by ELIZABETH BARRET BROWNING
Sonnet Petrarchan(but does not follow normal structure) There is no clear break between octave and sestet. Begins with a rhetorical question. Rest of the poem answer the question.
Petrarchan sonnet structure A B A B A C D E C D E First quatrain (4 lines) First quatrain (4 lines) Second Quatrain (4 lines) Second Quatrain (4 lines) First tercet First tercet First tercet First tercet Turn/volta – a change in direction of argument or narrative
True love can be profound, deep and moving; a spiritual experience. The expression of love for another person can lift life above mundane. There is hope that great love exists beyond the grave; that a truly great love can never die.
Sincere, passionate, idealistic. She shares her feelings honestly and openly.
“ with the passion put to use ” “ old griefs ” “ childhood’s faith ” With an intensity equal to that experienced during suffering or mourning; I love you with the blind faith of a child.
“ love thee better after death ” Their love is eternal, never ending