Sonnets from the Portuguese

Definition

Sonnets from the Portuguese is a collection of 44 sonnets written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, first published in 1850. These sonnets are notable for their exploration of love and intimacy, reflecting Barrett Browning's deep emotional and romantic connection with her husband, Robert Browning. The title suggests a connection to Portuguese sonnets, but they are original works expressing personal feelings and experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote Sonnets from the Portuguese as a personal expression of her love for Robert Browning, marking a significant moment in Victorian poetry.
2. The collection includes a range of emotions related to love, including longing, joy, and vulnerability, capturing the complexity of romantic relationships.
3. Barrett Browning's use of the sonnet form allows for deep exploration of personal themes while adhering to a traditional poetic structure.
4. Despite the title referencing Portugal, the sonnets do not directly relate to Portuguese literature; instead, it reflects Barrett Browning's personal experiences and emotions.
5. The collection has been praised for its innovative language and imagery, contributing significantly to the evolution of love poetry in English literature.

Review Questions

• How do the themes of love in Sonnets from the Portuguese compare to those found in traditional sonnets of the time?
  • The themes of love in Sonnets from the Portuguese are deeply personal and intimate compared to traditional sonnets which often idealized love. Barrett Browning's work delves into complex emotions such as longing and vulnerability, showcasing a more realistic portrayal of love that resonates with individual experiences. This contrast highlights how she expanded the boundaries of the sonnet form by infusing it with emotional depth and authenticity.
• Discuss how Elizabeth Barrett Browning's background influenced her writing of Sonnets from the Portuguese.
  • Elizabeth Barrett Browning's background as a well-educated woman who faced societal restrictions significantly influenced her writing of Sonnets from the Portuguese. Her experiences with illness, family dynamics, and a passionate yet secretive courtship with Robert Browning shaped her views on love and relationships. These factors contributed to her ability to articulate profound emotions and create a collection that speaks not only to her personal journey but also to broader themes of love that challenge societal norms.
• Evaluate the impact of Sonnets from the Portuguese on subsequent poets and its role in shaping modern love poetry.
  • Sonnets from the Portuguese has had a lasting impact on subsequent poets by redefining how love is expressed in poetry. Its emphasis on personal experience and emotional authenticity paved the way for later romantic poets to explore more nuanced portrayals of love. Additionally, Barrett Browning's innovative use of language and imagery set new standards for poetic expression, influencing movements like Modernism where personal voice and emotion became central elements in poetry.

Related terms

Sonnet: A poetic form consisting of 14 lines, typically following a specific rhyme scheme and meter, often used to express love or contemplation.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, prevalent in the late 18th to mid-19th centuries.

Dramatic Monologue:

A type of poem in which a single speaker addresses an implied audience, revealing their character and emotions through their speech.