Regarded as a brilliant sinister dramatic monologue, 'Porphyria's Lover' by Robert Browning, challenges the perception of it's readers, in this case, creating a persona that is driven mad by his growing obsession throughout the poem. The poem is about a character who has a a difficult relationship with the woman he loves because she is unable to love him fully. It carefully illustrates the struggle for control between the two lovers drawing the reader into their twisted relationship with evidence of pure evil. Browning effectively makes use of imagery, language and content, that helps develop the unpleasant aspects of the character's personality gradually.
The opening four lines of the poem is where the scene is set, in an isolated cold …show more content…
It could be seen as symbolic of their relationship as it could erupt at any moment. The use of the personification “cheerless grate” suggests Porphyria gives his home a sense of comfort, showing he is clearly not happy when she is not there. Despite, this positive change in the speaker's mood, it emphasizes his obsession for Porphyria as he is only happy in her company. However, it's not long before his shrewd side reveals its self, he tracks her every move and feels neglected as she takes no notice of him“And, last, she sat down by my side/And called me” The separation of the word “last” indicates that in his mind she has delayed going to him, making him an option not a priority. He turns a blind eye to her calling out to him, trying to regain some control in the relationship, but she …show more content…
He has achieved the unthinkable, - what he has wanted all along – unconditional love. The use of the repetitive rhyme “In one long yellow string I wound/Three times her little throat around” tricks the reader into thinking some form of affection is taking place, however, this could not be further from the truth as we discover the dark sinister reality. With the use of enjambment “ And Strangled her” astounds the reader, as it was an unexpected act of evil. Consequently, this act of violence was nonchalantly referred to by the speaker, suggesting that murder was an everyday occurrence. It also reveals that the speaker is a dangerous manipulative man, consumed by
The opening four lines of the poem is where the scene is set, in an isolated cold …show more content…
It could be seen as symbolic of their relationship as it could erupt at any moment. The use of the personification “cheerless grate” suggests Porphyria gives his home a sense of comfort, showing he is clearly not happy when she is not there. Despite, this positive change in the speaker's mood, it emphasizes his obsession for Porphyria as he is only happy in her company. However, it's not long before his shrewd side reveals its self, he tracks her every move and feels neglected as she takes no notice of him“And, last, she sat down by my side/And called me” The separation of the word “last” indicates that in his mind she has delayed going to him, making him an option not a priority. He turns a blind eye to her calling out to him, trying to regain some control in the relationship, but she …show more content…
He has achieved the unthinkable, - what he has wanted all along – unconditional love. The use of the repetitive rhyme “In one long yellow string I wound/Three times her little throat around” tricks the reader into thinking some form of affection is taking place, however, this could not be further from the truth as we discover the dark sinister reality. With the use of enjambment “ And Strangled her” astounds the reader, as it was an unexpected act of evil. Consequently, this act of violence was nonchalantly referred to by the speaker, suggesting that murder was an everyday occurrence. It also reveals that the speaker is a dangerous manipulative man, consumed by