Sonnet 29- “I think of thee”

• “I think of thee!- my thoughts do twine and bud about thee, as wild vines, about a tree”
• “I think of thee!- my thoughts do twine and bud about thee, as wild vines, about a tree”

  Visual metaphor

  “i” “thee” in same line display separation and her longing, yet distance can be overcome, only separated by a few words

  “Think” “thoughts” repetition, can only be with him in her imagination, physical distance

  thoughts compared to plants, uncontrollable nature of their growth, her desire is natural, love evolves, becomes deeper, natural imagery

  internal rhyme, joy when she thinks about being With him
• “Rather, instantly renew thy presence; as a strong tree should, rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare”
• “Rather, instantly renew thy presence; as a strong tree should, rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare”

  Simile

  “Instantly” sense of urgency, speaker cannot wait for him

  “String tree should” attacking masculinity to persuade him

  “Rustle” animalistic, wild desires

  “Set” imperatives, demanding, developed power and confidence, lost inhibitions, particularly in context of Victorian society
• context

  Written for browning herself and not intended to be published

  Rebellious, Victorian era women didn’t express strong emotions
• Form

  Caesura and enjambement shows inability to control her thoughts

  Written in sonnet form, solution comes in line seven which is too early, reflects speakers impatience
• Structure

  Transition from problem to solution
• Compare

  Loves philosophy, natural imagery as metaphor for romantic love

  Porphyria’s lover, unhealthy fixation on their relationship

  Singh song, all consuming nature of love

  Letters from Yorkshire, natural imagery