How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43) by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Introduction
“How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of the most famous love sonnets ever written. Published in 1850 in the collection “Sonnets from the Portuguese,” this poem expresses the boundless nature of the speaker’s love in vivid and emotionally intense language. This article will explore the poem’s context, structure, themes, and literary devices, providing a comprehensive understanding of its enduring significance.
Context and Background
Elizabeth Barrett Browning: A Victorian Icon Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) was a celebrated poet of the Victorian era. Her work gained widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Elizabeth’s life, marked by illness and a reclusive existence, took a transformative turn when she met and married fellow poet Robert Browning.
Sonnets from the Portuguese: A Love Story in Verse “Sonnets from the Portuguese” is a collection of 44 love sonnets written by Elizabeth to Robert Browning. The title, chosen to obscure the personal nature of the poems, suggests they were translations rather than original works, adding a layer of privacy to their intimate content.
Structure and Form
Form: The Petrarchan Sonnet The poem is a Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet, comprising 14 lines divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). This structure is typical of the form and allows for a clear division of thought or argument.
Rhyme Scheme and Meter The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABBA ABBA CDC DCD, a hallmark of the Petrarchan sonnet. Written in iambic pentameter, each line consists of ten syllables with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, creating a rhythmic and harmonious flow.
Themes
Love: Profound and Boundless The central theme of the poem is the speaker’s profound love. This love is described as vast and all-encompassing, transcending physical boundaries and limitations.
Eternal Love The poem explores the idea of eternal love, suggesting that true affection persists beyond life itself, continuing into eternity.
Spirituality A spiritual dimension permeates the poem, linking earthly love with divine love. The speaker’s love is depicted as both deeply personal and universally spiritual.
Emotion and Intensity The poem conveys intense emotions, highlighting the speaker’s passionate and unwavering devotion. This intensity is a defining characteristic of the sonnet.
Literary Devices
Repetition The phrase “I love thee” is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the constancy and depth of the speaker’s love.
Anaphora The repetition of “I love thee” at the beginning of several lines (anaphora) reinforces the poem’s emotional intensity and rhythmic quality.
Imagery Vivid imagery is used to create strong sensory impressions. For example, the speaker describes loving “to the depth and breadth and height” her soul can reach, evoking a sense of vastness and infinite capacity.
Hyperbole Exaggeration is employed to express the immeasurable nature of the speaker’s love, such as loving with the intensity of “old griefs” and “childhood’s faith.”
Paradox The poem presents a paradox by portraying love as both immediate and eternal. The speaker’s love exists in every moment and transcends life itself.
Analysis of Key Lines
Lines 1-2: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. / I love thee to the depth and breadth and height” The speaker begins by contemplating the myriad ways she loves her partner, suggesting the vastness and multidimensional nature of her affection.
Line 5: “I love thee to the level of everyday’s / Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.” Here, love is described as constant and essential, as necessary as daily sustenance and light.
Lines 9-10: “I love thee with the passion put to use / In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.” The speaker’s love is portrayed as intense and sincere, drawing on past sorrows and the pure, unwavering faith of childhood.
Lines 13-14: “I shall but love thee better after death.” The poem concludes with the assertion that the speaker’s love will continue to grow even after death, underscoring its eternal nature.
Study Tips
Understand the Context Research Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s life and her relationship with Robert Browning to gain insight into the personal nature of the sonnets. Knowing the background can enrich your understanding of the poem’s themes and emotions.
Analyze the Structure Pay attention to the sonnet form and how the structure contributes to the poem’s meaning. The Petrarchan sonnet’s division into an octave and sestet can highlight shifts in tone or argument.
Close Reading Examine the language, imagery, and literary devices used in the poem. Consider how they enhance the expression of love and contribute to the poem’s overall impact.
Explore Themes Reflect on the themes of love, spirituality, and eternity. Think about how these themes are interwoven and what they reveal about the speaker’s perspective on love.
Comparative Analysis Compare “How Do I Love Thee?” with other sonnets in the “Sonnets from the Portuguese” collection. This can provide a deeper understanding of recurring motifs and expressions of love.
FAQs
What is the main theme of “How Do I Love Thee?” The main theme is the boundless and eternal nature of the speaker’s love.
Why did Elizabeth Barrett Browning title the collection “Sonnets from the Portuguese”? The title was used to disguise the personal nature of the poems, making them seem like translations rather than original works.
What is the rhyme scheme of “How Do I Love Thee?” The rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA CDC DCD, typical of a Petrarchan sonnet.
What literary devices are prominent in the poem? Prominent literary devices include repetition, anaphora, imagery, hyperbole, and paradox.
How does the poem convey the idea of eternal love? The poem suggests that the speaker’s love will continue to grow even after death, indicating its eternal nature.
Why is the poem significant in the context of Victorian poetry? The poem is significant for its emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and its expression of profound, personal love within the constraints of Victorian societal norms.
Conclusion
“How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a timeless exploration of profound love. Its rich imagery, emotional intensity, and enduring themes continue to resonate with readers. By understanding the context, structure, and literary devices, we can appreciate the depth of feeling and artistry that make this sonnet a beloved classic.
