Blog 11: Summary and Analysis of Initial Responses to the Poem

Summary:

The responses to Robert Browning’s The Ring and the Book varied greatly but they all praised Browning’s unique use of language and his very distinct personal style in some form or another. The three pieces I examined all had something to say about his characterization. In the [Unsigned], Spectator 41 (December 12, 1868): 1464-66 the article says, “He is, as he always is, semi-dramatic, with the keenest of all eyes for every qualifying circumstance which alters the point of view of each age and each individual…” (774-775).  In the review “Richelieu” [unidentified], Vanity Fair 1 it discusses the way Browning portrays people. It says, “…[The Ring and the Book is] a burning protest against the atheistic belief that men and women are the creatures of circumstances…” (774). It focused on the idea that Browning portrayed reality and that it is not for the faint of heart. In addition, the final review I looked at glorified the book. It reads, “…The Ring and the Book, which is so marked by picture and characterization, so rich in pleading and debating, so full of those verbal touches in which Browning has no equal, and of those verbal involutions in which he has fortunately no rival” (777). These three articles were able to see Browning’s uniqueness and complex ability.

Analysis:

I think it is very important to look at the complexities of Browning’s detail. In reading The Ring and the Book, I have come to see that every single detail Browning includes has purpose. He uses each detail to add layer upon layer to his message and narrative. The articles also touched on his irregularities or peculiarities of some of his language and how he almost uses them to create a game for the reader. It makes the reader search here and there to keep up with his message. I think his writing challenges the reader to look further and I really like that.

Paper #1 :A Place Beyond the Page: A Close Reading of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Poem “Mother and Poet”

Katherine Trujillo-Johnston

Dr. Hague

English 370

1 November 2013

A Place Beyond the Page: A Close Reading of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Poem “Mother and Poet”

The “Mother and Poet” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is dramatic monologue first published in 1861. This poem is one in a collection of poems that EBB released before her death. This particular collection of poems was declared by many to define EBB as a multi-faceted person: claiming her to possess the qualities of a woman, poet, politician and mother. The speaker in the piece is an Italian poet named Olimpia Rossi Savio, Baronessa di Bernstrel, known for her passion filled poetry centered on Italian freedom. The poem is biographical in that it describes the loss of her two sons during the Italian Revolution. The poem is broken into twenty stanzas with irregular line lengths and an ending rhyme scheme. This poem by EBB depicts the grief of a mother while commenting on large issues like politics, war, death, and patriotism.

            In the first few stanzas the narrative begins by describing the death of the speaker’s sons and makes a statement that describes the speakers stance. EBB writes, “Dead! One of them shot by the sea in the east,/ And one of them shot in the west by the sea./ Dead! both my boys! When you sit at the feast/ And are wanting a great song for Italy free,/ Let none look at me” (1-5)! In this first stanza we find out our speaker has suffered great loss and we also know from the background that her sons died fighting for Italian independence. I think it is very important that the speaker says she will not be singing about Italy’s newfound freedom. It immediately lets us know that she cannot find happiness in her countries advancement. In addition, although her stanzas are irregular, it is important to notice the shorter ending line that has similar syllables throughout the all the stanzas. The final lines all assert her feelings with a very finalizing tone.

            Further on in the poem EBB sets up the mother child relationship. In other words she creates a bond between the speaker and her sons. She writes, “What art can a woman be good at? Oh, vain!/ What art is she good at, but hurting her breast/ With the milk-teeth of babes, and a smile at the pain?/ Ah boys, how you hurt! you were strong as you pressed,/ And I proud, by that test” (11-15).  I think EBB purposely shows the pride a mother feels because she wants to evoke a certain emotion from her reader. She creates sympathy by showing the love and connection between a mother and son. A little ways down she also writes about the things the mother teaches her sons, “To teach them…It stings there! I made them indeed/ Speak plain the word country. I taught them no doubt,/ That a country’s a thing men should die for at need./ I prated of liberty, rights, and about/ The tyrant cast out” (21-25). The speaker feels responsible for her sons’ deaths because she is the one who created their beliefs about patriotism and country. When she says it stings she means the knowledge she now has about what she did hurts her. It brings to mind the saying “putting salt in an open wound.” She also says, “I exulted; nay, let them go forth at the wheels/ Of the guns, and denied not” (27-28). She had the opportunity to not let her sons go off to war but she let them go anyway and there is an overwhelming tone of regret.

            EBB then goes on and tells about the letters of glory and triumph that come to the narrator from her boys and they describe camp-life. They tell their mom of the first victories they win but then her first son dies and the letters from her other son change from happy to sad. Then he dies. After the death EBB writes, “O Christ of the five wounds, who look’dst through the dark/ To the face of Thy mother! Consider, I pray,/ How we common mothers stand desolate, mark,/ Whose sons, not being Christs, die with eyes turned away,/ And no last word to say” (66-70)! This stanza creates the picture of all the other mothers that are in similar situations, losing their sons to war.

            Finally, in the last few stanzas EBB addresses the political side to her poem. She talks about how after Italy has won and Rome and Venice are celebrating that she does not want to be a part of it. She claims her Italy is in the sky where her sons are and she addresses the people of Italy and says, “When you have your country from mountain to sea, / When King Victor has Italy’s crown on his head, / And I have my Dead—/ What then” (82-86)? In other words, EBB has her speaker questioning the actions of her country. In the second to last stanza EBB creates a powerful metaphor that questions war. It reads, “Forgive me. Some women bear children in strength,/ And bite back the cry of their pain in self-scorn;/ But the birth pangs of nations will wring us at length/ Into a wail such as this—and we sit on forlorn/ When the man-child is born” (91-95). The metaphor of Italy’s revolution as a mother giving birth is a powerful image that brings to question many things. And the final stanza of the poem is the repetition of the first stanza, which brings the poem full circle. The speaker told her story and is restating her original claim.

            In this poem EBB is questioning the price of war. She sees another crown worn but she questions at what expense? The speaker cannot be happy for her country because her loss was too great and that is why she will not sing a song of praise. Also the speaker is forced to question her mothering. She admits that she has taught her sons to be patriotic and to be willing to sacrifice their own lives for the cause, but she has to live with the consequences of that.

            Today the questions EBB poses in her poem “Mother and Poet,” can still be applied. She challenges the cost of war and describes the hardships of parenting. It leaves you wondering why countries are built on overpowering one another. At the end of the poem you know gain Italy has made but you also know the loss its’ people have suffered.

Works Cited

Browning, Elizabeth Barrett, Marjorie I. Stone, and Beverly Taylor. "Mother and Poet." Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Selected Poems. Peterborough, Ont. [u.a.: Broadview Editions, 2009. 299-305. Print.

Blog 8: A Summary and Analysis of Reviews from Appendix D: The Italian Question, Reviews of Casa Guidi Windows, and Reviews of Poems Before Congress

In this blog I am summarizing and analyzing three reviews of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning’s poem Casa Guidi Windows.

 Summary:

The first article excerpted from The Athenaeum 1232 (7 June 1851): 597-98 titled “A Review of Casa Guidi Windows,” describes the manner in which EBB composes her pieces. It claims they are pieces inspired in a moment and written down in a spontaneous manner. The reviewer in this article feels that this type of poetry is “too loose, and colloquial in its manner”(347). Furthermore it also accuses Barrett-Browning to have caught the tone of her husband Robert Browning. The article describes Barrett-Browning’s poetry as having an older or antique quality to it. Then the article continues and describes EBB’s motives in her poetry. The article says, “ We know few things in modern poetry more passionate, vigorous, or true than her protest against that hushing of human claims which means not the silence of a people contented, but that of a people stifled” (347).  In other words the article is saying that EBB is fervent in defending people that are held down. Lastly the article praises EBB for her poem and her success in creating a “judicious tribute to Mazzini” (348). The next article I examined from the Eclectic Review gives a more historical review of EBB’s poem Casa Guidi Windows. It explains EBB’s poem is a contemplation of what has happened in Italy after the great European outbreak of 1848. The article claims that even EBB believed in the movement that ended up disappointing so many, but the article ultimately praises her for her ability to beautifully depict the cry for peace. The article says, “This is glorious poetry—glorious in its intellectual strength, in its lofty eloquence, and glorious in the divinity of a resplendent truth” (351). The third article focuses on EBB as a woman poet at first and also later makes a more universal claim that her poetry has a ‘deeper human interest.’ The article from The Spectator compares EBB to a Joan of Arc type woman in the sense that she called for action in a time of hardship for Italy. To add to the praise of EBB as woman the article says,

 “And to those who think that woman and politics should be wide as the poles asunder, we recommend it, as a proof of the feminine warmth of heart that may coexist with a vivid sympathy with the public affairs of nation, and of the deeper human interest those affairs themselves assume when thus viewed in relation to family life and from the centre of the natural affections..”(350).

In other words, the fact that EBB is a woman gives her the ability to share a deep connection with her country and her people.

Analysis:

I really liked the idea that because EBB is a woman she was able to bring different and meaningful insight into public affairs of the nation. It is interesting to see a reviewer praise a woman that comments on politics through emotion. The majority view would naturally want politicians to make decisions separate from emotional heartstrings. I also found it very interesting that one article pointed out that EBB’s poems were written in the spur-of-the-moment. It commented on how this composition can be negative but I also think it makes you wonder about the alternative as well. I find that writing out of passion can reveal certain truths that otherwise might not come through in someone’s’ writing. 

A Summary and Analysis of Appendix B: Religion and Factory Reform

 In this blog I will be summarizing and analyzing three different articles about religion and factory reform focused around Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry.

Summary:

The first article I chose to look titled, "Reviews" pulled from The Guardian discusses Elizabeth Barrett Brownings religious background and the problems they find with it. The article starts by pointing out that Elizabeth is a very religious woman, and her 'intellectual idols' include her husband Robert Browning, Tennyson, and Mr. Carlyle. Next the article makes it clear that their beliefs would clearly be different from Barrett Browning if they were ever to sit down and discuss it at length. But the article ultimately concedes to Elizabeth and says, "But in the present state of religious discord and confusion, we may regret it, but teaching of which she has most likely never heard, and is deficient in doctrine which she has had no opportunity to supply (321). So in other words the article cuts her some slack because of the many varying views of the time and because they believed her to not be completely educated on the matter. The next article I examined praised Barrett Browning for bringing to life the Virgin Mary; a figure it claims that is often left out. Hannah Lawrance writes, "The Virgin Mary is to many of us little more than a name, or perchance a half-angelic face looking down from the beautiful Italian picture. We seldom think of her even as she is represented in scripture, as one for virtue and goodness highly favored among women. From this dim unreal existence Mrs. Browning has called her into life" (322). This idea they explain further giving her praise because Barrett Browning has drawn attention to a figure they claim that has suffered similar to the Saviour himself. The last article I chose to look at was titled, "From Frances Trollope, The Life and Adventure of Micheal Armstrong, The Factory Boy (London: Henry Colburn, 1844, : serial publication, 1840." This article gives a depiction of the children working in factories during the Industrial Revolution. The imagery in this excerpt is very vivid and detailed. In one part it describes a little girl having to stretch out to avoid steam burning her as she picks up stray pieces of cotton. "In the performance of this duty, the child was obliged, from time to time, to stretch itself with sudden quickness on the ground, while the hissing machinery passed over her; and when this skillfully done, and the head, body, and outstretched limbs carefully glued to repass over the dizzy head and trembling body without touching it. But accidents frequently occur..." (79-81).
The realistic portrayal leaves you horrified with the last sentence knowing that often her movement wasn't skillful enough.

Analysis:

I think that Elizabeth Barrett Browning chose to write about a religious view that was more universal in a sense, rather than focusing on Catholicism or Protestant or some other narrowed faith for a reason. She wrote about what she felt and that didn't always reflect some exact scripture of faith. In the first article the author agrees and gives credit to Elizabeth Barrett Browning for being a religious woman despite maybe a few short comings in religious education. After reading the excerpt from the serial publication I understood why Browning is famous for her political poetry; her ability to draw on your human sympathies while simultaneously making a comment on the working conditions of children is amazing. The imagery she uses is so real. I felt like I could see the sunken in cheeks of the little boys working.

Blog 5: A Summary and Analysis of Criticisms on Robert Browning

Katherine Trujillo-Johnston

A Summary and Analysis of Criticisms on Robert Browning

Summary:

            Oscar Wilde’s criticism, “Browning as Writer of Fiction” praises Browning for his work. Wilde uses Greek allegory in explaining how Brown’s processes make him a great writer of fiction. In his article he says, “He did not belong to the Olympians, and had all the incompleteness of the Titan” (517-518).  In other words, Wilde thought that Browning was genius in the way he did not focus on the outcome but rather the process. Further down in his article Wilde references many of Browning’s most memorable characters from Andrea to the Spanish Monk. Wilde even compares Browning to Shakespeare and concludes his article with the claim that Browning will not be remembered as a poet but rather “as the most supreme writer of fiction” (518).  Wilde also discusses Browning’s talent at creating dramatic situations and the way he was able to create problems.

Analysis:

            I really liked that way Oscar Wilde wrote his article comparing Browning and his style to Greek figures. I found it a very refreshing way to read a criticism because usually they follow the same format. One of the things I have found most interesting about Robert Browning myself has been the way he creates problems, and so I completely agree with Wilde that he is great at creating the dramatic scene filled with unanswered questions.

Summary:

            In the criticism “The Ring and the Book” written by Robert W. Buchanan, Buchanan states, “The Ring and The Book is beyond all parallel the supremest poetical achievement of our time, but that it is the most precious and profound spiritual treasure that England has produced since the days of Shakespeare” (508). Buchanan thinks that Browning’s work exceeds all expectations and compares him to arguably the most famous writer of all time. He talks about how Browning’s writing grows on the reader each time he reads it and that is somewhat of a “spiritual teaching” and that in order to comprehend his work you must be able to have an intellectual understanding but you must feel the work through your soul. He also writes in his article Browning’s ability to create characters that are human through and through that are able to touch his readers.

Analysis:

            I found it very interesting that two of the critics I chose to examine compare Browning to Shakespeare. I had never thought of that before but after reading these articles the comparisons seem clearer. Browning’s capability at creating characters that are complex but human is great. I think that article by Buchanan is different in the way it tells you how to read Browning’s “The Ring and the Book.” He basically says that unless you can read it with a spiritual understanding than you pretty much have no moral fiber. I really liked how passionate Buchanan was but I also think that he loses some credibility by dismissing all people who may feel differently about Browning’s piece.

Summary:

            William Morris in his article “Browning’s Alleged Carelessness” attempts to address the ill claims many other critics have made against Browning. He first details the ideas that people have about Browning from his obscureness to the claim that he writes down everything that comes to his mind. He then goes on to dispute these claims. He says that Browning may be obscure the first time you read his work but that it is meant for further dissection and that if you are unable to understand after several readings that you have a “shallow brain” (502). Ruskin believes that readers should exercise thought over a great poem. He also defends Browning against the claim that he is careless in what he writes down. He talks about how Tennyson was the victim of false claims that critics later changed and he believes Browning’s critics will someday do the same.

Analysis:

            I think Ruskin’s article fairly addresses the harsh claims about Robert Browning’s poems. I agree that Browning’s poems are hard to read at first attempt but I think if you work through them you find so much depth and meaning. I don’t like that Ruskin calls people who can’t appreciate Browning’s poems shallow minded. I think that undermines the concept of criticism all together. His argument would be stronger if he just gave examples of how Browning defies their bad claims, as opposed to putting the other critics down. However I do agree that poetry is a form of literature that is meant to be examined, studied, and lulled over for great periods of time. Every time I read a poem I find a new meaning that I did not see before.

Presentation Blog "A Summary and Analysis of “Browning’s ‘A Toccata of Galuppi’s’: How Venice Once Was Dear" by Stefan Hawlin

Katherine Trujillo-Johnston

English 370

Dr.Hague

3 September 2012

A Summary and Analysis of “Browning’s ‘A Toccata of Galuppi’s’: How Venice Once Was Dear”

Summary

In Stefan Hawlin’s essay “Browning’s ‘A Toccata of Galuppi’s’: How Venice Once Was Dear,” Hawlin attempts to give readers a better understanding of Browning’s poem, as well as, open a window into Browning’s inspiration and influences. He begins his essay explaining that this particular poem by Browning  has yet to be critiqued fully due to its’ complexities and musical references.  While the musical references have been successful in a ‘musical point of view’ they have been set apart from the themes of the poem. Hawlin then lets us know that within the last decade better criticism has emerged and then he goes on to show us how.

Hawlin claims that Browning was influenced by other major authors that Browning was exposed to throughout his life. In particular he talks about Keats, Byron, and Dommett and how they each added to Browning’s representation of Venice. Browning’s poem is compared with Keats’ Nightingale,  “And the music as much as Keats’ nightingale, is what lets him into a warm and luxuriant fantasy, something far away from the matter-of-fact world he usually inhibits” (623). This is mirrored in Browning’s description of Venice in his mind. Hawlin gives credit to Browning’s knowledge of balls, masquerades, and carnival to Byron whom Browning worshipped. Finally the essay talks about Domett and his post war view of Venice and how it influenced the overall theme of decay and death throughout the poem.

Lastly Hawlin explains how music is working throughout Browning’s “A Toccata of Galuppi’s’.” He further explains how Browning used the showy characteristic of a Toccata to his advantage. He describes the purpose for mentioning ‘sixths diminished’ and ‘commiserating sevenths.’ He explains how the music works to show the ‘arc’ of Venice. Everything flourished for a period time but eventually died off slowly; in tune with the ‘commiserating sevenths.’ Lastly Hawlin explains how Browning’s final description of how beautiful and warm Venetian women are leaves the reader “with the sad and humble knowledge of how Venice once was dear”(633).

Analysis

                  I feel like this essay really helped me understand Browning’s poem in a whole new way. I thought it was really great that Hawlin shared Browning’s literary inspirations. It gave the reader a better sense of Browning’s descriptions and views about Venice. I also think explaining the musical language and it’s meaning allows the reader to understand the tone of the poem. Without the explanation of sixths and sevenths I may have never understood how the music mirrored Venice. Another thing I found interesting is how Hawlin helps you understand the overall idea of how Venice once was dear. You understand how the speaker has traveled in his mind to Venice in its’ golden age and also after when Venice has a melancholy veil over it.

Questions

1. Does Browning's "A Toccata of Galuppi's" share any of the same elements from the previous pieces we have read in class?

2. Now that we have learned more about the authors that have influenced Browning, can you see those influences in "My Last Duchess" or "Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister?"

3. In what other ways does Browning visit romantic themes but make them his own?

Hawlin, Stefan. “Browning’s ‘A Toccata of Galuppi’s’: How Venice Once was Dear.” Robert Browing’s Poetry. Ed. James F. Loucks and Andrew M. Stauffer. 2^nd Edition. New York: W.W. Norton, 2007. 622-633. Print.