Sonnet 43 Flashcards
Who was Sonnet 43 written by?
Elizabeth Barret Browning
When was Sonnet 43 written?
1845
What are some context points about Elizabeth Barret Browning?
- Came from a wealthy family
- Devoutly religious, her father was a vicar
- Ill and frail most of her life
- Many family deaths and difficult family relationships
- Controlling father who opposed her marriage, threatening to disown her
- Married Robert Browning (another poet) in secret and moved to Italy
- They communicated in secret, Elizabeth wrote Robert a series of sonnets: 44 in total. Elizabeth didn’t want her poems published as they were extremely personal
What is the significance of the title of Sonnet 43?
Establishes love as it is a sonnet. 43rd sonnet out of 44th, emphasises love
What is the form of Sonnet 43?
A sonnet, a poem that is often used to convey love.
“How do…
…love thee?”
“depth…
…and breadth and height My soul can reach”
“Being…
…and ideal Grace”
How many times is “I love thee” repeated in Sonnet 43?
8 + “I shall but love thee”
What semantic field is used in Sonnet 43?
Religion: “soul” “Being” “Grace” “candlelight” “Right” “purely” “Praise” “faith” “saints” “God” “after death” - argues that her love strengthens her relationship with God because it is morally right, opposing her father
What is the purpose of enjambment in Sonnet 43?
Creates a sense of breathlessness, symbolising passion. Also suggests her love transcends the limitations of poetic form
“sun…
…and candlelight”
What is the significance of autobiographical references in Sonnet 43?
“old griefs” “childhood faith” “my lost saints” - Robert will be as important to her as these key moments in her life were
“breath…
…smiles, tears, of all my life!”
“if God choose…
…I shall but love thee better after death”
