Eternity and Death Flashcards
(10 cards)
overview
The poem “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the theme of eternity and death through expressions of deep, enduring love. The speaker expresses how her love transcends time, reaching beyond the limits of earthly existence, even into the afterlife. Browning’s use of various techniques and imagery helps to convey this idea.
“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach”
“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach”
In these lines, Browning uses imagery to illustrate the vastness of her love. The “depth, breadth, and height” suggest that her love is boundless, transcending the limits of human experience. This connects to the theme of eternity, as it implies that her love will stretch beyond what is physically imaginable, enduring beyond time.
“When feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace.”
“When feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace.”
Here, the speaker expresses a love that is not confined to what can be seen or understood in the physical world. The reference to “being” and “ideal grace” suggests a spiritual, eternal aspect to the love, showing that it extends beyond life, symbolizing a love that will last even after death.
“I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.”
“I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.”
This line connects everyday life with the theme of eternity by showing how the speaker’s love is constant, whether it is day or night. The imagery of “sun” and “candle-light” represents the passage of time, but the love remains unwavering, emphasizing the eternal nature of her feelings
“I love thee freely, as men strive for right.”
“I love thee freely, as men strive for right.”
This line reveals the pure and unconditional nature of the speaker’s love, implying that it is not limited by time or earthly constraints. The comparison to striving for what is right suggests that the love is both morally and spiritually eternal, unshaken by temporal concerns.
“I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.”
“I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.”
The speaker’s love is presented as unselfish, not seeking praise or recognition. This idea aligns with the theme of eternity because it suggests a love that is selfless and unwavering, unaffected by the transient nature of life and recognition.
“I shall but love thee better after death.”
“I shall but love thee better after death.”
This powerful line highlights the speaker’s belief that love transcends death. The idea of loving someone “better after death” implies that love does not end with physical life, but continues to grow stronger, even in the afterlife, reinforcing the theme of eternal love.
structure
The tone of the poem is one of deep devotion and passion, mixed with an almost reverent awe towards the person being loved. It is reflective and tender, suggesting a love that will not fade. The poem is written in a sonnet form, which is traditionally used to express love. The regular structure of 14 lines and the use of iambic pentameter create a rhythmic, almost meditative quality. The controlled structure contrasts with the boundless nature of the love described, highlighting the theme of eternity. The volta, or shift, occurs between the eighth and ninth lines, where the speaker begins to discuss the eternal nature of their love, moving from earthly to spiritual love
context
Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote “Sonnet 43” during the 19th century, a time when spiritual beliefs often intersected with romantic expression. The poem’s context reflects Victorian ideals about love, faith, and the afterlife. The reference to eternal love aligns with religious and spiritual views of life after death, suggesting that love can transcend physical boundaries. Browning, who faced personal health struggles, may have been inspired by the idea that love endures even in the face of suffering and deathElizabeth Barrett Browning wrote “Sonnet 43” during the 19th century, a time when spiritual beliefs often intersected with romantic expression. The poem’s context reflects Victorian ideals about love, faith, and the afterlife. The reference to eternal love aligns with religious and spiritual views of life after death, suggesting that love can transcend physical boundaries. Browning, who faced personal health struggles, may have been inspired by the idea that love endures even in the face of suffering and death
conclusion
In conclusion, “Sonnet 43” explores the theme of eternity and death through expressions of boundless and unwavering love. The speaker’s love is presented as something that stretches beyond time and life, a love that endures beyond death. Through imagery, structure, and tone, Browning creates a powerful portrayal of love that defies the limitations of the physical world. The poem reflects the speaker’s belief in eternal love, one that transcends both life and death.
