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.