Porphyria's Lover

• "The sullen wind was soon awake"
• "She shut the cold out and the storm"
• "She put her arm about my waist"
• "Let her damp hair fall"
• "Three times her little throat around, and strangled her"
• "I debated what to do"
• "A sudden thought of one so pale"
• Written in 1836 by Robert Browning
• Porphyria is a mental illness that caused hallucinations, anxiety and confusion
• dramatic monologue - inspired by the gothic period
• Why can dramatic monologues be dangerous to analyze?

  They can distract from the poem's meaning
• What are two interpretations of the speaker in Porphyria's Lover?

  Psychopath or mercy killer
• What should students focus on when analyzing poetry?

  • Language
  • Structure
  • Form
  • Meaning creation
• What is the significance of Browning's focus on morbid psychological states?

  It helps interpret the themes in his poems
• Why was the title changed from Porphyria to Porphyria's Lover?

  To indicate an illicit relationship
• What does the collective title "Madhouse Cells" suggest about the poems?

  They explore themes of madness and psychosis
• How does the weather in the poem reflect the speaker's mood?

  The weather is personified as angry and spiteful
• What does the phrase "heart fit to break" imply about the speaker's emotional state?

  He is deeply distressed and heartbroken
• What does the speaker's description of Porphyria's actions suggest about her character?

  She is nurturing and caring
• What does the speaker's reaction to Porphyria's affection reveal about him?

  He feels possessive and controlling
• What does the phrase "she too weak for all her heart's endeavor" imply about Porphyria's struggles?

  She struggles to free herself from societal ties
• How does the speaker's perception of Porphyria change throughout the poem?

  He becomes increasingly possessive and controlling
• What does the speaker claim about Porphyria's pain during her death?

  He believes she felt no pain
• How does the speaker justify his actions towards Porphyria?

  He believes he fulfilled her wish
• What does the phrase "God has not said a word" suggest about the speaker's view of morality?

  He feels justified in his actions
• What are the key themes explored in Porphyria's Lover?

  • Love and possession
  • Madness and psychopathy
  • Class distinctions
  • Euthanasia and mercy killing
• How does Browning's use of language contribute to the poem's meaning?

  It emphasizes the speaker's mental instability
• What literary device is used when the weather reflects the speaker's mood?

  Pathetic fallacy
• What does the use of poetic inversion achieve in the poem?

  It emphasizes specific words and ideas
• What does the speaker do after strangling Porphyria?

  He kisses her cheek and props her head
• How does the poem portray the relationship between the speaker and Porphyria?

  It depicts a controlling and possessive dynamic
• What does the speaker's final reflection on Porphyria suggest about his character?

  He is delusional and believes he fulfilled her desires
• What are the key elements of Browning's poetic style in Porphyria's Lover?

  • Dramatic monologue
  • Use of personification
  • Poetic inversion
  • Exploration of psychological themes
• What is the significance of Porphyria's name in the poem?

  It suggests a connection to royalty and class
• How does the poem challenge traditional views of love?

  It presents love as possessive and violent
• What role does the setting play in Porphyria's Lover?

  It reflects the speaker's emotional turmoil
• What does the speaker's perception of Porphyria's actions reveal about his mindset?

  He feels neglected and resentful
• How does Browning's portrayal of Porphyria contribute to the poem's themes?

  It highlights the complexities of love and power
• What does the speaker mean by "her one wish would be heard"?

  He believes he fulfilled her desire to be free
• What does the poem suggest about the nature of love and death?

  It intertwines love with violence and control