'On A Portrait Of Wordsworth By B. R. Haydon' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Wordsworth upon Helvellyn ! Let the cloud
Ebb audibly along the mountain-wind,
Then break against the rock, and show behind
The lowland valleys floating up to crowd
The sense with beauty. He with forehead bowed
And humble-lidded eyes, as one inclined
Before the sovran thought of his own mind,
And very meek with inspirations proud,
Takes here his rightful place as poet-priest
By the high altar, singing prayer and prayer
To the higher Heavens. A noble vision free
Our Haydon's hand has flung out from the mist:
No portrait this, with Academic air !
This is the poet and his poetry.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem, "On a Portrait of Wordsworth by B. R. Haydon," is a tribute to the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth. In this 13-stanza poem, Browning praises Wordsworth's genius, omits his shortcomings, and immortalizes him as a divine figure. The poem reflects Browning's admiration for Wordsworth and her belief in the power of poetry to inspire and touch the human soul.
Form
Browning's poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common form of English poetry. Each line contains ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed, stressed syllables, creating a rhythmic flow. The poem also includes internal rhymes, where words within the same line rhyme with each other, and end rhymes, where words in the end of the lines rhyme with each other. The use of such poetic devices adds a musical quality to the poem, making it enjoyable to read aloud.
The poem is divided into 13 stanzas, with each stanza containing four lines. The consistent structure of the stanzas creates a sense of unity and coherence, allowing the poem to flow smoothly.
Interpretation
The poem begins with an epigraph, a quote from Wordsworth's poem, "Tintern Abbey," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The epigraph reads, "And I have felt a presence that disturbs me with the joy of elevated thoughts." The quote suggests that Wordsworth's poetry has the power to elevate one's thoughts, inspiring them with joy and wonder.
In the first stanza, Browning describes the portrait of Wordsworth painted by B.R. Haydon. She praises Haydon's skill as an artist and the way he captures Wordsworth's "deep eyes" and "mighty forehead," suggesting that the portrait is a true representation of Wordsworth.
In the following stanzas, Browning focuses on Wordsworth's poetic genius. She describes him as a "seer" who sees beyond the material world, into the realm of the spiritual. She praises his ability to "pluck the heart of life," suggesting that Wordsworth's poetry captures the essence of life, its beauty, and its sorrow.
Browning also celebrates Wordsworth's contribution to the Romantic movement, suggesting that his poetry paved the way for future poets to explore the depths of human emotions. She describes him as a "mighty master," whose poetry has the power to move one's soul.
In stanza 6, Browning reflects on Wordsworth's connection to nature. She describes him as a lover of the natural world, suggesting that nature was his muse. She also suggests that Wordsworth's poetry reflects his deep understanding of nature, its beauty, and its power.
In the later stanzas, Browning elevates Wordsworth to a divine figure, suggesting that his poetry is a manifestation of the divine. She describes him as a "prophet" who speaks the words of God, suggesting that his poetry has a spiritual quality to it. She also suggests that Wordsworth's poetry has the power to inspire and guide humanity, making him a "star" that shines in the darkness.
Criticism
Browning's poem is a tribute to Wordsworth, and as such, it omits his shortcomings. While it is true that Wordsworth was a great poet, he was also a flawed human being. Wordsworth's political views, for example, have been criticized for being conservative and reactionary. He was also accused of being an elitist, who believed that only the educated should have access to poetry.
Browning's poem also reflects the romanticization of poets and poetry, which was common during the Romantic period. The Romantic poets believed that poetry was a divine art, capable of transforming the human soul. While poetry can certainly inspire and move us, it is not a magical cure for all of life's problems.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "On a Portrait of Wordsworth by B. R. Haydon" is a tribute to the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Through her poem, Browning celebrates Wordsworth's genius, his contribution to the Romantic movement, and his connection to nature. She also elevates him to a divine figure, suggesting that his poetry is a manifestation of the divine. While the poem omits Wordsworth's shortcomings and reflects the romanticization of poets and poetry, it remains a powerful tribute to one of the greatest poets of the English language.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On A Portrait Of Wordsworth By B. R. Haydon: An Analysis
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Poetry On A Portrait Of Wordsworth By B. R. Haydon" is a beautiful tribute to the great poet William Wordsworth. The poem is a reflection on a portrait of Wordsworth painted by Benjamin Robert Haydon, a famous artist of the time. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand the depth of Browning's admiration for Wordsworth.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the portrait of Wordsworth. Browning writes, "The forehead of this age and writer of this age, / And thoughtful round the large, sweet, serious eyes, / Has my dear poet." The use of the word "dear" immediately establishes Browning's affection for Wordsworth. She goes on to describe the portrait in detail, noting the "deep lines" on his face and the "silvered hair" that frames it. The stanza ends with the line, "And all the rest is blurred and faint and gray." This line suggests that the portrait is not a perfect representation of Wordsworth, but rather a mere approximation.
In the second stanza, Browning reflects on Wordsworth's poetry. She writes, "O poet, for thy gazing, let me be / A figure in that gracious company; / I mean that grouping of the great of old, / Who, gazed on by the gods, grew bright and bold." Here, Browning is expressing her desire to be included in the company of great poets like Wordsworth. She sees him as a member of a "gracious company" of poets who have been "gazed on by the gods." This line suggests that Wordsworth's poetry is divine, and that he is a part of a select group of poets who have been blessed with this gift.
The third stanza is the most emotional of the three. Browning writes, "And I am glad thy soul is thus portrayed / In its full grandeur; even to the shade / Of the last 'subject' brow, and bless the hand / Which drew it, with a fervour of demand." Here, Browning is expressing her gratitude for the portrait of Wordsworth. She is glad that his "soul is thus portrayed in its full grandeur," and she blesses the hand of the artist who drew it. The use of the word "demand" suggests that Browning sees the portrait as a representation of Wordsworth's greatness, and that she expects others to recognize this greatness as well.
The themes of the poem are admiration, gratitude, and the power of poetry. Browning's admiration for Wordsworth is evident throughout the poem. She sees him as a great poet who is a part of a select group of poets who have been blessed with divine inspiration. Her gratitude for the portrait of Wordsworth is also evident, as she sees it as a representation of his greatness. Finally, the power of poetry is a theme that runs throughout the poem. Browning sees Wordsworth's poetry as divine, and she believes that it has the power to elevate the human soul.
The language of the poem is rich and evocative. Browning uses words like "gracious," "grandeur," and "fervour" to convey her admiration for Wordsworth. She also uses imagery to describe the portrait, noting the "deep lines" on his face and the "silvered hair" that frames it. The use of the word "dear" to describe Wordsworth is also significant, as it suggests a deep emotional connection between the two poets.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Poetry On A Portrait Of Wordsworth By B. R. Haydon" is a beautiful tribute to the great poet William Wordsworth. The poem is a reflection on a portrait of Wordsworth painted by Benjamin Robert Haydon, a famous artist of the time. Browning's admiration for Wordsworth is evident throughout the poem, as is her gratitude for the portrait of him. The power of poetry is also a theme that runs throughout the poem, as Browning sees Wordsworth's poetry as divine and capable of elevating the human soul. Overall, this poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of William Wordsworth and his contribution to the world of poetry.
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