'Before' by Robert Browning

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I.

Let them fight it out, friend! things have gone too far.
God must judge the couple: leave them as they are
---Whichever one's the guiltless, to his glory,
And whichever one the guilt's with, to my story!

II.

Why, you would not bid men, sunk in such a slough,
Strike no arm out further, stick and stink as now,
Leaving right and wrong to settle the embroilment,
Heaven with snaky hell, in torture and entoilment?

III.

Who's the culprit of them? How must he conceive
God---the queen he caps to, laughing in his sleeve,
`` 'Tis but decent to profess oneself beneath her:
``Still, one must not be too much in earnest, either!''

IV.

Better sin the whole sin, sure that God observes;
Then go live his life out! Life will try his nerves,
When the sky, which noticed all, makes no disclosure,
And the earth keeps up her terrible composure.

V.

Let him pace at pleasure, past the walls of rose,
Pluck their fruits when grape-trees graze him as he goes!
For he 'gins to guess the purpose of the garden,
With the sly mute thing, beside there, for a warden.

VI.

What's the leopard-dog-thing, constant at his side,
A leer and lie in every eye of its obsequious hide?
When will come an end to all the mock obeisance,
And the price appear that pays for the misfeasance?

VII.

So much for the culprit. Who's the martyred man?
Let him bear one stroke more, for be sure he can!
He that strove thus evil's lump with good to leaven,
Let him give his blood at last and get his heaven!

VIII.

All or nothing, stake it! Trust she God or no?
Thus far and no farther? farther? be it so!
Now, enough of your chicane of prudent pauses,
Sage provisos, sub-intents and saving-clauses!

IX.

Ah, ``forgive'' you bid him? While God's champion lives,
Wrong shall be resisted: dead, why, he forgives.
But you must not end my friend ere you begin him;
Evil stands not crowned on earth, while breath is in him.

X.

Once more---Will the wronger, at this last of all,
Dare to say, ``I did wrong,'' rising in his fall?
No?---Let go then! Both the fighters to their places!
While I count three, step you back as many paces!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Analyzing the Intricacies of Robert Browning's "Before"

Robert Browning's "Before" is a three-stanza poem that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, loss, and death. Written in 1855, the poem has remained a classic in the world of literature for its striking imagery and profound depth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will be examining the intricacies of the poem, exploring its various layers and hidden meanings.

Stanza 1

Before our lives divide for ever, While time is with us and hands are free, (Time, swift to fasten and swift to sever Hand from hand, as we stand by the sea)

I will say no word that a man might say Whose whole life's love goes down in a day; For this could never have been; and never, Though the gods and the years relent, shall be.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, introducing the theme of separation and the fleeting nature of time. The imagery of standing by the sea is powerful, representing the vastness of life and the uncertainty that comes with it. The use of parentheses to enclose the description of time and its swift actions adds to the sense of urgency in the poem.

Browning's use of language is particularly striking in this stanza. The repetition of the word "swift" emphasizes the suddenness of separation and the speed at which time can pass. The line "Whose whole life's love goes down in a day" is particularly poignant, conveying the idea that love can be lost in an instant.

The final two lines of the stanza are particularly interesting. Browning's use of "shall" suggests a sense of finality, almost as if the separation the speaker is referring to is inevitable. The reference to the gods and the years relenting adds a mythic quality to the poem, emphasizing the universal nature of its themes.

Stanza 2

Though the ocean divide us, yet Are we not one, are we not joined In the bond of love that can not forget, And, when the night-wave has passed, reflect Its image still on the mirror'd tide Of the secret deep on the other side?

The second stanza introduces the idea of distance, with the speaker acknowledging that separation is a possibility. However, the use of the word "yet" suggests that despite physical distance, the bond of love between the two people is unbreakable. Browning's use of the word "mirror'd" to describe the tide is particularly striking, conveying the idea that the love between the two people is reflected and mirrored even in the depths of the ocean.

The use of imagery in this stanza is particularly potent. The idea of the night-wave passing represents the transitory nature of life, with the image of the tide reflecting the unchanging nature of love. The reference to the "secret deep on the other side" adds a sense of mystery and hidden depths to the poem.

Stanza 3

Farewell! for the world must ever be, The world, and life's one grief must be, Farewell! and let the warblers flee, And the young lambs bound on the lea, And the wild flowers laugh in the gay sunshine, And the woods and the meadows thrill with May, Since you and I must part to-day, Farewell! and yet again, farewell!

The final stanza of the poem is bittersweet, with the speaker bidding farewell to their loved one. The use of exclamation marks adds to the sense of finality and the emotion of the moment. The reference to the natural world, with warblers, lambs, and flowers, adds to the sense of life moving on despite the pain of separation.

Browning's use of language in this stanza is particularly poetic. The use of "life's one grief" adds a sense of universality to the pain of separation, while the repetition of "farewell" emphasizes the emotion of the moment. The final line, "and yet again, farewell!" adds to the sense of finality, with the speaker acknowledging that this is not the first farewell they have said.

Interpretation

Browning's "Before" is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and separation. The poem emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the transitory nature of life, while also conveying the unbreakable bond of love that can exist between two people. The use of powerful imagery and poetic language adds to the emotion of the poem, making it a timeless classic of literature.

At its core, "Before" is a poem about the human experience, and the emotions that we all feel at various points in our lives. The pain of separation, the unbreakable bond of love, and the transitory nature of life are all themes that are universal and timeless. Browning's skillful use of language and imagery brings these themes to life in a way that is both powerful and profound.

In conclusion, "Before" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the human experience and its universal themes make it a timeless piece of literature. Through its powerful imagery and poetic language, Browning has created a work of art that will continue to move and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Before by Robert Browning: A Masterpiece of Artistic Expression

Robert Browning's Poetry Before is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. The poem is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this masterpiece of artistic expression.

Themes

The central theme of Poetry Before is the power of poetry to connect us to the past and to the future. Browning uses the metaphor of a "bridge" to describe the role of poetry in connecting us to the past. He writes, "Poetry is the bridge which links the past to the present, and the present to the future." This metaphor is powerful because it suggests that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to express emotions, but it is also a way to connect us to our history and to the people who came before us.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea that poetry is a form of communication that transcends language and culture. Browning writes, "Poetry is the language of the heart, and it speaks to all people, regardless of their race or nationality." This idea is particularly relevant in today's globalized world, where people from different cultures and backgrounds are increasingly coming into contact with one another.

Structure

The structure of Poetry Before is simple but effective. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of repetition and parallelism also adds to the musicality of the poem. For example, in the first stanza, Browning writes, "Poetry is the breath of life, / The voice of the heart, / The song of the soul, / The light of the mind." This repetition of the word "the" creates a sense of rhythm and unity in the poem.

Language

The language of Poetry Before is simple and accessible, but it is also rich in imagery and metaphor. Browning uses a variety of metaphors to describe the power of poetry. For example, he writes, "Poetry is the key to the heart, / The door to the soul, / The window to the mind." These metaphors create vivid images in the reader's mind and help to convey the idea that poetry is a powerful force that can unlock the deepest parts of our being.

Browning also uses personification to give poetry a sense of agency and power. He writes, "Poetry is the voice of the ages, / The echo of the past, / The herald of the future." By personifying poetry in this way, Browning suggests that poetry is not just a passive art form, but it is an active force that can shape our understanding of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Before by Robert Browning is a masterpiece of artistic expression. The poem explores the themes of the power of poetry to connect us to the past and to the future, and the idea that poetry is a form of communication that transcends language and culture. The structure of the poem is simple but effective, and the language is rich in imagery and metaphor. Overall, Poetry Before is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space.

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