'Prisoner , The' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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I count the dismal time by months and years
Since last I felt the green sward under foot,
And the great breath of all things summer-
Met mine upon my lips. Now earth appears
As strange to me as dreams of distant spheres
Or thoughts of Heaven we weep at. Nature's lute
Sounds on, behind this door so closely shut,
A strange wild music to the prisoner's ears,
Dilated by the distance, till the brain
Grows dim with fancies which it feels too
While ever, with a visionary pain,
Past the precluded senses, sweep and Rhine
Streams, forests, glades, and many a golden train
Of sunlit hills transfigured to Divine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Coming to Grips with "The Prisoner"

When I first read Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "The Prisoner," I was surprised by how much the poem impacted me. Despite being written over 150 years ago, it still resonates with readers today. As I delved into a deeper examination of the poem, I discovered that it is much more than just a simple expression of a captive's plight. Instead, "The Prisoner" is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of isolation, freedom, and the internal struggle to maintain a sense of self despite external forces.

Understanding the Poem

At its most basic level, "The Prisoner" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a prisoner who has been locked away from the world for so long that she has lost all sense of self. The poem is written in the first person, with the prisoner describing her surroundings in vivid detail. At the same time, she expresses her longing for freedom and her fear that she will never escape her captivity.

The poem begins with the prisoner describing her surroundings in a way that suggests she has been in captivity for a long time. She talks about the "damp walls" and the "rusty bars" that keep her confined, and she mentions the "dwindling light" that reminds her of the passing days. Despite her bleak surroundings, the prisoner still has hope for the future. She longs for the day when she will be able to escape her captivity and experience the world outside once again.

As the poem progresses, the prisoner's tone shifts from one of hope to one of despair. She realizes that her captivity has changed her, and she fears that she will never be able to return to the person she once was. She describes herself as "a thing apart" and laments that she no longer recognizes herself in the mirror. Despite these feelings of hopelessness, the prisoner remains determined to escape her captivity and reclaim her sense of self.

Themes in the Poem

"The Prisoner" explores a number of themes that are still relevant today. One of the most prominent themes is isolation. The prisoner is cut off from the world and has been in captivity for so long that she has lost all sense of self. She is no longer able to interact with other people or experience the world around her, and this isolation has taken a toll on her mental and emotional well-being.

Another major theme in the poem is freedom. The prisoner longs for the day when she will be able to escape her captivity and experience the world outside once again. She dreams of feeling the sun on her face and the wind in her hair, and she yearns to be able to move freely without the constraints of her prison. This longing for freedom is something that many people can relate to, as we all have a desire to be able to move and act freely without restrictions.

Finally, "The Prisoner" explores the internal struggle to maintain a sense of self despite external forces. The prisoner is surrounded by walls and bars that define her physical boundaries, but she must also contend with the psychological effects of her captivity. She struggles to maintain a sense of self despite the fact that she is cut off from the world, and she fears that she will never be able to reclaim her identity.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "The Prisoner" is a poem about the human condition. It explores the ways in which we are shaped and defined by our surroundings, and the internal struggle to maintain a sense of self in the face of external forces. The poem also touches on the themes of isolation and freedom, which are universal experiences that everyone can relate to on some level.

One of the most interesting aspects of "The Prisoner" is the way in which it uses language to convey the prisoner's sense of isolation and despair. The poem is written in the first person, which allows the reader to experience the prisoner's thoughts and feelings directly. The language is also very evocative, with vivid descriptions of the prisoner's surroundings and her internal struggles.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a metaphor for the human soul. The prisoner is trapped in a physical prison, but she is also trapped in an emotional prison that has stripped her of her sense of self. This emotional prison can be seen as a metaphor for the ways in which we are often trapped by our own fears and insecurities, which can prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Prisoner" is a powerful poem that explores the human condition in a way that is both timeless and relevant today. It delves into themes of isolation, freedom, and the internal struggle to maintain a sense of self despite external forces. The poem's use of language is evocative and powerful, and it is a testament to Elizabeth Barrett Browning's skill as a writer. Whether you are reading it for the first time or revisiting it after many years, "The Prisoner" is a poem that will always have something new to offer.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Prisoner: A Masterpiece by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era, is known for her powerful and emotive poetry. Her works often explore themes of love, loss, and social justice, and her use of language and imagery is both beautiful and profound. Among her many famous poems, "Poetry Prisoner" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of what it means to be a poet.

"Poetry Prisoner" was first published in 1844 as part of Barrett Browning's collection "Poems." The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, with the speaker addressing poetry as if it were a person. The poem begins with the speaker describing poetry as a "prisoner" who is trapped within the poet's mind. The speaker then goes on to explore the ways in which poetry can be both a source of joy and a burden for the poet.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the relationship between the poet and poetry. In the first stanza, the speaker describes poetry as a "captive bird" that is "chained to [the poet's] heart." The image of a bird in captivity is a powerful one, suggesting that poetry is something that the poet cannot escape from. The use of the word "heart" also suggests that poetry is something deeply personal and emotional for the poet.

In the second stanza, the speaker explores the ways in which poetry can be both a source of joy and a burden for the poet. The speaker describes how poetry can "sing" and "soar" and bring the poet "heavenly joys." However, the speaker also acknowledges that poetry can be a "painful pleasure" that can "wring [the poet's] heart." This suggests that while poetry can be a source of great joy, it can also be emotionally taxing for the poet.

In the final stanza, the speaker addresses poetry directly, asking it to "rise and fly away." The speaker suggests that poetry is something that the poet cannot control, and that it is ultimately up to poetry to decide when it will leave the poet's mind. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, with the speaker asking poetry to "leave [the poet's] heart its tears" and to "take [the poet's] thoughts and dreams." This suggests that poetry is something that is deeply connected to the poet's emotions and imagination, and that it has the power to both comfort and inspire.

Overall, "Poetry Prisoner" is a powerful and emotive poem that captures the essence of what it means to be a poet. The use of the dramatic monologue form allows the speaker to explore the complex relationship between the poet and poetry, and the imagery and language used throughout the poem is both beautiful and profound. The poem is a testament to Barrett Browning's skill as a poet, and it remains a classic of Victorian literature to this day.

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