Porphyria’s Lover (Robert Browning)

Porphyria’s Lover by Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue in which the speaker, presumably Porphyria’s lover, recounts the events of a stormy night when Porphyria comes to visit him. Porphyria expresses her love and desire for the speaker, but the speaker, overwhelmed by his obsessive love for her and fearing that she might leave him, decides to preserve the moment forever by strangling her with her own hair. He justifies his action by claiming that he wants to keep her love and loyalty only for himself. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

Porphyria’s Lover by Robert Browning

The rain set early in to-night, 

The sullen wind was soon awake, 

It tore the elm-tops down for spite, 

And did its worst to vex the lake: 

I listened with heart fit to break. 

When glided in Porphyria; straight 

She shut the cold out and the storm, 

And kneeled and made the cheerless grate 

Blaze up, and all the cottage warm; 

Which done, she rose, and from her form 

Withdrew the dripping cloak and shawl, 

And laid her soiled gloves by, untied 

Her hat and let the damp hair fall, 

And, last, she sat down by my side 

And called me. When no voice replied, 

She put my arm about her waist, 

And made her smooth white shoulder bare, 

And all her yellow hair displaced, 

And, stooping, made my cheek lie there, 

And spread, o'er all, her yellow hair, 

Murmuring how she loved me — she 

Too weak, for all her heart's endeavour, 

To set its struggling passion free 

From pride, and vainer ties dissever, 

And give herself to me for ever. 

But passion sometimes would prevail, 

Nor could to-night's gay feast restrain 

A sudden thought of one so pale 

For love of her, and all in vain: 

So, she was come through wind and rain. 

Be sure I looked up at her eyes 

Happy and proud; at last I knew 

Porphyria worshipped me; surprise 

Made my heart swell, and still it grew 

While I debated what to do.

That moment she was mine, mine, fair, 

Perfectly pure and good: I found 

A thing to do, and all her hair 

In one long yellow string I wound 

Three times her little throat around, 

And strangled her. No pain felt she; 

I am quite sure she felt no pain. 

As a shut bud that holds a bee, 

I warily oped her lids: again 

Laughed the blue eyes without a stain. 

And I untightened next the tress 

About her neck; her cheek once more 

Blushed bright beneath my burning kiss: 

I propped her head up as before, 

Only, this time my shoulder bore 

Her head, which droops upon it still: 

The smiling rosy little head, 

So glad it has its utmost will, 

That all it scorned at once is fled, 

And I, its love, am gained instead! 

Porphyria's love: she guessed not how 

Her darling one wish would be heard. 

And thus we sit together now, 

And all night long we have not stirred, 

And yet God has not said a word!

Analysis:

Title Significance:

The title "Porphyria’s Lover" establishes the possessive nature of the speaker's relationship with Porphyria. It suggests that the speaker views Porphyria as his possession rather than an equal partner.

Themes:

Obsessive Love: The poem explores the dark and obsessive nature of love, portraying the speaker's possessiveness and his willingness to resort to violence to maintain control over Porphyria.

Power Dynamics: The poem depicts an imbalance of power in the relationship, with the speaker exerting dominance over Porphyria. His act of violence is a manifestation of his desire to possess and control her completely.

Madness: The speaker's actions and justifications raise questions about his mental state. His irrational belief that he can preserve Porphyria's love by killing her suggests a descent into madness fuelled by obsessive love.

Structure and Form:

Browning uses the form of a dramatic monologue, allowing readers to gain insight into the speaker's thoughts and motivations.

The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with an ABABB rhyme scheme in each stanza. This regular structure contrasts with the disturbing content of the poem, creating a sense of tension and unease.

Imagery and Symbolism:

Storm: The stormy weather reflects the tumultuous emotions of the speaker and sets the tone for the sinister events that unfold. It also serves as a metaphor for the speaker's internal turmoil and the destructive nature of his love.

Fire: The imagery of fire and warmth symbolises Porphyria's vitality and passion. Her act of lighting the fire in the cottage suggests her desire to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, which the speaker perceives as a moment of perfect love.

Hair: Porphyria's hair becomes a symbol of her vulnerability and femininity. The speaker uses her hair to strangle her, turning it into a weapon that represents his desire to possess and control her completely.

Language and Tone:

Browning's use of language is descriptive and evocative, drawing readers into the speaker's twisted mind set.

The tone of the poem is unsettling and chilling, as the speaker recounts the murder in a matter-of-fact manner, devoid of remorse or guilt.

Key Quotations:

"She shut the cold out and the storm,"

"And strangled her. No pain felt she;"

"And yet God has not said a word!"

Conclusion:

Porphyria’s Lover by Robert Browning offers a disturbing exploration of obsessive love and the lengths to which individuals may go to maintain control over their partners. Through vivid imagery and a chilling narrative, Browning invites readers to reflect on the complexities of love and relationships and the darker aspects of human nature.

You can find analysis of all the Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.