The Extraordinary Love Story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning: A Journey of Poetry, Passion, and Perseverance

The Victorian era witnessed the blossoming of one of literature's most extraordinary love stories, a tale of passion, poetry, and an indomitable spirit. Elizabeth Barrett, a renowned poetess, and Robert Browning, an equally talented poet, forged an enduring bond that left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

A Budding Romance

Elizabeth Barrett, born in 1806, was a brilliant and independent woman who had faced adversity from an early age. Confined to her sickroom for years due to a mysterious illness, she found solace in writing poetry. Her work, characterized by its lyrical beauty and intellectual depth, gained widespread recognition.

Dared And Done: The Marriage of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning

by Julia Markus

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11082 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	382 pages
Paperback	:	192 pages
Reading age	:	15 years and up
Item Weight	:	8.4 ounces

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Robert Browning, born in 1812, was a rising star in the literary world. His poetry, known for its dramatic intensity and psychological exploration, had captured the attention of critics and readers alike.

In 1845, Browning, an ardent admirer of Barrett's poetry, wrote to her expressing his appreciation. The initial exchange of letters ignited a spark that soon blossomed into a passionate and profound love.

Hidden Courtship and Secret Meetings

Barrett's father, a strict patriarch, forbade his daughter from engaging in any romantic pursuits that could compromise her health or literary reputation. Undeterred, Browning and Barrett embarked on a clandestine courtship, exchanging passionate letters and arranging secret meetings.

Their secret rendezvous were often held at Barrett's home, with Browning secretly entering through her open window. The romantic atmosphere of these clandestine encounters provided inspiration for some of Barrett's most famous love sonnets.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

The Sonnets from the Portuguese

Barrett's love for Browning found its most exquisite expression in the collection of poems known as the "Sonnets from the Portuguese." Written in the tradition of Petrarchan sonnets, these poems explore the various facets of love, from its passionate beginnings to its enduring strength.

The sonnets, initially published anonymously to protect Barrett's reputation, captivated the literary world with their raw emotion and poetic beauty. Their true authorship was revealed years later, solidifying Barrett's place as one of the most renowned poets of her time.

Overcoming Obstacles

Barrett's ill health and her father's disapproval presented significant obstacles to their love. However, Barrett's unwavering determination and Browning's unwavering devotion propelled them forward.

In 1846, against her father's wishes, Barrett and Browning eloped to Italy. The journey was arduous for Barrett, but she found solace in the love and companionship of her husband.

A Life of Poetry and Love

The couple spent the next years of their lives abroad, living in Florence and other Italian cities. They continued to write poetry, inspired by their love and their surroundings.

Barrett's epic poem "Aurora Leigh" (1857),a groundbreaking work of feminist literature, explored themes of social justice and female empowerment. Browning's "The Ring and the Book" (1868-69),a complex narrative poem, showcased his mastery of poetic form.

An Enduring Legacy

Elizabeth Barrett Browning passed away in 1861 at the age of 55. Robert Browning continued to write and publish poetry until his death in 1889. Their love story and poetic legacy have inspired generations of readers and writers.

The marriage of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning is a testament to the power of love, the transformative nature of poetry, and the enduring human spirit. Their extraordinary journey continues to captivate and inspire, leaving an unforgettable mark on the literary landscape.

Dared And Done: The Marriage of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning

by Julia Markus

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11082 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	382 pages
Paperback	:	192 pages
Reading age	:	15 years and up
Item Weight	:	8.4 ounces

FREE