'A Light Woman' by Robert Browning
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I.
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?
II.
My friend was already too good to lose,
And seemed in the way of improvement yet,
When she crossed his path with her hunting-noose
And over him drew her net.
III.
When I saw him tangled in her toils,
A shame, said I, if she adds just him
To her nine-and-ninety other spoils,
The hundredth for a whim!
IV.
And before my friend be wholly hers,
How easy to prove to him, I said,
An eagle's the game her pride prefers,
Though she snaps at a wren instead!
V.
So, I gave her eyes my own eyes to take,
My hand sought hers as in earnest need,
And round she turned for my noble sake,
And gave me herself indeed.
VI.
The eagle am I, with my fame in the world,
The wren is he, with his maiden face.
---You look away and your lip is curled?
Patience, a moment's space!
VII.
For see, my friend goes shaling and white;
He eyes me as the basilisk:
I have turned, it appears, his day to night,
Eclipsing his sun's disk.
VIII.
And I did it, he thinks, as a very thief:
``Though I love her---that, he comprehends---
``One should master one's passions, (love, in chief)
``And be loyal to one's friends!''
IX.
And she,---she lies in my hand as tame
As a pear late basking over a wall;
Just a touch to try and off it came;
'Tis mine,---can I let it fall?
X.
With no mind to eat it, that's the worst!
Were it thrown in the road, would the case assist?
'Twas quenching a dozen blue-flies' thirst
When I gave its stalk a twist.
XI.
And I,---what I seem to my friend, you see:
What I soon shall seem to his love, you guess:
What I seem to myself, do you ask of me?
No hero, I confess.
XII.
'Tis an awkward thing to play with souls,
And matter enough to save one's own:
Yet think of my friend, and the burning coals
He played with for bits of stone!
XIII.
One likes to show the truth for the truth;
That the woman was light is very true:
But suppose she says,---Never mind that youth!
What wrong have I done to you?
XIV.
Well, any how, here the story stays,
So far at least as I understand;
And, Robert Browning, you writer of plays,
Here's a subject made to your hand!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Light Woman: A Masterpiece of Browning's Art
As a renowned poet of the Victorian era, Robert Browning was known for his exploration of the human psyche, often delving into the depths of human nature to unveil its complexities. "A Light Woman" is one such work of his that portrays the complexity of human emotions and the intricacies of human relationships.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
"A Light Woman" is a dramatic monologue that takes the form of a conversation between the speaker, who remains unnamed, and his interlocutor. The speaker starts by describing how he met a woman who was a "light" person - one who was carefree and easy-going. He was attracted to her and had a brief fling with her, but soon he realized that he couldn't cope with her unserious nature. He parted ways with her and now regrets his decision.
The poem is divided into two parts - the first part describes the woman and the speaker's infatuation with her, while the second part deals with the speaker's regret and remorse.
The Theme of Love and Regret
Love and regret are two of the central themes of the poem. The speaker is remorseful for having left the woman he loved, simply because she was too light-hearted. He realizes that his love for her was genuine and that he should have accepted her for who she was. The poem conveys the message that true love is accepting and forgiving. The speaker's regret is palpable, and it is clear that he is suffering from the consequences of his actions.
The Significance of the Title
The title of the poem, "A Light Woman," is significant in that it sets the tone for the entire work. The word "light" has a double meaning - it can refer to the woman's personality, which is carefree and easy-going, or it can refer to her promiscuity. The ambiguity of the title adds to the complexity of the poem and invites the reader to probe deeper into the speaker's feelings.
The Use of Language and Imagery
Browning's use of language and imagery is masterful in "A Light Woman." He creates a vivid picture of the woman through his use of descriptive language. The woman is described as having "bright hair" and a "rosy mouth," which makes her alluring to the speaker.
Browning also uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the speaker's emotional state. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, the speaker describes how he stumbled upon the woman, saying, "I met a lady in the meads, / Full beautiful - a faery's child, / Her hair was long, her foot was light, / And her eyes were wild." This imagery creates a sense of enchantment and intrigue, drawing the reader into the speaker's world.
The Use of Irony
Browning also employs irony in "A Light Woman," which adds to the complexity of the poem. The speaker initially dismisses the woman's carefree nature as frivolous and unserious, but later realizes that he was wrong in doing so. The irony lies in the fact that the speaker's own actions caused him to lose the woman he loved. He now realizes that his love for her was genuine and that he should have accepted her for who she was.
The Significance of the Poem in Browning's Work
"A Light Woman" is a significant work in Browning's oeuvre, as it explores the complexity of human relationships and emotions. Like many of his other poems, it is a dramatic monologue that delves into the depths of the human psyche. The poem is also significant in that it shows Browning's skill in using language and imagery to create a vivid and lasting impression on the reader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Light Woman" is a masterpiece of Browning's art. It is a poignant exploration of love and regret, and it showcases the poet's skill in using language and imagery to create a vivid and lasting impression on the reader. The poem is a testament to Browning's ability to explore the complexity of human relationships and emotions, and it remains a significant work in his oeuvre.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to a different time and place. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Light Woman" by Robert Browning. This poem is a masterpiece of Victorian literature and is known for its complex themes and vivid imagery. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem "A Light Woman" is a dramatic monologue, which means that it is a speech delivered by a single person. In this case, the speaker is a man who is addressing a woman. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABBCBC, which gives it a musical quality.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker describes the woman as a "light woman" who is "lightly won." This suggests that the woman is not serious about relationships and is easily swayed by the charms of men. The speaker also mentions that the woman has "no heart" and is "all head." This implies that the woman is rational and logical, but lacks emotional depth.
The second stanza of the poem is more descriptive and provides more insight into the woman's character. The speaker describes the woman's physical appearance, saying that she has "eyes like a bird" and "hair like hay." These descriptions suggest that the woman is flighty and carefree. The speaker also mentions that the woman is "light of love" and "light of wit." This reinforces the idea that the woman is not serious about relationships and is more interested in having fun.
The third stanza of the poem is the most emotional and reveals the speaker's true feelings. The speaker admits that he is "light of love" and that he is not looking for a serious relationship. However, he also acknowledges that he has fallen in love with the woman and that he cannot help himself. He says that he is "all love" and that he would do anything for the woman. This is a powerful admission, as it shows that the speaker is willing to sacrifice his own desires for the sake of love.
The poem "A Light Woman" is rich in literary devices, which add depth and complexity to the poem. One such device is imagery, which is used throughout the poem to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, the description of the woman's eyes as "like a bird" and her hair as "like hay" creates a clear image of the woman's physical appearance. The use of the word "light" throughout the poem also creates a sense of weightlessness and carefree attitude.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the word "light" throughout the poem creates a sense of unity and reinforces the theme of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "all head" also emphasizes the woman's rationality and lack of emotional depth.
The poem also uses irony to great effect. The speaker describes the woman as a "light woman" who is easily won, but then admits that he himself is "light of love." This creates a sense of hypocrisy and suggests that the speaker is not as different from the woman as he initially thought.
In conclusion, "A Light Woman" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of love, relationships, and emotional depth. The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue and is divided into three stanzas. The use of literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and irony adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, "A Light Woman" is a masterpiece of Victorian literature and is a testament to Robert Browning's skill as a poet.
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