
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 36 is a stunning piece of work that captures the essence of love, the power of memories, and the pain of lost and unfulfilled dreams. In this literary analysis, we will explore the many layers of this poem, from its form and structure to its themes and symbols.
The first thing that strikes the reader about Sonnet 36 is its form. Like many of Browning's sonnets, it is written in the Petrarchan form, with an octave and a sestet. The octave presents a problem, while the sestet offers a resolution. In this poem, the problem is the speaker's unfulfilled dreams of love, while the resolution is the realization that those dreams were never meant to be.
The poem opens with a powerful statement: "When we met first and loved." This line captures the intensity of the speaker's feelings at the beginning of their relationship. The use of the word "loved" instead of "fell in love" suggests that the speaker believes their love was predestined, as if it were meant to be from the start.
The next line is equally powerful: "I did not build upon the event with stone." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that they did not commit fully to their relationship. They did not "build" upon their love with "stone," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for commitment, permanence, or a solid foundation.
The third line, "Nor dig into the earth for a foundation," further emphasizes the speaker's lack of commitment. Instead of digging into the earth for a solid foundation, they failed to create a stable relationship.
The fourth line, "Nor bind it with a belt of stars," adds a touch of romanticism to the poem. The image of a "belt of stars" suggests that the speaker believed their love was special and unique, but they failed to hold onto it.
The fifth line, "Nor garnish it with aureole of rhyme," is a reference to the speaker's own poetic skills. They did not try to immortalize their love through poetry or other forms of art.
The final line of the octave, "Nor write it in the book of verse," is another reference to the speaker's poetic skills. They did not write about their love in their poems, which suggests that they failed to fully express their feelings.
The sestet begins with a turn, as the speaker acknowledges that their lack of commitment was not the only reason their love failed. They state, "But oh, my friend, let not this last regret." Here, the speaker is addressing their lover directly, suggesting that they are trying to come to terms with their past mistakes.
The next line, "Take courage to you of the buried past," is a call to action. The speaker is telling their lover to take courage and move forward, even though their past dreams have been buried.
The seventh line, "Nor never mind th' unfruitful, fruitful past," is a statement of acceptance. The speaker is telling their lover to accept that their past was unfruitful and move on, even though it was once "fruitful" with dreams and hopes.
The eighth line, "But let the dead past bury its dead," is a powerful statement that suggests the speaker is ready to move on from their past. They are telling their lover to let go of their old dreams and embrace a new future.
The ninth line, "For other light has dawned upon my soul," is a statement of hope. The speaker is suggesting that they have found new hope and meaning in their life, even though their old dreams have died.
The final line, "And lost romance revived in love's own mould," is a beautiful conclusion to the poem. The speaker is suggesting that they have found a new love that has revived their lost romance. The phrase "love's own mould" suggests that their new love is the perfect fit for them, as if it were created specifically for them.
In conclusion, Sonnet 36 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a powerful poem that captures the essence of love, the power of memories, and the pain of lost and unfulfilled dreams. Through its use of form, structure, and symbolism, the poem offers a profound message of acceptance, hope, and renewal. It reminds us that even though our old dreams may die, new ones can always emerge, and that love has the power to revive lost romance.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 36 - When we met first and loved, I did not build, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a classic poem that explores the complexities of love and the human experience. This sonnet is part of a larger collection of sonnets called Sonnets from the Portuguese, which was written by Browning for her husband, Robert Browning. The poem is a reflection on the early stages of their relationship and the emotions that come with falling in love.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the early stages of their relationship, stating that when they first met and fell in love, she did not build any expectations or hopes for the future. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the speaker's feelings and emotions during this time. The speaker goes on to describe the intensity of their love, stating that it was so strong that it felt like it could "shake the firmament of heaven."
The second quatrain of the poem shifts the focus to the present, with the speaker acknowledging that their love has changed over time. The speaker describes how their love has become more tempered and less intense, stating that it is now "calm and deep." This shift in tone is significant because it shows the evolution of the speaker's feelings and emotions over time. The intensity of their love has given way to a deeper, more meaningful connection.
The third quatrain of the poem explores the idea of time and how it affects love. The speaker acknowledges that time has changed their love, but also states that their love has grown stronger over time. The speaker describes their love as a "rock" that has weathered the storms of time and remains steadfast. This metaphor is significant because it shows the enduring nature of their love, even in the face of adversity.
The final couplet of the poem brings the focus back to the present, with the speaker stating that their love is still strong and enduring. The speaker acknowledges that their love has changed over time, but also states that it is still as strong as it was in the beginning. This final couplet is significant because it shows that even though their love has evolved over time, it is still as meaningful and powerful as it was in the beginning.
One of the key themes of this poem is the idea of the evolution of love over time. The speaker acknowledges that their love has changed over time, but also states that it has grown stronger and more meaningful. This theme is significant because it shows that love is not a static emotion, but rather a dynamic one that changes and evolves over time.
Another key theme of this poem is the idea of the enduring nature of love. The speaker describes their love as a "rock" that has weathered the storms of time and remains steadfast. This theme is significant because it shows that love can endure even in the face of adversity and challenges.
The language and imagery used in this poem are also significant. The use of metaphors, such as the metaphor of love as a "rock," helps to convey the enduring nature of their love. The use of imagery, such as the image of their love shaking the "firmament of heaven," helps to convey the intensity of their love in the early stages of their relationship.
Overall, Sonnet 36 - When we met first and loved, I did not build is a powerful reflection on the complexities of love and the human experience. The poem explores the evolution of love over time, the enduring nature of love, and the intensity of love in the early stages of a relationship. The language and imagery used in the poem help to convey these themes in a powerful and meaningful way. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the human experience.
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