Sonnet 29 - 'I think of thee'

• What is the main theme of Sonnet 29?

  Obsessive thoughts about a lover
• What metaphor is used in Sonnet 29 to describe the speaker's love?

  Vines encircling a tree
• How does the speaker's perspective change throughout Sonnet 29?

  From obsessive thoughts to physical presence
• What does the speaker's use of the metaphor of vines imply?

  • Thoughts wrap around the lover
  • Suggests growing love
  • Indicates dependency on the lover
• Who is the poem thought to be written about?

  Robert Browning
• What collection includes Sonnet 29?

  Sonnets from the Portuguese
• What societal issue was Barrett Browning vocal about?

  Child labour and slavery
• Why did Barrett Browning write the poems in secret?

  Her father did not allow marriage
• How does the poem reflect Victorian gender expectations?

  It represents a rebellion against emotional restraint
• What does the speaker mean by "there's nought to see"?

  She can only see her thoughts of him
• What does the pronoun "my" signify in the poem?

  Dependency on each other
• What does the palm tree symbolize in the poem?

  Stability and dependability of the lover
• How does Barrett Browning use auditory imagery in the poem?

  To imply familiarity and closeness
• What is the structure of Sonnet 29?

  Petrarchan sonnet with two quatrains and a sestet
• What does the use of iambic pentameter suggest about the poem?

  Traditional nature of her love
• What is the rhyme scheme of Sonnet 29?


  ABBCCBBCDBDBDB
• What is the significance of the volta in Sonnet 29?

  It reflects a nontraditional attitude
• How does the poem's rhyme scheme reflect its style?

  It shows slight unconventionality in affection
• How does Barrett Browning's use of language create intimacy?

  Through repeated use of "thee" and auditory imagery
• What do the active verbs "twine" and "bud" suggest?

  Growing and untameable love
• What does the extended metaphor of the vine and tree represent?

  The speaker's thoughts and her lover
• What are the similarities and differences between Sonnet 29 and Love's Philosophy?

  Similarities:

  • Use of natural imagery for love
  • Short and concise structure

  
  

  Differences:

  • Sonnet 29 ends with resolution
  • Love's Philosophy lacks progression
• What are the similarities and differences between Sonnet 29 and Porphyria's Lover?

  Similarities:

  • Unhealthy fixation on the beloved
  • Use of natural imagery

  
  

  Differences:

  • Sonnet 29 shows self-awareness
  • Porphyria's Lover lacks remorse
• How does the speaker's obsession affect her relationship in Sonnet 29?

  It is recognized as unhealthy
• What does the final line of Sonnet 29 signify?

  Transition from thought to physical presence