Elizabeth Barrett Browning Week 7 PDF

INTRODUCTION TO VICTORIAN POETRY WEEK VII Dr. Zübeyir SAVAŞ ➡A brief information about the life and poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning ➡A critical approach to the collection “Sonnets from the Portuguese” as an opposition to Sonnet Tradition. ...

INTRODUCTION TO VICTORIAN POETRY WEEK VII Dr. Zübeyir SAVAŞ ➡A brief information about the life and poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning ➡A critical approach to the collection “Sonnets from the Portuguese” as an opposition to Sonnet Tradition.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING (1806-1861) ➡ Elizabeth Barrett was the oldest of eleven children born to Edward Moulton Barrett and Mary Graham Clarke. She grew up in a large country house called Hope End in Herefordshire. Her parents encouraged her to read a lot; unlike many girls of her time, she had free access to her father's library and was even educated alongside her brothers. When she was fourteen, her father arranged for her epic poem, *The Battle of Marathon*, to be privately published. ➡ In 1821, Elizabeth became seriously ill with an unknown condition that affected her back and lungs, leaving her in poor health for the rest of her life. During the 1830s, she began to gain recognition for her poetry with her collection titled *The Seraphim and Other Poems*, published in 1838. It received a positive response, making her quite well-known in literary circles. However, around the same time, her health took a turn for the worse, prompting her to move from London to the warmer climate of Torquay in hopes of recovering. ➡ While in Torquay, Elizabeth desperately wanted her favourite brother, Edward (whom she called “Bro”), to visit her. Tragically, while there, he drowned during a sailing trip. This loss filled Elizabeth with deep grief and guilt, and she found it impossible to speak or write about his death for the rest of her life.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING (1806-1861) ➡ After recovering somewhat from her health issues, Elizabeth Barrett returned to London in 1841 and dedicated herself to her writing. In 1844, she published a well-known collection of poems called Poems, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. One of the poems in this collection, “Lady Geraldine’s Courtship,” praised the work of a then lesser-known poet, Robert Browning. He reached out to thank her, and this sparked a correspondence that eventually led to the two meetings just four months later. They wrote letters to each other every day, sometimes even twice daily, for over a year. However, Elizabeth's father had strict rules against his children’s marrying, so she and Robert decided to get married secretly. In 1846, they moved to Italy, where they settled in a beautiful place called Casa Guidi. Their son, Pen, was born there in 1849, and they lived in Florence for the rest of Elizabeth's life.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S UNDERSTANDING OF ART AND POETRY ➡ In the 1840s and 1850s, Elizabeth Barrett Browning produced some of her most well-known poetry, gaining widespread recognition for her work. Her 1844 collection, Poems, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, showcases a variety of voices, styles, and themes. She took creative risks with her writing, using unconventional techniques like partial rhymes, varied rhythms, made-up words, and unique combinations of words. These bold choices sparked a range of reactions from readers of her time—some were fascinated, while others were shocked or confused. More recently, figures like Virginia Woolf have recognised Browning's work as influential, shaping the direction of later poetry and paving the way for modern literature.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S UNDERSTANDING OF ART AND POETRY ➡ In 1850, Elizabeth Barrett Browning published a collection of her poems, including some from 1844 and new pieces. One of the highlights of this collection is the well-known series Sonnets from the Portuguese, which she wrote secretly for her husband during their courtship. These poems have become famous not just for their artistic beauty but also for capturing the deep emotions of love as it develops. They reflect the poet's feelings—a 39- year-old woman who had been unwell and was being courted by a younger man—as she moves from feeling surprised and unsure to experiencing deep passion, trust, and hope for the future.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S UNDERSTANDING OF ART AND POETRY ➡ In addition to the sonnets, the 1850 collection titled Poems contains two powerful poems that highlight important social issues. One poem, “The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point,” is written from the perspective of a slave woman who, in a moment of desperation, takes the tragic step of ending her child's life, a child born from a horrific act of violence by her white master. The other poem, “The Cry of the Children,” speaks out against the terrible working conditions child labourers face in British coal mines and factories. These works stirred strong reactions from readers aware of social issues and set the stage for the more politically charged themes in Browning’s following poetry collection.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S UNDERSTANDING OF ART AND POETRY ➡After William Wordsworth passed away, Elizabeth Barrett Browning was considered a potential candidate to become England’s poet laureate, a prestigious position that involved writing poetry for national occasions. Although she ultimately did not get the role—Alfred, Lord Tennyson was chosen instead—the fact that people even thought of her for it shows how respected and admired she was in 1850. ➡However, after her death, Browning's poetry faded from public view. By 1932, writer Virginia Woolf noted that Browning had been pushed aside in the literary world, much like being placed in the "servants' quarters" of a mansion. It was not until the rise of feminist literary criticism in the 1960s and 1970s that people began to rediscover her work. Nowadays, readers appreciate Browning as a poet and a woman poet whose voice holds unique significance. The qualities in her poetry that earlier readers found complex—her deep emotions, political themes, and focus on women’s issues—are now celebrated as her greatest strengths.  ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S UNDERSTANDING OF ART AND POETRY ➡Browning's work is essential for understanding how a woman poet can find her voice and share her thoughts. Her career exemplifies how women poets can relate to a tradition that has often favoured male voices. Additionally, she has become a source of inspiration for many women poets who came after her—something she longed for. Usually, people picture her as a frail Victorian woman caught up in a romantic story. However, it is important to recognise that she was dedicated to mastering the craft of poetry itself.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) was a famous poet in the 19th century. She was known for her powerful works, such as Aurora Leigh, Sonnets from the Portuguese, and Catarina to Camoens. She was married to fellow poet Robert Browning, and both were celebrated for their contributions to literature. ➡Growing up, Elizabeth faced strict treatment from her father, which contrasted with her sisters' supportive and friendly environment. This mix of control and freedom made her feel trapped like many women of her time, yet she also embodied the spirit of a free thinker. ➡Because she was aware of these two sides of her life, Elizabeth began to question and push back against the expectations placed on women in Victorian society. She did not just oppose these norms; she offered new ideas that aligned with the changing world around her. By challenging traditional views, she became a powerful voice for innovation and change in her era.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡Elizabeth Browning was already a well-known poet before marrying Robert Browning. During their relationship, she wrote a collection of poems, such as Sonnets from the Portuguese, which beautifully expressed her love for him and ultimately led to their marriage. By the late 1900s, this work was widely recognised as her heartfelt account of falling in love with Robert. ➡Unlike her father, who was strict and controlling, Robert treated Elizabeth with kindness and affection. This allowed her to express her thoughts and feelings more freely. She often described the change in her life as going from being trapped like a ‘prisoner’ in her father’s house to feeling like a free ‘wild bird’ in the presence of her loving partner. ➡In the 19th century, more women were writing and reading poetry than ever before, but SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE not many used a specific type of poem called sonnets. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION sonnets, a complex and traditionally male-dominated style, to showcase her intelligence and education. By doing this, she boldly entered a world of literature often reserved for men. Through her powerful writing, she gave a voice to women who had been overlooked and silenced. By mastering the sonnet, Browning demonstrated her exceptional education and intellectual capabilities and made a bold statement within the male-dominated literary world. ➡Her choice to write sonnets allowed her to engage with the conventions of high art, a space often closed off to women. Through her poetry, she addressed the struggles and silenced experiences of women, expressing their feelings and aspirations with clarity and passion. In doing so, Browning not only carved out a significant place for herself in the literary canon but also advocated for women's voices in a society that frequently  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡Elizabeth Barrett Browning entered the world of poetry with a powerful impact, but she did not completely adhere to the traditional rules of sonnet writing, which led to some harsh criticism from literary critics during her time. While she recognised the standard guidelines, she made various changes— both minor and significant—even in her most structured poems. These adjustments sometimes made readers feel a bit uneasy or confused.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE ➡Traditionally, in AS sonnets written TO AN OPPOSITION over the centuries, SONNET TRADITION there is often a noticeable gap between the male speaker and the female subject of his affection. The male lover usually expresses frustration about this distance. However, this gap is closed in the sonnets by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Instead of longing from afar, the characters grow closer throughout the poems, sharing moments of intimacy that challenge the strict social norms of her time. Initially, the female and male lovers are not together, but as the poems progress, they start meeting, exchanging locks of hair, and even kissing. This heartfelt love story, created by a woman poet, faced resistance when it was first released in the 19th century, a time influenced by strict Victorian moral values that did not readily accept such open expressions of love.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡Even though the general public might have felt uncomfortable with the personal nature and unique style of the sonnet collection, Robert Browning, who was her husband at the time, truly valued her work. He appreciated her poetry even before they met, which is part of how their relationship blossomed into marriage. His fondness for her writing had a positive influence on her poetry. However, even though she finished the collection in 1846, she chose not to share it with the public immediately. After waiting a couple of years to present the collection to her husband, Elizabeth dared to do so and sent them for publication upon his encouragement.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE ➡The poems in this collection take inspiration from the traditional Petrarchan AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION sonnets in their themes and structure. However, some crucial differences exist since the poet is a woman addressing a man. A man usually speaks about his challenging and exhausting love for a woman in typical Petrarchan sonnets. In contrast, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poems feature a female speaker expressing deep feelings for a man. Initially, her passion is described as painful, almost like death, but it evolves into something more positive. ➡Browning also reflects on her struggles as a woman living in a patriarchal Victorian society. She describes feeling trapped in her home, ruled by her father’s strict authority, and in a literary world dominated by men. In the last poem of her collection, she refers to this suffocating experience as a ‘close  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡One of the standout features of this collection is how it challenges traditional gender roles. In the past, women were often portrayed as quiet and submissive, but this work changed that perspective. Here, women take on active roles that are essential in their relationships. Unlike in earlier literature, where women were often unheard, in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnets, they have a strong voice. These women express their feelings and seek to persuade men into romantic relationships, which can sometimes take on a passionate tone. This shift in how lovers and beloveds are depicted is highlighted throughout the work.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡While we can see that gender roles are changing, it’s important to note that they haven't completely reversed. In today’s more equal relationships, a woman isn’t just taking on a man’s role traditionally; she shares responsibilities and decisions equally, which was rare in the Victorian era. In this context, the speaker showcases a new identity by blending male and female traits. ➡Interestingly, the male partner is depicted as physically and emotionally younger. Unlike in classic poetry, where men are portrayed as strong and assertive, this time, the man is more passive and may even seem to occupy a role typically associated with women. This situation can make some people uncomfortable, as it challenges our usual perceptions of who plays which role in a relationship.  SONNETS FROM THE PORTUEGESE AS AN OPPOSITION TO SONNET TRADITION ➡However, labelling this simply as a case of ‘feminising’ the man may be too straightforward. Even though the man is portrayed as shy and admired, similar to women in earlier poems, this approach pushes us to rethink our traditional ideas about gender roles in relationships.  IN CONCLUSION ➡Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s collection of sonnets gives a powerful voice to women, placing them in the realm of high art while still drawing from traditional literary styles. By making both small and significant changes to the conventional form and themes, she creates a feeling of discomfort that questions the dominant patriarchal beliefs of the Victorian era. Her poetry encourages readers to notice the finer details and recognize that women deserve a voice in society, too.  THE END SEE YOU NEXT WEEK !!!