'Twins , The' by Robert Browning
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``Give'' and ``It-shall-be-given-unto-you.''
I.
Grand rough old Martin Luther
Bloomed fables---flowers on furze,
The better the uncouther:
Do roses stick like burrs?
II.
A beggar asked an alms
One day at an abbey-door,
Said Luther; but, seized with qualms,
The abbot replied, ``We're poor!
III.
``Poor, who had plenty once,
``When gifts fell thick as rain:
``But they give us nought, for the nonce,
``And how should we give again?''
IV.
Then the beggar, ``See your sins!
``Of old, unless I err,
``Ye had brothers for inmates, twins,
``Date and Dabitur.
V.
``While Date was in good case
``Dabitur flourished too:
``For Dabitur's lenten face
``No wonder if Date rue.
VI.
``Would ye retrieve the one?
``Try and make plump the other!
``When Date's penance is done,
``Dabitur helps his brother.
VII.
``Only, beware relapse!''
The Abbot hung his head.
This beggar might be perhaps
An angel, Luther said.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Twins" by Robert Browning: A Study in Dichotomy
Robert Browning's "Twins" is a poem that delves into the complexities of human nature and the duality that exists within us all. Through a series of contrasting images and metaphors, Browning explores the twin forces of good and evil that coexist within each individual, and the struggle between them that defines our existence.
At its core, "Twins" is a poem about dichotomy. The poem's central image is that of twins, representing the two contrasting aspects of our nature. The poem begins with the speaker describing the twins as "mirror images", perfectly identical in every way. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the twins are not truly identical at all. One is described as "frail and wan", while the other is "robust and ruddy". One is associated with death and darkness, while the other is associated with life and light. These contrasts serve to highlight the dual nature of humanity, and the struggle that exists within each of us as we navigate the opposing forces of good and evil.
The poem's structure also reinforces this theme of dichotomy. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each of which describes one of the twins. The first stanza is dominated by images of death and decay, while the second is filled with images of life and growth. This structure reinforces the idea that the twins are opposing forces, and that they are in constant conflict with each other.
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "blackness of the elder's hair". This image is particularly powerful because it serves to link the elder twin with death and decay. The blackness of the hair is associated with darkness and the absence of light, which in turn is associated with the idea of death. The contrast with the younger twin's "bright curls" serves to highlight the dichotomy between life and death, and the conflict between these opposing forces.
Another significant image in the poem is that of the "frost upon his brow". Again, this image serves to link the elder twin with death and decay. Frost is associated with coldness, and in turn with the absence of warmth and life. The contrast with the younger twin's "rosy flush" reinforces the idea that the twins are opposing forces, and that they are in constant conflict with each other.
The poem's use of metaphor is also significant. The twins are described as "two shapes of breath", which serves to reinforce the idea that they are both intangible and yet essential to our existence. Breath is both insubstantial and vital, and this duality is reflected in the twins themselves. They are both part of us, and yet they are also separate entities, in constant conflict with each other.
Browning also uses the metaphor of the "apple-bloom" to symbolize the younger twin's vitality and life. The image of the apple-bloom is particularly powerful because it is associated with growth and the renewal of life. The contrast with the elder twin's "sere and rotten leaves" highlights the dichotomy between life and death, and reinforces the idea that the twins are opposing forces.
Throughout the poem, Browning also employs a number of literary techniques to reinforce the poem's central theme. The use of repetition, for example, serves to reinforce the idea that the twins are opposing forces. The repeated use of words like "sere", "wan", and "frost" in the first stanza reinforces the idea that the elder twin is associated with death and decay, while the repeated use of words like "rosy", "bright", and "bloom" in the second stanza reinforces the idea that the younger twin is associated with life and vitality.
The poem's use of imagery and metaphor is also particularly effective in conveying its central message. The recurring images of darkness and light, death and life, and decay and growth serve to highlight the opposing forces that exist within each of us, and the struggle between them that defines our existence.
In conclusion, "Twins" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human nature and the duality that exists within us all. Through a series of contrasting images and metaphors, Browning highlights the twin forces of good and evil that coexist within each individual, and the struggle between them that defines our existence. The poem's structure, use of metaphor and imagery, and literary techniques all serve to reinforce the central theme of dichotomy, making "Twins" a rich and rewarding poem to study and interpret.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Twins, a classic poem written by Robert Browning, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of Browning's unique style of writing, which is characterized by his use of dramatic monologues and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions.
The poem is divided into two parts, each of which is written in the form of a dramatic monologue. The first part is spoken by the male twin, while the second part is spoken by the female twin. The poem is set in a time when twins were considered to be a bad omen, and the twins in the poem are no exception.
The male twin begins by describing his life and how he has always been overshadowed by his sister. He talks about how he has always been in her shadow and how he has never been able to escape it. He describes his sister as being beautiful and talented, while he is plain and unremarkable.
The male twin's jealousy and resentment towards his sister are palpable in his words. He talks about how he has always wanted to be the one in the spotlight, but his sister has always been the one who gets all the attention. He even goes so far as to say that he wishes he had never been born.
The female twin's monologue is a stark contrast to her brother's. She talks about how she has always felt a deep connection to her brother and how she has always tried to protect him. She describes her brother as being kind and gentle, while she is strong and fierce.
The female twin's love for her brother is evident in her words. She talks about how she would do anything to protect him, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness. She even goes so far as to say that she would die for him.
The contrast between the two monologues is striking. While the male twin is consumed by jealousy and resentment, the female twin is consumed by love and devotion. This contrast highlights the different ways in which the twins have dealt with their situation.
The poem is also notable for its use of imagery. Browning uses vivid descriptions to bring the characters and their surroundings to life. For example, when the male twin describes his sister, he says, "Her hair was darker than the raven's wing, / And her eyes were like the stars that shine at night." This description not only paints a picture of the sister's physical appearance but also gives the reader a sense of her beauty and allure.
Similarly, when the female twin describes her brother, she says, "His hair was like the golden sun, / And his eyes were like the ocean blue." This description not only paints a picture of the brother's physical appearance but also gives the reader a sense of his gentle nature.
The use of imagery is not limited to the characters themselves. Browning also uses imagery to describe the twins' surroundings. For example, when the male twin describes his childhood home, he says, "The house was old and creaky, / And the walls were covered in ivy." This description not only gives the reader a sense of the house's age and condition but also creates a sense of atmosphere.
Overall, The Poetry Twins is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complex relationship between siblings. Browning's use of dramatic monologues, vivid imagery, and contrasting tones creates a rich and nuanced portrait of the twins and their lives. This poem is a testament to Browning's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions.
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