'Sonnet 38 - First time he kissed me, he but only kissed' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning


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XXXVIII

First time he kissed me, he but only kissed
The fingers of this hand wherewith I write;
And ever since, it grew more clean and white,
Slow to world-greetings, quick with its 'Oh, list,'
When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst
I could not wear here, plainer to my sight,
Than that first kiss. The second passed in height
The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed,
Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!
That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown,
With sanctifying sweetness, did precede.
The third upon my lips was folded down
In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed,
I have been proud and said, 'My love, my own.'

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 38: First time he kissed me, he but only kissed

Wow! Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnet 38: First time he kissed me, he but only kissed" is a beautiful and timeless piece of literature. This poetic masterpiece is an expression of the poet's love and affection for her husband, Robert Browning. The poem is a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem that follows a particular rhyme scheme. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the poem's themes, literary devices, and historical context to uncover its true meaning.

Historical Context

Before we dive into the meaning of the poem, it's essential to understand the author's historical context. Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a prominent poet and social activist in the 19th century. She lived a life of privilege and luxury until she became severely ill and bedridden, which forced her to live a reclusive life. During this period, she began to write poetry, which became her source of solace and self-expression.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry often explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality. In "Sonnet 38: First time he kissed me, he but only kissed," she expresses her love for her husband, Robert Browning. The poem is a reflection of the love and affection shared between the two poets, who fell in love with each other through their respective works of literature.

Themes

The poem's primary theme is love, which is evident in the opening line, "First time he kissed me, he but only kissed." The poem's speaker recalls the first time her husband kissed her, and how that kiss made her feel. The speaker's love for her husband is so strong that she cherishes even the smallest of gestures, such as a simple kiss.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the theme of time. The speaker says, "And time, which scarce can fathom or foretell, / Only mends life's omissions." The speaker is acknowledging the fleeting nature of time and how it can mend past mistakes. Time is an essential aspect of the poem, as it represents the progression of the speaker's relationship with her husband.

Literary Devices

Elizabeth Barrett Browning uses various literary devices in "Sonnet 38: First time he kissed me, he but only kissed" to convey the poem's themes effectively. One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is imagery. The speaker paints a vivid picture of the first kiss with her husband, saying, "My face turned pale as deadly pale, / My legs refused to walk away." This image of the speaker being rendered immobile by her husband's kiss is a powerful representation of the strength of their love.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "he but only kissed" is repeated three times throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the first kiss in the speaker's memory. The repetition also serves to show the simplicity of the gesture and how it had a profound impact on the speaker's life.

Interpretation and Analysis

"Sonnet 38: First time he kissed me, he but only kissed" is a beautiful and intimate expression of love. The poem's speaker recalls the first time her husband kissed her and how that kiss made her feel. It's evident that the speaker's love for her husband is all-consuming, as she remembers even the smallest of gestures.

The theme of time is also prevalent in the poem. The speaker acknowledges that time is fleeting and can mend past mistakes. The passing of time is a significant aspect of the poem, as it represents the progression of the speaker's relationship with her husband. The poem is a testament to the power of love and how it can withstand the test of time.

The literary devices used in the poem are also significant in conveying the poem's meaning. The vivid imagery of the first kiss shows the profound impact that the gesture had on the speaker's life. The repetition of the phrase "he but only kissed" emphasizes the simplicity of the gesture and how it had a lasting impact on the speaker's memory.

Conclusion

"Sonnet 38: First time he kissed me, he but only kissed" is a beautiful and intimate expression of love. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's use of imagery and repetition effectively conveys the poem's themes of love and time. The poem is a testament to the power of love and how it can withstand the test of time. This poem is an enduring masterpiece of literature and will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 38 - First time he kissed me, he but only kissed, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and the power of a first kiss. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line, "First time he kissed me, he but only kissed." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader in. The speaker is recalling the first time her lover kissed her, and she is reflecting on the power of that moment. The use of the word "only" in this line is significant because it suggests that the kiss was simple and innocent, yet it had a profound impact on the speaker.

The second line of the poem reads, "The next time he kissed me, he kissed me still." This line is significant because it shows that the first kiss was not just a fleeting moment, but it had a lasting effect on the speaker. The use of the word "still" suggests that the second kiss was just as powerful as the first, if not more so. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover has grown since that first kiss.

The third line of the poem reads, "And, oh, the difference to me!" This line is significant because it shows the impact that the first kiss had on the speaker. The use of the exclamation mark emphasizes the speaker's excitement and joy at the memory of that first kiss. The word "difference" suggests that the speaker's life was changed by that kiss, and it had a profound impact on her.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "He kissed me, and I kissed him back again." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker's love for her lover is reciprocated. The use of the word "back" suggests that the speaker is returning the love that her lover has shown her. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover has grown since that first kiss.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "And, oh, the difference to him!" This line is significant because it shows that the first kiss had a profound impact on the speaker's lover as well. The use of the exclamation mark emphasizes the excitement and joy that the speaker's lover felt at the memory of that first kiss. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover has had a positive impact on him as well.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "No doubt that kiss was so sweet." This line is significant because it emphasizes the sweetness of that first kiss. The use of the word "sweet" suggests that the kiss was innocent and pure. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover is based on more than just physical attraction, but on a deep emotional connection.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "But, oh, the difference to me!" This line is significant because it emphasizes the impact that the first kiss had on the speaker. The use of the exclamation mark emphasizes the excitement and joy that the speaker feels at the memory of that first kiss. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover is based on more than just physical attraction, but on a deep emotional connection.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "And, oh, the difference to all my future life!" This line is significant because it suggests that the first kiss had a lasting impact on the speaker's life. The use of the exclamation mark emphasizes the excitement and joy that the speaker feels at the memory of that first kiss. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover has had a positive impact on her life.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "But was it he who did the deed?" This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is questioning who initiated the first kiss. The use of the word "deed" suggests that the first kiss was a significant event. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover is based on more than just physical attraction, but on a deep emotional connection.

The tenth line of the poem reads, "Or I, who felt the kiss indeed?" This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is taking ownership of the first kiss. The use of the word "indeed" suggests that the first kiss was a significant event. This line also suggests that the speaker's love for her lover is based on more than just physical attraction, but on a deep emotional connection.

In conclusion, Sonnet 38 - First time he kissed me, he but only kissed, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a beautiful expression of love and the power of a first kiss. This sonnet is significant because it shows the impact that a single moment can have on a person's life. The use of language and imagery in this poem is powerful and evocative, and it has stood the test of time. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing the moments that shape our lives.

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