Porphyria's Lover - Robert Browning analysis.
The poem, Porphyria's Lover by the English poet Robert Browning, is a dramatic monologue spoken in first person by a male lover that is obsessed with his lady, Porphyria. I found this poem to be appealing and interesting, as it explores the fine line between love and obsession and uses imagery and detailed description of the narrator's thoughts. It is said that true love between people will only be separated by death but in this poem is contrary to this common belief. .
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Porphyria's Lover is a narrative poem set during a storm at night, which symbolically is the time for secrecy and lovers. Under the cover of darkness, lovers meet and foul deeds are hidden. The raging storm outside the cottage is an ill omen, foretelling something terrible about to happen.
The use of imagery to set the scene also set the mood for the rest of the poem. .
".sullen wind" Line 2 .
"It tore the elm-tops down for spite," Line 3.
This poem is full of detail, every movement made and every emotion is examined. The narrator experiences several emotions, a series of feeling terribly sad, then surprise, then satisfaction. Although the poem does not go into great detail about the setting or characters, we are given enough detail to make it interesting, so that we can follow the poem. .
The narrator is male and is assumed to be as handsome as Porphyria is beautiful. His name is not revealed, (it does not really matter) nor is his looks. He is only known as Porphyria's lover. He seems quiet but very possessive and maybe slightly mad, although his feelings are explored thoroughly throughout. .
Happy and proud; at last I knew Porphyria worshipped me; Line 32/33.
That moment she was mine, mine. Line 36.
This last line shows his almost mad obsession with Porphyria. .
The theme of Porphyria's Lover is love and the distinction between love and obsession. It also asks the question, what is true love? The absolute adoration of the speaker from Porphyria is already apparent and one assumes that she is in love, but the speaker seems to be more interested in owning Porphyria than loving her.
