The Laboratory Flashcards
Robert Browning
What does it show?
“As thou pliest thy trade in this devil’s-smithy- which is the poison to poison her, prithee?”
The repetition/plosive alliteration creates a harsh and angry tone for the poem
Formal politeness, meaning please, used when a request went against the addressee’s wishes
What does it show?
“He is with her, and they know that I know”
Monosyllabic words create a staccato tone (sharp and angry). It dehumanises/depersonalises them
What does it show?
“Empty church, to pray God in, for them! - I am here”
Juxtaposition between God and science - links to the devil as she is being an active female. The simple declarative sentence also emphasises her boldness
What does it show?
“That is the mortar”
Specific scientific lexis - she wants to learn the process of making the poison, so asks the craftsman - portrayed as not the stereotypical female
What does it show?
“To carry pure death in an earring, a casket, a signet, a fan-mount, a filigree-basket!”
Is a metaphor/metonymy (substituting one word for another) - the listing also shows her excitement at the prospect of concealing the poison
What does it show?
“Quick - is it finished?”
She is impatient and snaps out of her trance
What does it show?
“The soul from those masculine eyes”
She is critical in the description of the other woman - offensive description as she’s called her masculine
What does it show?
“Brand, burn up, bite”
Imperatives coupled with plosive alliteration to emphasise the intended suffering she is gonna cause to her victims
What does it show?
“Can it ever hurt me?”
Exposes her lack of concern for getting caught - links with Porphyria’s lover and the idea of not being caught
What does it show?
“You may kiss me , old man, on my mouth if you will!”
Unpleasant, sexualised imagery - makes the reader uncomfortable, shows she has no morals/ethical limits to get what she wants
