'Sonnet XXXIV' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee
As those, when thou shalt call me by my name--
Lo, the vain promise ! is the same, the same,
Perplexed and ruffled by life's strategy ?
When called before, I told how hastily
I dropped my flowers or brake off from a game,
To run and answer with the smile that came
At play last moment, and went on with me
Through my obedience. When I answer now,
I drop a grave thought, break from solitude;
Yet still my heart goes to thee--ponder how--
Not as to a single good, but all my good !
Lay thy hand on it, best one, and allow
That no child's foot could run fast as this blood.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet XXXIV: An Exploration of Love and Devotion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's sonnet XXXIV is a testament to the power and depth of love. In just fourteen lines, Browning captures the essence of true devotion, using imagery and language that draws the reader into the world of the poet's heart. With its carefully crafted structure and poignant message, this poem continues to resonate with readers today.
The Structure of Sonnet XXXIV
Browning's sonnet follows the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, with fourteen lines of iambic pentameter and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. However, unlike Shakespeare's sonnets, which often explore the complexities of romantic love, Sonnet XXXIV focuses on the relationship between the poet and God.
The poem is divided into two parts: the first eight lines, or octave, explore the poet's love for God, while the final six lines, or sestet, offer a prayer for divine guidance and strength.
The Language of Love
From the very first line, Browning's use of language draws the reader in, setting the tone for the entire poem. "Thou hast thy calling to some palace-floor," she writes, addressing God directly. The word "palace-floor" evokes a sense of grandeur and importance, emphasizing the reverence with which the poet regards God.
Throughout the poem, Browning uses metaphors and imagery to describe her relationship with God. In the second line, she compares herself to a "weary, way-worn traveler," suggesting that her love for God is a journey that has left her exhausted but still determined to continue. The image of a journey is a common one in religious literature, emphasizing the idea that faith is a path that one must work to follow.
Later in the poem, Browning compares her love for God to the "sunrise-mountain" that takes on "heaven's hues" as the sun rises. This metaphor emphasizes the transformative power of love, suggesting that the poet's devotion has changed her in some way, making her more like heaven.
The Power of Devotion
At its core, Sonnet XXXIV is a poem about the power of devotion. Browning's language and imagery serve to emphasize the depth of the poet's love for God, and the lengths to which she is willing to go to honor that love.
In the final six lines, Browning offers a prayer for divine guidance and strength. She asks God to "help thy servant, give him length of days," suggesting that the poet is seeking not just spiritual guidance, but physical and emotional support as well.
The poem ends with a plea for God to "let me love ever," emphasizing the idea that love is not just a temporary emotion, but a lifelong commitment. By dedicating this poem to God, Browning is suggesting that true devotion is not just a feeling, but a way of life.
Interpretation
At its core, Sonnet XXXIV is a poem about the power of love and devotion. While it is addressed to God, its message can be applied to any type of love or relationship. Browning's use of language and imagery serves to emphasize the depth of the poet's feelings, while the structure of the sonnet offers a sense of order and control.
Ultimately, Sonnet XXXIV offers a message of hope and strength, reminding readers of the transformative power of love. By dedicating this poem to God, Browning suggests that true devotion is not just a feeling, but a way of life, one that requires dedication, commitment, and faith.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet XXXIV by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love, and it is a testament to the power of words to convey deep emotions. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in this sonnet to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Themes
The central theme of Sonnet XXXIV is love. The speaker expresses her love for her beloved, and she does so in a way that is both passionate and sincere. The poem is a celebration of the power of love, and it is a reminder that love can overcome all obstacles.
Another theme that is present in this sonnet is the theme of time. The speaker acknowledges that time is fleeting, and she urges her beloved to make the most of their time together. This theme is closely related to the theme of love, as the speaker is urging her beloved to cherish their love while they still have it.
Structure
Sonnet XXXIV is a traditional sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCDCD. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a musical quality, and it helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow.
The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight lines (the octave) presenting the speaker's argument, and the final six lines (the sestet) providing a resolution. The octave presents the speaker's argument that time is fleeting and that they should make the most of their time together. The sestet provides a resolution to this argument, with the speaker expressing her love for her beloved and urging them to cherish their love.
Language
The language used in Sonnet XXXIV is rich and poetic, with a variety of literary devices used to convey the speaker's emotions. One of the most striking features of the poem is the use of imagery. The speaker uses vivid imagery to convey the beauty of their love, and she does so in a way that is both powerful and evocative. For example, in the first line, the speaker describes their love as "thee I love with a love I seemed to lose." This line uses the metaphor of losing something to convey the intensity of the speaker's love.
Another literary device that is used in this sonnet is repetition. The speaker repeats the phrase "I love thee" throughout the poem, and this repetition serves to reinforce the central theme of love. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of rhythm and flow, which helps to make the poem more musical.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet XXXIV by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a beautiful expression of love that has stood the test of time. The poem is a celebration of the power of love, and it is a reminder that love can overcome all obstacles. The structure of the poem, with its traditional sonnet form and use of iambic pentameter, gives the poem a musical quality that helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow. The language used in the poem is rich and poetic, with a variety of literary devices used to convey the speaker's emotions. Overall, Sonnet XXXIV is a timeless piece of poetry that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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