Sincerity and Honesty Flashcards
(10 cards)
overview
The poem “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the theme of sincerity and honesty through the speaker’s expression of deep, unyielding love. Browning uses a variety of literary devices to convey the authenticity and purity of the speaker’s emotions. The poem’s tone is earnest and passionate, with the speaker’s love being described as all-encompassing and unwavering. Throughout the poem, the speaker asserts that her love is genuine and transcends both time and physical existence.
“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach,”
The first quote, “I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach,” uses imagery and hyperbole to describe the vastness of the speaker’s love. The repetition of “depth,” “breadth,” and “height” emphasizes the infinite nature of her feelings, suggesting that her love knows no boundaries. The phrase “my soul can reach” also highlights the spiritual aspect of the love, portraying it as pure and deeply felt, rather than superficial.
“I love thee freely, as men strive for right,”
In the line “I love thee freely, as men strive for right,” the speaker compares her love to a moral pursuit. The use of the word “freely” suggests that her love is not conditional or motivated by external rewards, but rather it is a sincere, selfless act. This comparison to striving for what is right indicates that the speaker sees her love as a virtuous, honest emotion.
“I love thee purely, as they turn from praise”
“I love thee purely, as they turn from praise” is another key quote that reveals the sincerity of the speaker’s affection. The word “purely” suggests that her love is without any selfish desire for recognition or reward. The comparison to turning from praise highlights the idea that her love is given without expectation of acknowledgment, emphasizing its authenticity.
“I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs”
The phrase “I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs” shows how the speaker’s love is linked to past experiences, particularly her past sorrows. The word “passion” suggests a deep, intense feeling, while “old griefs” implies that her love is not a fleeting emotion, but something that has been shaped by her life experiences. This connection to grief further emphasizes the speaker’s sincerity, as she is willing to channel her past pain into her love.
“I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life
“I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life” underscores the idea that the speaker’s love encompasses every part of her existence. By mentioning “breath,” “smiles,” and “tears,” the speaker indicates that her love is not one-dimensional; it is present in every aspect of her life, both in moments of joy and sorrow. This conveys a sense of honesty, as the love is all-encompassing and constant.
“I shall but love thee better after death
Finally, the line “I shall but love thee better after death” suggests that the speaker’s love will endure beyond death, further reinforcing the idea of its sincerity. The use of “shall” conveys a sense of certainty and permanence, indicating that the speaker believes her love is timeless and unaffected by external circumstances, including death.
structure
The structure of the poem also reflects the sincerity and honesty of the speaker’s emotions. The poem follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, with 14 lines divided into three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet. This rigid structure contrasts with the boundless nature of the speaker’s love, perhaps suggesting that while love may be framed by the constraints of form, it remains infinite in its expression. The volta, or turning point, occurs at the start of the third quatrain, where the speaker shifts from describing her love in physical and moral terms to discussing the emotional depth of her love. This change highlights the progression of her feelings and the growing intensity of her love, emphasizing its honesty and sincerity.
context
In terms of context, the poem was written during a time when Elizabeth Barrett Browning was in a secret relationship with Robert Browning, and their love was marked by both longing and sincerity. The poem reflects the honesty and purity of their emotions, which were often hidden from the public eye due to the constraints of society. The speaker’s declaration of love, even beyond death, mirrors the intense, sincere love that Browning herself may have felt during her own romantic experience.
conclusion
In conclusion, “Sonnet 43” is a powerful exploration of love, sincerity, and honesty. Through the use of imagery, hyperbole, and comparisons, Browning conveys the speaker’s unwavering devotion. The tone of the poem is one of deep earnestness, and the structure of the sonnet enhances the themes of the poem by emphasizing the contrast between the formality of the sonnet and the boundless nature of love. The context of the poem also plays a significant role in understanding the depth of the speaker’s emotions, reflecting Browning’s own personal experiences of love. Ultimately, the poem portrays a love that is pure, eternal, and sincere, unaffected by time or circumstance.
