Sonnet 43 - Elizabeth Browning Flashcards
“How do I love thee?”
The rhetorical question instantly establishes a reflective, personal tone to the poem and sets up the structure of the poem as a response to this leading question.
‘depth’, ‘breadth’, ‘height’, ‘reach’
The Semantic field of measurement emphasises how the speaker is trying to define her love and poses the question as to whether or not love can be measured or defined.
“Being and ideal Grace”
Browning could be referring to God in this part and comparing her love for Robert Browning as the way she loves God. Or is may refer to their relationship being sanctioned by an Almighty being, such is the sacredness of their relationship
“by sun and candlelight”
By using the image of the ‘sun’ could suggest that he is her life source and that she cannot live without him. By using the image of ‘candlelight’ this could suggest that that he lights up her dark thoughts. This furthers the notion of her deep love for him
“freely, as men strive for Right”
The adverb ‘freely’ could suggest that no one is influencing the way she feels about him. The phrase ‘Strive for Right’ could imply that she is willing to ‘fight’ for their love.
“With the breath”
This is a shift from depicting her love to metaphorical items, but more physical things, suggesting there really is a strong and tangible basis behind their love
“I shall but love thee better after death”
This could suggest that her love is eternal and that it is a level of commitment she is willing to promise.
Context
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s brother drowned at a young age. Her “old grief” possibly consumed her and now she focuses all her love into this relationship
