Porphyria's Lover Pear 1 Analysis (character)

Question 1

Browning’s use of imabic tetrameter

Answer 1

Browning uses an iambic tetrameter to reflect the controlling nature of the speaker as well as evidencing his instability.

Question 2

“sullen wind”

Answer 2

Through the phrase “sullen wind”, Browning reflects the petulance of the speaker and hints at the turbulence to follow, whilst the use of pathetic fallacy establishes a morose and gloomy atmosphere, creating a sense of foreboding about what is to come.

Question 3

“wind was soon awake”

Answer 3

By mentioning that the “wind was soon awake”, Browning describes the weather as a living, malevolent force which hints at the dark tendencies and desires that will soon become apparent in the speaker.

Question 4

“tore” and “spite”

Answer 4

The pathetic fallacy of the words “tore” and “spite” also suggest aggression and malice, foreshadowing the violence and cruelty to follow.

Question 5

“did its worst to vex the lake”

Answer 5

Similarly, the phrase “did its worst to vex the lake” continues the idea of nature as a hostile, ill-tempered force, representing the uneasy feelings of the speaker.

Question 6

“I listened with heart fit to break”

Answer 6

From the start of the poem, the speaker’s heightened emotional state is made clear: “I listened with heart fit to break.” This immediately establishes his mindset and conveys to the reader that something has clearly been troubling him.