'A Light Woman' by Robert Browning
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
I.
So far as our story approaches the end,
Which do you pity the most of us three?—
My friend, or the mistress of my friend
With her wanton eyes, or me?
II.
My friend was already too good to lose,
And seemed in the way of improvement yet,
When she crossed his path with her hunting-noose
And over him drew her net.
III.
When I saw him tangled in her toils,
A shame, said I, if she adds just him
To her nine-and-ninety other spoils,
The hundredth for a whim!
IV.
And before my friend be wholly hers,
How easy to prove to him, I said,
An eagle's the game her pride prefers,
Though she snaps at a wren instead!
V.
So, I gave her eyes my own eyes to take,
My hand sought hers as in earnest need,
And round she turned for my noble sake,
And gave me herself indeed.
VI.
The eagle am I, with my fame in the world,
The wren is he, with his maiden face.
—You look away and your lip is curled?
Patience, a moment's space!
VII.
For see, my friend goes shaling and white;
He eyes me as the basilisk:
I have turned, it appears, his day to night,
Eclipsing his sun's disk.
VIII.
And I did it, he thinks, as a very thief:
"Though I love her—that, he comprehends—
"One should master one's passions, (love, in chief)
"And be loyal to one's friends!"
IX.
And she,—she lies in my hand as tame
As a pear late basking over a wall;
Just a touch to try and off it came;
'Tis mine,—can I let it fall?
X.
With no mind to eat it, that's the worst!
Were it thrown in the road, would the case assist?
'Twas quenching a dozen blue-flies' thirst
When I gave its stalk a twist.
XI.
And I,—what I seem to my friend, you see:
What I soon shall seem to his love, you guess:
What I seem to myself, do you ask of me?
No hero, I confess.
XII.
'Tis an awkward thing to play with souls,
And matter enough to save one's own:
Yet think of my friend, and the burning coals
He played with for bits of stone!
XIII.
One likes to show the truth for the truth;
That the woman was light is very true:
But suppose she says,—Never mind that youth!
What wrong have I done to you?
XIV.
Well, any how, here the story stays,
So far at least as I understand;
And, Robert Browning, you writer of plays,
Here's a subject made to your hand!
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Light Woman by Robert Browning: An Analysis of the Struggle between Love and Lust
As a literary enthusiast, it is impossible to ignore the works of Robert Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era. Among his many poems, "A Light Woman" stands out as a bold and provocative exploration of the complexities of human emotions and desires. The poem tells the story of a man who is torn between his love for a beautiful but promiscuous woman and his inner sense of morality. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the themes, imagery, and symbolism of this powerful poem and explore its significance in the context of Browning's oeuvre.
The Story
The poem opens with the narrator describing a woman who is known to be promiscuous and has been with many men. Despite her reputation, the narrator is drawn to her beauty and charm and is unable to resist her advances. He falls deeply in love with her and begins a tumultuous relationship with her. However, as time passes, he begins to realize the implications of being in a relationship with a woman who has a questionable past. He feels ashamed and guilty for being with her, but at the same time, he cannot bring himself to end the relationship. The poem ends with the narrator acknowledging the futility of his love and the inevitability of the woman's infidelity.
Themes
One of the central themes of "A Light Woman" is the conflict between love and lust. The narrator is torn between his love for the woman and his moral values, which tell him that being with her is wrong. He struggles to reconcile his emotions with his sense of morality, and this internal struggle is evident throughout the poem. The poem also deals with the themes of guilt, shame and regret. The narrator feels guilty for being with the woman and ashamed of what people might think of him. He is torn between his desire for her and his fear of being judged by society.
Another important theme of the poem is the objectification of women. The woman in the poem is portrayed as a sexual object who is desired by many men. She is not given a voice or agency of her own and is reduced to a mere object of desire. The poem is a scathing critique of the way women were treated in Victorian society and exposes the hypocrisy of the men who desired them.
Imagery and Symbolism
Browning uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the emotions of the narrator. The woman is described as "fair and false", and her beauty is compared to the light of the moon. The moon is a symbol of femininity and is associated with beauty and mystery. However, the moon also has a dark side, just like the woman in the poem. The narrator is drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and this metaphor is used to describe his inability to resist her.
The poem also uses religious imagery to convey the narrator's sense of guilt and shame. He refers to the woman as a "lapsed soul", and his love for her is compared to the "devil's lure". This religious imagery is used to highlight the profound conflict between the narrator's emotions and his morality.
Significance
"A Light Woman" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and desires. It is a scathing critique of the way women were treated in Victorian society and exposes the hypocrisy of men who desired them. The poem is also significant for its exploration of the conflict between love and lust, a theme that is timeless and universal. Browning's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and he manages to convey the emotions of the narrator with great clarity and power.
In conclusion, "A Light Woman" is a classic poem that deserves to be studied and appreciated by all lovers of literature. It is a profound exploration of the human psyche and a powerful critique of Victorian society. The conflict between love and lust is a theme that is as relevant today as it was in Browning's time, and this poem serves as a reminder of the complexity of human emotions and desires.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Light Woman: A Masterpiece of Robert Browning
Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his dramatic monologues that explore the complexities of human nature. His poem, A Light Woman, is a perfect example of his mastery of the form. The poem is a witty and ironic commentary on the nature of love and relationships, and it showcases Browning's unique ability to create complex characters and explore their motivations.
The poem tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman who is known for her promiscuity. The narrator is initially drawn to her beauty and charm, but he soon realizes that she is not interested in a serious relationship. Despite this, he continues to pursue her, hoping that he can change her ways. However, he eventually realizes that he is wasting his time and that the woman will never be faithful to him.
The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the reader is eavesdropping on a private conversation. The use of first-person narration also allows the reader to experience the narrator's emotions and thoughts firsthand, which makes the poem more engaging and relatable.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of irony. The title, A Light Woman, is a euphemism for a woman who is sexually promiscuous. However, the narrator initially sees the woman as a "light" in his life, someone who can bring him happiness and fulfillment. This is ironic because the woman is actually the source of his misery and heartache.
The poem also uses irony to comment on the nature of love and relationships. The narrator is convinced that he can change the woman and make her love him. He believes that his love is strong enough to overcome her promiscuity and that he can "reform" her. However, this is a delusion, and the narrator eventually realizes that he cannot change the woman's nature. This is a powerful commentary on the idea that love can conquer all, and it shows that sometimes, no matter how much we love someone, we cannot change them.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of societal expectations and norms. The narrator is aware that the woman's behavior is not acceptable in Victorian society, and he is ashamed to be seen with her in public. He is also aware that his pursuit of her is seen as foolish and that he is risking his reputation by associating with her. This highlights the strict social norms of the time and the pressure that individuals felt to conform to them.
The poem also explores the idea of gender roles and expectations. The woman in the poem is portrayed as a sexual object, someone who is only valued for her physical beauty and sexual prowess. The narrator, on the other hand, is portrayed as a romantic idealist, someone who believes in the power of love and the ability to change others. This reinforces traditional gender roles, where men are expected to be the pursuers and protectors of women, while women are expected to be passive objects of desire.
However, the poem also subverts these gender roles in subtle ways. The woman is not a passive victim of male desire; she is a complex character with her own motivations and desires. She is not interested in a serious relationship, and she is not afraid to pursue her own pleasure. This challenges traditional notions of female sexuality and agency, and it shows that women can be just as complex and multifaceted as men.
In terms of form, the poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality. The use of rhyme and repetition also adds to the poem's musicality and helps to create a sense of unity and coherence. The poem is also full of vivid imagery and metaphors, which help to bring the characters and their emotions to life.
Overall, A Light Woman is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry. It explores complex themes such as love, gender roles, societal norms, and the nature of human relationships. It is a powerful commentary on the human condition, and it showcases Browning's unique ability to create complex characters and explore their motivations. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience and to offer insights into the nature of our existence.
Editor Recommended Sites
You could have invented ...: Learn the most popular tools but from first principlesGan Art: GAN art guide
Witcher 4: Speculation on projekt red's upcoming games
What's the best App: Find the very best app across the different category groups. Apps without heavy IAP or forced auto renew subscriptions
Best Deal Watch - Tech Deals & Vacation Deals: Find the best prices for electornics and vacations. Deep discounts from Amazon & Last minute trip discounts
Recommended Similar Analysis
Bridal Ballad by Edgar Allan Poe analysisIndifferent , The by John Donne analysis
Skyscraper by Carl Sandburg analysis
Prospective Immigrants Please Note by Adrienne Rich analysis
Cuchulain Comforted by William Butler Yeats analysis
I like to see it lap the miles, by Emily Dickinson analysis
A Love Letter by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysis
No Second Troy by William Butler Yeats analysis
Prospice by Robert Browning analysis
I years had been from home, by Emily Dickinson analysis