'A Woman's Last Word' by Robert Browning
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I.
Let's contend no more, Love,
Strive nor weep:
All be as before, Love,
—Only sleep!
II.
What so wild as words are?
I and thou
In debate, as birds are,
Hawk on bough!
III.
See the creature stalking
While we speak!
Hush and hide the talking,
Cheek on cheek!
IV.
What so false as truth is,
False to thee?
Where the serpent's tooth is
Shun the tree—
V.
Where the apple reddens
Never pry—
Lest we lose our Edens,
Eve and I.
VI.
Be a god and hold me
With a charm!
Be a man and fold me
With thine arm!
VII.
Teach me, only teach, Love
As I ought
I will speak thy speech, Love,
Think thy thought—
VIII.
Meet, if thou require it,
Both demands,
Laying flesh and spirit
In thy hands.
IX.
That shall be to-morrow
Not to-night:
I must bury sorrow
Out of sight:
X.
—Must a little weep, Love,
(Foolish me!)
And so fall asleep, Love,
Loved by thee.
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Woman's Last Word: A Masterpiece of Irony and Misdirection
As a renowned poet of the Victorian era, Robert Browning had a penchant for crafting complex and multi-layered poems that often challenged readers to unravel their hidden meanings. One such poem is "A Woman's Last Word," a work that has fascinated and puzzled readers for generations.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a straightforward account of a couple's argument, with the man trying to convince the woman to stay with him while she resists and ultimately leaves. However, a closer examination reveals that Browning employs a variety of literary devices, such as irony, misdirection, and ambiguity, to subvert the reader's expectations and create a more nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.
Irony as a Narrative Strategy
One of the most striking features of "A Woman's Last Word" is its use of irony, a rhetorical device that involves saying the opposite of what is meant or intended. Irony is often used to create a sense of humor or to express a hidden message, and Browning deploys it masterfully in this poem to challenge conventional gender roles and highlight the power dynamics in romantic relationships.
One instance of irony in the poem is the way the woman addresses the man as "Sir," a title typically associated with respect and deference, but uses it in a way that is sarcastic and dismissive. For example, when the man tells her that he loves her and cannot live without her, the woman responds, "Sir, I hear and I obey." The tone of her response suggests that she is mocking him and his attempts to control her, which is ironic given that women in Victorian society were often expected to be submissive and obedient to men.
Another example of irony is the way the woman repeatedly tells the man that she is leaving, but continues to linger and engage in the argument. She says, "I'll go home," "I'll not stay," and "I'll leave you," but each time she seems to be waiting for the man to beg her to stay. This creates a sense of dramatic tension and uncertainty, as the reader is unsure whether the woman will actually leave or stay with the man.
Misdirection and Ambiguity
Apart from irony, "A Woman's Last Word" also employs misdirection and ambiguity to create a more complex and layered narrative. Misdirection is a technique used in literature to divert the reader's attention away from a key element or twist in the plot, while ambiguity refers to the use of language or symbolism that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
One instance of misdirection in the poem is the way the man repeatedly asks the woman to forgive him, but does not specify what he has done wrong. The woman responds by accusing him of being selfish and demanding, which suggests that their argument is about more than just the woman leaving. However, the reader is left to speculate about what the man's transgression might be, which creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Ambiguity is also present in the poem, particularly in the way the woman describes her feelings towards the man. At one point, she says, "No, no, no! Kiss me and say bye-bye! / Basely triumphant man and woman / Joined i' the very leap of life!" The use of the word "basely" suggests that the woman is angry or resentful towards the man, yet she also asks him to kiss her and bid her farewell, which implies a degree of affection or longing. This ambiguity in the woman's emotions adds depth and complexity to her character, and invites the reader to interpret her motivations and desires.
Interpreting the Poem
So what is the deeper meaning of "A Woman's Last Word"? While there is no single answer to this question, the poem can be read as a critique of gender roles and power dynamics in romantic relationships. The woman's sarcastic and dismissive tone towards the man, as well as her repeated attempts to leave, suggest that she is rebelling against the traditional expectations placed on women to be passive and submissive.
At the same time, the man's desperate pleas for forgiveness and his attempts to control the situation illustrate the ways in which men were expected to assert their dominance and authority over women. The ambiguity in the woman's emotions towards the man also speaks to the complexity of romantic relationships, and the ways in which power and desire can be intertwined and contradictory.
Ultimately, "A Woman's Last Word" is a testament to Browning's skill as a poet, and his ability to use irony, misdirection, and ambiguity to create a profound and thought-provoking work of art. Whether read as a social commentary, a psychological study, or simply a masterful exercise in literary technique, the poem remains a timeless and captivating piece of literature that continues to challenge and inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Woman's Last Word: A Poem of Love and Betrayal
Robert Browning's poem, A Woman's Last Word, is a powerful and emotional work that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and the power dynamics between men and women. Written in 1855, the poem tells the story of a woman who is betrayed by her lover and left to face the consequences of his actions alone. Through the use of vivid imagery, complex metaphors, and a powerful narrative voice, Browning creates a work that is both timeless and deeply moving.
The poem begins with the woman addressing her lover, who has just betrayed her. She tells him that she has forgiven him for his actions, but that she will never forget what he has done. She then goes on to describe the pain and suffering that she has endured as a result of his betrayal. She speaks of the sleepless nights, the tears she has shed, and the loneliness that has consumed her since he left her.
The woman's voice is powerful and emotional, and Browning uses a variety of poetic techniques to convey her pain and anguish. He uses vivid imagery to describe the woman's physical and emotional state, painting a picture of a woman who is broken and alone. For example, he writes:
"I have lost both the note and the charm, With the black keys on, to guide me back to the white, And the touch of a finger still felt in the dark, When it woke the keys, as it used to do right."
Here, Browning uses the metaphor of a piano to describe the woman's emotional state. The "note and the charm" represent the love and affection that she once felt for her lover, while the "black keys" represent the pain and suffering that she has endured. The "touch of a finger" represents her lover's presence in her life, and the way that he used to bring her happiness and joy. However, now that he has betrayed her, she is lost and alone, unable to find her way back to the happiness that she once knew.
Browning also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "I forgive you" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the woman's willingness to forgive her lover despite his betrayal. He also uses alliteration to create a sense of urgency and intensity in the poem, as in the line:
"O, the little more, and how much it is! And the little less, and what worlds away!"
Here, the repetition of the "l" sound creates a sense of urgency and intensity, emphasizing the importance of the woman's words and the gravity of the situation.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way that Browning explores the power dynamics between men and women. Throughout the poem, the woman is portrayed as a victim of her lover's actions, but she is also portrayed as a strong and resilient figure who is capable of standing up for herself. She refuses to be a passive victim, instead taking control of the situation and asserting her own power.
For example, she tells her lover:
"I am not yours, not lost in you, Not lost, although I long to be Lost as a candle lit at noon, Lost as a snowflake in the sea."
Here, the woman asserts her own identity and independence, refusing to be defined by her relationship with her lover. She longs to be lost, but not in the way that he wants her to be. She wants to be lost in her own thoughts and feelings, not lost in his control.
Browning also explores the theme of love in the poem, portraying it as a complex and often painful emotion. The woman's love for her lover is both a source of joy and a source of pain, and she struggles to come to terms with the conflicting emotions that she feels. She tells her lover:
"I love you still among these cold things, Though my love's voice should falter from death's frost, I love you still, even in the dust of death."
Here, the woman expresses her undying love for her lover, even in the face of death. However, she also acknowledges the pain and suffering that her love has caused her, and the way that it has left her vulnerable and alone.
In conclusion, A Woman's Last Word is a powerful and emotional work that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and power dynamics between men and women. Through the use of vivid imagery, complex metaphors, and a powerful narrative voice, Browning creates a work that is both timeless and deeply moving. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of betrayal and heartbreak, and a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
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