'Sonnet 34 - With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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Sonnets from the Portuguese1850XXXIVWith 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

Sonnet 34 - With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Excited Introduction:

Oh, dear reader, I am thrilled to be writing about one of the most beautiful sonnets ever written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Sonnet 34, titled "With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee," is a masterpiece of language, passion, and depth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, imagery, and poetic techniques that make this sonnet such a timeless piece of literature.

Historical Context:

Before we begin our journey into the sonnet, let us take a moment to understand the historical context in which it was written. Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a Victorian poet who lived from 1806 to 1861, a time when women's rights were virtually non-existent and poetry was dominated by men. Her poetry challenged these conventions, and Sonnet 34 is a shining example of her literary rebellion.

The Sonnet:

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, where the next blue flowers shall spring anew; Not, where the next bird wings its shaftless bow; And not, where half the poetry of earth is through:

Theme:

The theme of Sonnet 34 is the conflict between love and duty, between passion and responsibility. Browning begins by promising to answer her lover's call "with the same heart," but immediately doubts her own ability to keep this promise. She wonders if her heart will be "perplexed and ruffled" by the challenges of life, and whether she will be able to drop everything to answer his call. This conflict between love and duty is a timeless one, and Browning captures it perfectly in this sonnet.

Imagery:

One of the most striking aspects of Sonnet 34 is its use of vivid imagery. Browning describes herself dropping "flowers" and breaking off "from a game" to answer her lover's call. This image of a playful and carefree girl abruptly stopping everything to answer her beloved is both charming and poignant. Later in the sonnet, Browning uses imagery to describe her current situation. She is no longer the carefree girl but rather a woman with "grave thoughts" who breaks "from solitude" to answer her lover. This shift in imagery highlights the conflict between youth and maturity, between passion and responsibility.

Poetic Techniques:

Browning's use of poetic techniques in Sonnet 34 is masterful. She employs enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next, to create a sense of fluidity and momentum. For example, when she writes, "When called before, I told how hastily / I dropped my flowers or brake off from a game," the sentence flows seamlessly from one line to the next, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Browning also uses repetition to create a sense of symmetry and balance. The phrase "the same, the same" echoes throughout the sonnet, emphasizing the theme of conflict and the struggle to maintain consistency in the face of life's challenges.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Sonnet 34 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a powerful and poignant piece of literature. Its themes of love, duty, passion, and responsibility remain relevant today, and its use of vivid imagery and poetic technique make it a timeless masterpiece. As we read and interpret this sonnet, we cannot help but be struck by the modernity of Browning's voice and the timelessness of her message. We are fortunate to have such an enduring piece of literature to guide us through the complexities of the human heart.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 34 - With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that explores the depths of love and the human heart. In this sonnet, Browning uses her poetic prowess to convey the intensity of her emotions and the power of her love for her beloved.

The sonnet opens with the speaker declaring that she will answer her beloved with the same heart that he has spoken to her. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with passion and emotion. The speaker goes on to describe the depth of her love, saying that it is so strong that it can never be broken or diminished. She compares her love to a river that flows endlessly, never ceasing or slowing down.

Browning's use of metaphor in this sonnet is particularly striking. The river metaphor is a powerful one, as it conveys the idea of a love that is constant and unchanging. The river is a natural force that cannot be stopped or controlled, just as the speaker's love cannot be stopped or controlled. This metaphor also suggests that the speaker's love is a source of life and sustenance, just as a river is for the land it flows through.

The speaker then goes on to describe the ways in which her love has grown and evolved over time. She says that her love has grown stronger with each passing day, and that it has become a part of her very being. This idea of love becoming a part of one's self is a common theme in Browning's poetry, and it is particularly evident in this sonnet. The speaker's love is not just an emotion, but a fundamental part of who she is.

Browning's use of language in this sonnet is also noteworthy. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a musical quality that is pleasing to the ear. The use of alliteration and assonance also adds to the musicality of the poem. For example, in the line "With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee," the repetition of the "h" sound in "heart" and "answer" creates a pleasing sound that adds to the overall effect of the poem.

The final two lines of the sonnet are particularly powerful. The speaker declares that her love is so strong that it can overcome even death itself. This idea of love transcending death is a common theme in Browning's poetry, and it is particularly evident in this sonnet. The speaker's love is not just a temporary emotion, but a force that will endure beyond the grave.

Overall, Sonnet 34 - With the same heart, I said, I'll answer thee is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that explores the depths of love and the human heart. Browning's use of metaphor, language, and poetic form all contribute to the power and beauty of the poem. The sonnet is a testament to the enduring power of love, and it is a reminder that even in the face of death, love can conquer all.

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