Sonnet 29 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the poem about?

A

The speaker’s borderline obsessive thoughts about their lover. The idea of vines encircling a tree is used as a metaphor for the speaker’s growing love. Eventually they realise that it is better to be physically present rather than thinking about him.

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2
Q

What is the form of the poem?

A

Petrarchan sonnet (centered on love from a distance). Iambic pentameter= traditional nature of her love. She breaks away from this “put out broad leaves and soon there’s enough to see” showing unconventional nature of love and need to express it without rigid standards.

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3
Q

What is the structure of the poem?

A

Goes from thinking about him to being with him. Uses more commonly Italian rhyme scheme showing unconventionality of her affections.

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4
Q

What is the context of the poem?

A

Poems were not published until years after her marriage to Robert Browning. They were personal and intimate. She eloped with him and was cut off from her family. Written during Victorian times.

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5
Q

Who wrote the poem?

A

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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6
Q

What does the title of the poem suggest?

A

Exclamative shows her excitement to be with her lover.

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7
Q

What can be said about the extended metaphor of the poem?

A

Natural imagery. Vine used to represent speakers thoughts and tree used to represent speakers lover. Sexual innuendo represents excitement to be closer to lover.

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8
Q

Finish and analyse the quote: “My thoughts do _____________” LINE 1

A

“My thoughts do twine and bud”

Natural imagery. Thoughts constantly growing and developing. Alludes to untameable nature of speaker’s lover.

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9
Q

What can be said about the speaker’s lover?

A

He is characterised as stable and dependable.

“O my palm tree”
“Strong tree”

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10
Q

Finish and analyse the quote: “Except the _____ green which hides ______” LINE 4

A

“Except the straggling green which hides the wood”

Suggests that the vines are inferior to the tree just as her thoughts do not do her lover justice. Worried that their love for each other will conceal their true selves.

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11
Q

Finish and analyse the quote: “Rustle ____ and set _______” LINE 9

A

“Rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare”

Auditory imagery. Natural connotations showing inevitability of love for each other.

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12
Q

Finish and analyse the quote: “Burst ______, everywhere!”

A

“Burst, shattered, everywhere!”

Triad structure marks turning point. His presence replaces her thoughts. Caesura contributes to dramatic effect.

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13
Q

What is the last line of the poem?

A

“I do not think of thee- I am too near thee.”

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14
Q

What can be said about the last line of the poem?

A

Reversal of first line showing the difference between her thoughts and the reality. Breaks free from her obsessive thoughts and able to love him now. Women were not expected to show such intense and come emotions but she breaks free from this showing her excitement.

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