Introduction: “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
“Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning, first appeared in 1836 under the title “Porphyria,” was later incorporated into the collection Dramatic Lyrics, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Browning’s early work. The poem’s notoriety stems from its exploration of a deeply disturbing subject – murder fueled by obsession – presented through a captivating dramatic monologue. The speaker’s chilling perspective, revealed entirely through his own words, compels the reader to grapple with complex emotions, making “Porphyria’s Lover” a poem both unsettling and undeniably powerful.
Text: “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
The rain set early in to-night,
The sullen wind was soon awake,
It tore the elm-tops down for spite,
And did its worst to vex the lake:
I listened with heart fit to break.
When glided in Porphyria; straight
She shut the cold out and the storm,
And kneeled and made the cheerless grate
Blaze up, and all the cottage warm;
Which done, she rose, and from her form
Withdrew the dripping cloak and shawl,
And laid her soiled gloves by, untied
Her hat and let the damp hair fall,
And, last, she sat down by my side
And called me. When no voice replied,
She put my arm about her waist,
And made her smooth white shoulder bare,
And all her yellow hair displaced,
And, stooping, made my cheek lie there,
And spread, o’er all, her yellow hair,
Murmuring how she loved me — she
Too weak, for all her heart’s endeavour,
To set its struggling passion free
From pride, and vainer ties dissever,
And give herself to me for ever.
But passion sometimes would prevail,
Nor could to-night’s gay feast restrain
A sudden thought of one so pale
For love of her, and all in vain:
So, she was come through wind and rain.
Be sure I looked up at her eyes
Happy and proud; at last I knew
Porphyria worshipped me; surprise
Made my heart swell, and still it grew
While I debated what to do.
That moment she was mine, mine, fair,
Perfectly pure and good: I found
A thing to do, and all her hair
In one long yellow string I wound
Three times her little throat around,
And strangled her. No pain felt she;
I am quite sure she felt no pain.
As a shut bud that holds a bee,
I warily oped her lids: again
Laughed the blue eyes without a stain.
And I untightened next the tress
About her neck; her cheek once more
Blushed bright beneath my burning kiss:
I propped her head up as before,
Only, this time my shoulder bore
Her head, which droops upon it still:
The smiling rosy little head,
So glad it has its utmost will,
That all it scorned at once is fled,
And I, its love, am gained instead!
Porphyria’s love: she guessed not how
Her darling one wish would be heard.
And thus we sit together now,
And all night long we have not stirred,
And yet God has not said a word!
Annotations: “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
| Stanza | Annotation |
| 1 | The speaker sets the scene with a description of the weather: rain falling heavily and a strong wind stirring. The mood is somber and bleak, mirroring the speaker’s emotional state. He feels distraught and on the verge of breaking down. |
| 2 | Porphyria, the lover, enters the scene and brings warmth and comfort to the cottage. She tends to the fire, symbolizing her nurturing and caring nature. As she removes her wet clothes, there’s a sense of intimacy and domesticity between her and the speaker. |
| 3 | Porphyria expresses her love for the speaker, emphasizing her desire to overcome any obstacles to be with him. Despite her genuine affection, there’s a hint of vulnerability in her inability to fully liberate herself from societal expectations. |
| 4 | The speaker’s jealousy and possessiveness surface as he grapples with the thought of Porphyria’s potential infidelity or betrayal. His mind becomes consumed by a dark resolve, setting the stage for the poem’s tragic turn. |
| 5 | In a chilling and violent act, the speaker decides to make Porphyria his forever, believing it to be an act of love and possession. He uses her own hair to strangle her, an act that is both horrific and deeply symbolic of his desire for control. |
| 6 | After committing the murder, the speaker reflects on Porphyria’s serene expression, convinced that she felt no pain in her final moments. He opens her eyes, revealing a disturbing detachment from the reality of his actions. |
| 7 | The speaker arranges Porphyria’s lifeless body, feeling a perverse sense of triumph in having “won” her love through his violent act. He revels in the idea that she is now wholly his, even in death. |
| 8 | The poem concludes with the speaker and Porphyria sitting together, frozen in their macabre tableau. Despite the gravity of his actions, there is no divine intervention or judgment, leaving the speaker in a state of eerie calmness and moral ambiguity. |
Literary and Poetic Devices: “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
| Literary/Poetic Device | Description |
| Alliteration | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, “sure” and “she” felt no pain. |
| Allusion | Indirect reference to another work of literature or historical event, as seen in the title, which alludes to the medical condition. |
| Assonance | Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, as in “porphyria” and “cheerless.” |
| Consonance | Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, like the “t” sound in “set,” “late,” and “night.” |
| Enjambment | Continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line or stanza to the next without a pause or break. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, such as “heart fit to break” or “perfectly pure and good.” |
| Imagery | Vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, like “elm-tops down” or “smooth white shoulder.” |
| Irony | Contrast between expectation and reality, such as the ironic twist in the speaker’s actions compared to his perception of Porphyria’s love. |
| Metaphor | Comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as,” such as the speaker’s comparison of Porphyria to a flower. |
| Onomatopoeia | Words that imitate the sound they represent, like “gilded” to describe Porphyria’s entrance or “laughed” to describe her eyes. |
| Oxymoron | Two contradictory terms used together, such as “cheerless grate” or “smiling rosy little head.” |
| Personification | Giving human characteristics to non-human entities, as when the storm is described as tearing down elm-tops “for spite.” |
| Repetition | Repeating words or phrases for emphasis, such as “mine, mine” or “yellow hair.” |
| Rhyme | Correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words, as seen in the rhyming couplets throughout the poem. |
| Simile | Comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as,” as in “As a shut bud that holds a bee.” |
| Symbolism | Use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, like the storm symbolizing the speaker’s inner turmoil. |
| Synecdoche | Figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole, as when the speaker refers to Porphyria’s “smiling rosy little head.” |
| Tone | Attitude or mood conveyed by the speaker, which shifts from somber and melancholic to sinister and chilling. |
| Understatement | Deliberate downplaying of a situation for emphasis or ironic effect, such as the casual mention of the murder in the final lines. |
| Word Choice | Selection of specific words to convey meaning, such as the use of “strangled” instead of a softer term, intensifying the brutality. |
Themes: “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
- Love and Possession: In “Porphyria’s Lover,” love intertwines with possession, leading to a disturbing portrayal of romantic obsession. The speaker’s desire to possess Porphyria entirely drives him to commit a heinous act, believing it to be an expression of love. As he reflects on the murder, he reveals his twisted perception of ownership: “That moment she was mine, mine, fair, / Perfectly pure and good.” Love, in this context, becomes entangled with control, ultimately resulting in tragedy and the loss of innocence.
- Jealousy and Control: The theme of jealousy and control permeates the poem, manifesting in the speaker’s possessive behavior towards Porphyria. His jealousy over her potential infidelity or independence fuels his need for control, culminating in a violent act of murder. As he reflects on Porphyria’s devotion, his jealousy becomes apparent: “Surprise / Made my heart swell, and still it grew / While I debated what to do.” This jealousy drives him to assert dominance over Porphyria, highlighting the destructive power of possessiveness when fueled by insecurity and obsession.
- Moral Ambiguity: “Porphyria’s Lover” explores the moral ambiguity surrounding love, possession, and violence. The speaker’s actions blur the lines between right and wrong, challenging conventional notions of morality. Despite the brutality of his act, the speaker rationalizes it as an expression of love: “No pain felt she; / I am quite sure she felt no pain.” This moral ambiguity forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the complexities of romantic relationships, where love can become entangled with control and violence, defying traditional ethical boundaries.
- Isolation and Alienation: The theme of isolation and alienation pervades “Porphyria’s Lover,” portraying the speaker’s psychological descent into loneliness and madness. His fixation on Porphyria becomes a solitary obsession, driving him to commit a violent act in an attempt to possess her completely. As he sits with her lifeless body, a sense of isolation looms: “And thus we sit together now, / And all night long we have not stirred.” This isolation reflects the speaker’s detachment from societal norms and his descent into a solitary existence, highlighting the destructive consequences of obsessive love and emotional detachment.
Literary Theories and “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
| Literary Theory | Description |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Psychoanalytic theory, as pioneered by Sigmund Freud, explores the unconscious desires and motivations of characters. In “Porphyria’s Lover,” the speaker’s obsessive love and violent actions can be analyzed through this lens. His jealousy, possessiveness, and eventual murder of Porphyria may stem from repressed desires or unresolved psychological conflicts. The poem’s exploration of the subconscious highlights how internal struggles can manifest in destructive behavior. |
| Feminist Theory | Feminist theory examines power dynamics and gender roles within literature. In “Porphyria’s Lover,” the unequal power dynamic between the speaker and Porphyria reflects patriarchal structures. Porphyria’s agency is limited, and she becomes a passive object of the speaker’s desire and violence. The poem critiques societal expectations of female submission and male dominance, shedding light on the oppressive nature of traditional gender roles. The murder can be seen as a violent assertion of masculine control over a woman’s autonomy. |
| New Criticism | New Criticism focuses on close reading and analysis of the text itself, without considering external factors such as authorial intent or historical context. In “Porphyria’s Lover,” attention is given to the poem’s language, imagery, and structure. Close examination of Browning’s use of symbolism, metaphor, and dramatic monologue reveals the speaker’s psychological turmoil and moral ambiguity. The poem’s ambiguous ending invites multiple interpretations, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the text and uncover its layers of meaning. |
| Marxist Theory | Marxist theory explores social class, power dynamics, and economic structures within literature. In “Porphyria’s Lover,” class differences between the speaker and Porphyria may influence their relationship dynamics. Porphyria’s higher social status and the speaker’s jealousy of her potential interactions with others may reflect tensions related to class inequality. The speaker’s violent act can be seen as a rebellion against the perceived social hierarchy, as he seeks to assert control over Porphyria and eliminate any threats to his dominance. |
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements: “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
| Topic | Questions | Thesis Statement |
| Gender Roles and Power | How are gender roles depicted in the poem? How does power manifest in the relationship between the speaker and Porphyria? | In “Porphyria’s Lover,” Robert Browning examines traditional gender roles and power dynamics, portraying Porphyria as a passive object of the speaker’s desire and violence. The poem critiques patriarchal structures and societal expectations, revealing the oppressive nature of traditional gender norms and the destructive consequences of masculine dominance. |
| Psychological Analysis | What psychological factors contribute to the speaker’s actions? How does Browning use language and imagery to depict the speaker’s mental state? | Through a psychoanalytic lens, “Porphyria’s Lover” delves into the unconscious desires and motivations of the speaker, revealing how repressed emotions and psychological conflicts drive his obsessive love and violent behavior. Browning’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism vividly portrays the speaker’s descent into madness, highlighting the destructive power of unbridled passion and the complexities of the human psyche. |
| Morality and Ethics | What moral and ethical dilemmas are presented in the poem? How does the speaker justify his actions, and what does this reveal about his character? | “Porphyria’s Lover” raises questions about morality and ethics, as the speaker justifies his violent act as an expression of love. The poem challenges traditional notions of right and wrong, exposing the moral ambiguity of romantic obsession. By examining the speaker’s rationalizations and inner turmoil, Browning prompts readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the complexities of love, possession, and morality. |
| Social Commentary | How does “Porphyria’s Lover” reflect societal norms and values of the Victorian era? What social critiques does Browning offer through the poem? | Through a Marxist lens, “Porphyria’s Lover” critiques social class and power dynamics in Victorian society. Browning highlights tensions between the upper and lower classes, as well as the oppressive nature of patriarchal structures. The speaker’s violent act can be seen as a rebellion against societal norms and a critique of the inequalities inherent in class-based societies, shedding light on the complexities of power, privilege, and social hierarchy. |
Short Questions/Answers about “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
- Who is Porphyria and what does she do for the speaker?
- Porphyria is the speaker’s lover. Despite a raging storm outside (“The rain set early in tonight”), she arrives at his cottage, tending the fire and creating a warm atmosphere (“, shut the cold out and the storm, / And kneeled and made the cheerless grate / Blaze up”).
- What is the speaker’s emotional state before Porphyria arrives?
- The speaker describes feeling heartbroken and dejected (“I listened with heart fit to break”). The storm outside mirrors his inner turmoil (“The sullen wind was soon awake, / It tore the elm-tops down for spite”).
- What reveals Porphyria’s deep love for the speaker?
- Porphyria defies societal expectations and endures the harsh weather (“she was come through wind and rain”) to be with him. She expresses her love openly (“And spread, o’er all, her yellow hair, / Murmuring how she loved me—she”).
- What action does the speaker take, and how does he justify it?
- The speaker, overwhelmed by a possessive love, strangles Porphyria with her own hair (“I found / A thing to do, and all her hair / In one long yellow string I wound”). He believes she felt no pain (“No pain felt she; I am quite sure she felt no pain”) and portrays her death as peaceful (“laughed the blue eyes without a stain”).
Literary Works Similar to “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
- “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe: This poem explores themes of love and death, with a narrator obsessed with his deceased lover, Annabel Lee. Like “Porphyria’s Lover,” it delves into the darker aspects of love and obsession.
- “La Belle Dame sans Merci” by John Keats: In this poem, Keats depicts a knight who falls under the spell of a mysterious woman, ultimately leading to his downfall. The theme of obsession and the consequences of unrequited love resonate with Browning’s work.
- “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: While not directly similar in theme, “The Raven” shares with “Porphyria’s Lover” a dark and melancholic tone, as well as themes of obsession and madness.
- “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes: This narrative poem tells the tragic love story of a highwayman and his lover, Bess, who sacrifices herself to save him. It explores themes of passion, sacrifice, and the destructive power of love.
- “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti: While different in narrative structure, “Goblin Market” shares thematic elements with “Porphyria’s Lover,” including themes of temptation, desire, and the consequences of giving in to passion.
Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
- Zaidi, Areeba. “The psychoanalytical reading of some selected poems of robert browning.” International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Culture 2.4 (2016): 5-14.
- Spencer, Eleanor. “The ambiguity of violence in the poetry of Robert Browning.” (2010).
- Afsari, Nasim, and Elham Omrani. “Demon Lovers versus Damsels in Distress: An Archetypal Reading of Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess and Porphyria’s Lover.” International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 64 (2015): 10-16.
- Arafat, Faisal. “Robert Browning’s Poem Porphyria’s Lover: Viewed from the Perspective of a Short Story.” International Journal of Language and Literary Studies 3.1 (2021): 170-176.
- BAIN, RANITA. “GLIMPSES OF AN EMERGING NEW WOMAN: REASSESSING THE WOMAN FIGURE IN ROBERT BROWNING’S PORPHYRIA’S LOVER.”
Websites
- Poetry Foundation: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46313/porphyrias-lover This website offers the full text of “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning alongside other resources like critical essays and analyses of the poem.
- SparkNotes: https://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/browning/ This link leads to a SparkNotes resource on Robert Browning’s poetry, likely containing an introduction to his work, analysis of his style, and potentially a section dedicated to “Porphyria’s Lover”.
- Victorian Web: https://www.owleyes.org/text/porphyrias-lover-robert-browning/analysis/historical-context This Victorian Web page focuses on “Porphyria’s Lover,” potentially offering a critical analysis, exploration of themes within the poem, and its place within the Victorian context.
Quotations from “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning
- “The rain set early in to-night, The sullen wind was soon awake, It tore the elm-tops down for spite, And did its worst to vex the lake: I listened with heart fit to break.”
Context: The poem opens with a description of a stormy night, setting a gloomy and foreboding atmosphere. The speaker’s heartache is mirrored in the tumultuous weather, hinting at the emotional turmoil to come.
Theorization: The stormy setting reflects the speaker’s inner turmoil and emotional instability. The violent imagery of the wind tearing down trees mirrors the speaker’s pent-up frustrations and desires, foreshadowing the violent act he will commit later in the poem.
- “But passion sometimes would prevail, Nor could to-night’s gay feast restrain A sudden thought of one so pale For love of her, and all in vain: So, she was come through wind and rain.”
Context: Despite attending a festive gathering, the speaker’s thoughts are consumed by Porphyria. Her arrival on such a stormy night suggests her dedication to him, which intensifies his feelings of possession and control.
Theorization: The juxtaposition of the festive atmosphere with the speaker’s dark thoughts highlights the contrast between outward appearances and internal struggles. Porphyria’s willingness to brave the storm to be with the speaker emphasizes the depth of her commitment, further fueling his possessive tendencies.
- “That moment she was mine, mine, fair, Perfectly pure and good: I found A thing to do, and all her hair In one long yellow string I wound Three times her little throat around,”
Context: In a moment of perceived triumph, the speaker decides to take drastic action to ensure Porphyria remains his forever. He views her as an object to possess, disregarding her autonomy and agency.
Theorization: The repetition of “mine” emphasizes the speaker’s sense of ownership and entitlement over Porphyria. His desire for control and possession reaches its peak as he takes her life, believing it to be an act of love and devotion. This reflects the darker aspects of human nature, where love becomes intertwined with obsession and violence.
- “And thus we sit together now, And all night long we have not stirred, And yet God has not said a word!”
Context: The poem concludes with the speaker and Porphyria sitting together, her lifeless body propped up beside him. Despite the gravity of his actions, the speaker remains unpunished, reflecting on the absence of divine judgment.
Theorization: The speaker’s blasphemous defiance at the end of the poem underscores his moral depravity and lack of remorse. The silence of God serves as a chilling reminder of the speaker’s unchecked power and the absence of justice in the face of his heinous act. Browning challenges societal norms and moral expectations, prompting readers to question the nature of love, morality, and accountability.