'Sonnet 39 - Because thou hast the power and own'st the grace' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Sonnets from the Portuguese1850XXXIXBecause thou hast the power and own'st the grace
To look through and behind this mask of me
(Against which years have beat thus blanchingly
With their rains), and behold my soul's true face,
The dim and weary witness of life's race,-
Because thou hast the faith and love to see,
Through that same soul's distracting lethargy,
The patient angel waiting for a place
In the new Heavens,-because nor sin nor woe,
Nor God's infliction, nor death's neighborhood,
Nor all which others viewing, turn to go,
Nor all which makes me tired of all, self-viewed,-
Nothing repels thee, . . . Dearest, teach me so
To pour out gratitude, as thou dost, good!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 39: Power and Grace
When it comes to Elizabeth Barrett Browning's sonnets, "Because thou hast the power and own'st the grace" often gets overlooked. It's a shame, really. This poem has so much to offer, from its form to its themes, to its intricate word choice. We're going to take a closer look at this poem and see why it deserves more attention.
Form
First things first, let's talk about the form of this sonnet. It's a traditional Shakespearean sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. However, Browning puts her own spin on it. Rather than separating the poem into three quatrains and a final couplet, she divides it into two stanzas of seven lines each. This unusual structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, while also allowing Browning to explore her themes in a more nuanced way.
Theme
One of the most striking things about this poem is its exploration of power dynamics in relationships. The speaker addresses their lover, telling them that "thou hast the power and own'st the grace" (line 1). This power dynamic is further explored in the second stanza, where the speaker says "And wilt thou have me fashion into speech / The love I bear thee, finding words enough, / And hold the torch out, while the winds are rough, / Between our faces, to all years each?" (lines 8-11). Here, we see the speaker acknowledging that their lover has the power to dictate how their relationship is expressed and perceived by others.
But the poem doesn't just explore power dynamics in relationships. It also touches on themes of self-doubt and insecurity. The speaker says, "I cannot speak thy griefs. Than which there's none / More passionate" (lines 5-6). This line suggests that the speaker feels inadequate and powerless in the face of their lover's pain. They are unable to fully understand or articulate their lover's emotions, which leaves them feeling powerless and insecure.
Imagery
Browning's use of imagery in this sonnet is also worth noting. She uses the metaphor of a torch to describe the way the speaker feels about expressing their love. The speaker says, "And hold the torch out, while the winds are rough, / Between our faces, to all years each?" (lines 10-11). This metaphor suggests that expressing their love is a difficult and precarious task, much like holding a torch in the wind. It could be extinguished at any moment, leaving both parties in darkness.
Another striking image in the poem is the description of the lover's "griefs" as "passionate" (line 6). This word choice suggests that the lover's emotions are powerful and intense, and that the speaker is both in awe of and overwhelmed by them.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? Well, there are a few different ways to interpret this sonnet. On the surface, it seems to be a straightforward love poem. The speaker is expressing their feelings to their lover, but they feel powerless and insecure in the face of their lover's emotions. However, when we dig a little deeper, we can see that the poem is exploring themes of power dynamics and self-doubt.
The fact that the poem is written in the form of a sonnet adds another layer of interpretation. Sonnets were traditionally used to explore themes of love and desire, but they were also a way for poets to explore their own feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. By using this form, Browning is tapping into a long tradition of poets who have used the sonnet as a way to explore their own vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
"Because thou hast the power and own'st the grace" may not be the most famous of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's sonnets, but it is certainly one of the most interesting. With its unique structure, powerful imagery, and nuanced exploration of power dynamics and self-doubt, this poem deserves to be studied and appreciated by lovers of poetry everywhere. So next time you're looking for a Browning sonnet to analyze, don't overlook this hidden gem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 39: A Masterpiece of Love and Devotion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 39, "Because thou hast the power and own'st the grace," is a masterpiece of love and devotion. Written in the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, the poem is a celebration of the power and grace of the beloved, and a declaration of the speaker's unwavering love and devotion.
The Power and Grace of the Beloved
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the beloved, acknowledging their power and grace. The beloved is described as having the power to "make thyself another" and to "change thy state with kings." This suggests that the beloved has the ability to transform themselves and to rise above their station in life. The speaker is in awe of this power, and sees it as a reflection of the beloved's grace.
The beloved's grace is further emphasized in the second quatrain, where the speaker describes the beloved as having the power to "make a day of night." This suggests that the beloved has the ability to bring light and joy into the darkest of situations. The speaker is once again in awe of this power, and sees it as a reflection of the beloved's grace.
The Speaker's Love and Devotion
The third quatrain marks a shift in the poem, as the speaker declares their love and devotion to the beloved. The speaker acknowledges that they are not worthy of the beloved's love, but declares that they will love the beloved "with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life." This suggests that the speaker's love for the beloved is all-consuming, and that they are willing to give everything they have to the beloved.
The final couplet of the poem is a powerful declaration of the speaker's love and devotion. The speaker declares that they will love the beloved "with the passion put to use / In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith." This suggests that the speaker's love for the beloved is not a new thing, but something that has been with them since childhood. The speaker's love is not just a passing fancy, but a deep and abiding devotion that has stood the test of time.
The Significance of the Poem
Sonnet 39 is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is a celebration of the power and grace of the beloved. The poem acknowledges the beloved's ability to transform themselves and to bring light into the darkest of situations. This celebration of the beloved's power and grace is a reflection of the speaker's love and devotion.
Secondly, the poem is significant for its use of the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form. The poem is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This traditional form gives the poem a sense of structure and order, and allows the speaker to express their love and devotion in a clear and concise manner.
Finally, the poem is significant for its use of language. The poem is filled with powerful imagery and metaphors, such as the beloved's ability to "make a day of night." This use of language adds depth and richness to the poem, and helps to convey the speaker's love and devotion in a more powerful way.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 39 is a masterpiece of love and devotion. The poem celebrates the power and grace of the beloved, and declares the speaker's unwavering love and devotion. The poem is significant for its use of the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, its powerful imagery and metaphors, and its clear and concise expression of love and devotion. Sonnet 39 is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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