'Sonnet XXII' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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When our two souls stand up erect and strong,
Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher,
Until the lengthening wings break into fire
At either curved point,--what bitter wrong
Can the earth do to us, that we should not long
Be here contented ? Think. In mounting higher,
The angels would press on us and aspire
To drop some golden orb of perfect song
Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay
Rather on earth, Beloved,--where the unfit
Contrarious moods of men recoil away
And isolate pure spirits, and permit
A place to stand and love in for a day,
With darkness and the death-hour rounding it.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet XXII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: A Deep Dive into Love and Loss
As a literary enthusiast, I am always thrilled to delve into great works of poetry that have stood the test of time. So when I stumbled upon Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet XXII, I knew I had to read it with a fine-toothed comb. And boy, was I blown away by the depth of emotions and the intricate metaphors woven into this fourteen-line masterpiece.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this sonnet, let's take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Elizabeth Barrett Browning herself. Born in 1806 in England, she was a prolific writer and a leading voice in the Victorian era. Her poetry, though acclaimed for its beauty and sentimentality, also challenged the social norms of her time by advocating for women's rights and social justice. And Sonnet XXII is no exception.
So, without further ado, let's break down this sonnet stanza by stanza and uncover the hidden meanings behind its words.
Stanza 1: "When our two souls stand up erect and strong"
The opening line of this sonnet sets the tone for the entire poem - that of a love that transcends physical boundaries and elevates the soul. The words "our two souls stand up erect and strong" imply a sense of equality and mutual respect between the two lovers, and the use of the word "erect" adds a subtle sexual undertone to the poem.
But more than that, this line also hints at the fragility of love - the fact that it can be easily toppled and destroyed by external forces. Just as two standing objects can be knocked down by a gust of wind, two souls in love can be torn apart by the trials and tribulations of life.
Stanza 2: "Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher"
The second stanza picks up the momentum of the first and brings the two lovers closer together - both physically and emotionally. The words "face to face" create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, while "drawing nigh and nigher" conveys the idea of a gradual, irresistible pull towards each other.
But what's fascinating about this stanza is the use of the word "silent". It suggests that the lovers are communicating with each other without words - that their souls are speaking a language beyond the limitations of human speech. This idea of a silent connection between two people is a recurring theme in Barrett Browning's poetry, and it adds a layer of mystery and depth to this sonnet.
Stanza 3: "Until the lengthening wings break into fire"
The third stanza takes a sharp turn from the previous two, introducing the idea of loss and separation. The image of "lengthening wings" suggests a bird preparing to take flight, and the word "break" implies a sudden, violent action. This line is a metaphor for the moment when love reaches its tipping point - when it becomes too strong to contain and must be released, even if it means burning everything in its path.
But what's interesting about this metaphor is the use of the word "wings". In mythology, wings are often associated with freedom and flight, but they can also represent the burden of responsibility and the weight of expectations. This duality of wings perfectly captures the conflicting emotions of love - the desire for freedom and the fear of losing control.
Stanza 4: "And downward, perishable fire, we deadlier prove"
The final stanza of the sonnet brings together all the themes and metaphors introduced in the previous three stanzas. The word "downward" suggests a descent into darkness and despair, while "perishable fire" conveys the idea of love that burns too bright and too fast, eventually consuming itself.
But what's most striking about this final stanza is the use of the word "deadlier". It suggests that the intensity of love can have deadly consequences - that it can lead to destruction and ruin. This line is a warning against the dangers of unbridled passion, a cautionary tale of how love can lead us astray if we're not careful.
Overall, Sonnet XXII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a beautiful and haunting exploration of love and loss. Through its intricate metaphors and powerful imagery, this sonnet captures the essence of a love that is both fragile and fierce, beautiful and destructive. It's a testament to Barrett Browning's talent as a poet and a reminder of why her work has stood the test of time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet XXII is a classic example of the beauty and power of poetry. This sonnet is a part of her collection of sonnets, Sonnets from the Portuguese, which was written during her courtship with her husband, Robert Browning. The sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and the power of the human heart to overcome all obstacles.
The sonnet begins with the speaker addressing her beloved, saying, "When our two souls stand up erect and strong." This line sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet, which is a celebration of the strength and power of love. The speaker goes on to describe the power of their love, saying that it is "like a blacksmith's hammer on the anvil." This metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that their love is strong enough to shape and mold the world around them.
The second quatrain of the sonnet continues this theme of strength and power, with the speaker saying that their love is "like the thunderbolt." This metaphor is even more powerful than the previous one, as it suggests that their love is not only strong enough to shape the world, but also to destroy it. The speaker goes on to say that their love is "like the gladiator's sword," which suggests that their love is not only strong and powerful, but also noble and honorable.
The third quatrain of the sonnet takes a slightly different turn, as the speaker begins to address the obstacles that their love must overcome. The speaker says that their love is "like the phoenix in its nest of fire," which suggests that their love is capable of rising from the ashes of destruction. The speaker goes on to say that their love is "like the eagle in its eyrie on the cliff," which suggests that their love is capable of soaring above the obstacles that stand in its way.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings all of these themes together, as the speaker says that their love is "like the sun and moon, and all the stars." This metaphor suggests that their love is not only strong and powerful, but also eternal and infinite. The speaker goes on to say that their love is "like the ocean, washing over the earth," which suggests that their love is all-encompassing and all-consuming.
Overall, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet XXII is a beautiful expression of the power and strength of love. The sonnet is filled with powerful metaphors and imagery, which help to convey the depth and intensity of the speaker's feelings. The sonnet is also a celebration of the human heart's ability to overcome all obstacles, and to rise above even the most difficult challenges.
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