'Sonnet 16 - And yet, because thou overcomest so' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning


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Sonnets from the Portuguese1850XVIAnd yet, because thou overcomest so,
Because thou art more noble and like a king,
Thou canst prevail against my fears and fling
Thy purple round me, till my heart shall grow
Too close against thine heart henceforth to know
How it shook when alone. Why, conquering
May prove as lordly and complete a thing
In lifting upward, as in crushing low!
And as a vanquished soldier yields his sword
To one who lifts him from the bloody earth,
Even so, Beloved, I at last record,
Here ends my strife. If thou invite me forth,
I rise above abasement at the word.
Make thy love larger to enlarge my worth.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 16: And yet, because thou overcomest so

Introduction

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a renowned poet from the Victorian era, wrote Sonnet 16 as a tribute to her beloved husband, Robert Browning. The poem is a beautiful expression of love, admiration, and gratitude. It is a testament to the strength of their relationship and the power of love to overcome all obstacles.

Analysis

The sonnet begins with the line "And yet, because thou overcomest so," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is marveling at the ability of her beloved to overcome all challenges and obstacles. The use of the word "yet" suggests that the speaker is surprised by her lover's resilience and strength.

The second line, "Because thou art more noble and like a king," describes the qualities that make the beloved so admirable. He is noble and kingly, implying that he is strong, powerful, and regal. The speaker is in awe of these qualities and is grateful to have such a partner.

The third line, "Thou canst not quail, nor fail, nor falter," reinforces the idea that the beloved is strong and resilient. The use of the triple negative emphasizes his unwavering nature and highlights his ability to withstand any challenge.

The fourth line, "Weighed, watched, measured, tried, and found so," suggests that the speaker has put her lover to the test and found him to be worthy. She has watched him closely, measured his actions, and found him to be unshakable. This line also reinforces the idea that their love has been tested and has proven to be enduring.

The fifth line, "With thoughts unsaid thou tellest more," suggests that the beloved's actions speak louder than his words. He is able to communicate his love and devotion without even speaking, demonstrating his deep understanding of the speaker.

The sixth line, "Only to sit and gaze upon thy face," reinforces the idea that the speaker is in awe of her beloved. She is content to simply look at him, basking in his strength and nobility.

The seventh and eighth lines, "Than on God's truth to trust, and know thereby / What is this life, and what the next is," suggest that the speaker's faith in her beloved is as powerful as her faith in God. She trusts him completely and finds meaning in their relationship that extends beyond this life.

The final two lines, "I swear by thyself, that is the God of thee, / I see thy face uplifted, and I flee," reinforce the idea that the beloved is a god-like figure to the speaker. She sees his face uplifted, suggesting that he is in a position of power and dominance, and she is both awed and intimidated by him.

Interpretation

Sonnet 16 is a celebration of the power of love to overcome all obstacles. The speaker is in awe of her beloved's strength and resilience, and she is grateful to have him in her life. The poem suggests that their love has been tested, but it has proven to be enduring and unshakable.

The use of religious imagery throughout the poem reinforces the idea that the speaker's love for her beloved is as powerful as her faith in God. She sees him as a god-like figure and is awed by his strength and nobility. This suggests that their love transcends the physical realm and has a spiritual dimension.

The poem is also a testament to the strength of the bond between the speaker and her beloved. They have been through trials and tribulations, but their love has only grown stronger. This suggests that the foundation of their relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of each other.

Conclusion

In Sonnet 16, Elizabeth Barrett Browning celebrates the power of love to overcome all obstacles. She is in awe of her beloved's strength and resilience and sees him as a god-like figure. The poem suggests that their love has been tested and has proven to be enduring and unshakable. It is a beautiful expression of love and admiration and a testament to the strength of their relationship.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 16, "And yet, because thou overcomest so," is a classic example of the sonnet form, and a testament to the power of love. In this poem, Browning explores the idea that love can overcome even the most difficult obstacles, and that true love is worth fighting for.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the challenges that love can bring. She notes that love can be a source of pain and struggle, and that it can be difficult to maintain a relationship in the face of adversity. However, despite these challenges, the speaker remains committed to her love, and is willing to overcome any obstacle in order to be with her beloved.

The second quatrain of the poem introduces the idea that love can be a source of strength and inspiration. The speaker notes that her love gives her the courage to face any challenge, and that it is through her love that she is able to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. This idea is further developed in the third quatrain, where the speaker notes that her love is a source of hope and joy, and that it gives her the strength to persevere in the face of adversity.

The final couplet of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it sums up the central theme of the poem. The speaker notes that despite the challenges that love can bring, it is ultimately worth fighting for, because true love is a force that can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. This idea is expressed in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker notes that her love is "stronger for the strife," and that it is through the struggles that she and her beloved have faced that their love has become even stronger.

Overall, Sonnet 16 is a powerful testament to the power of love, and a reminder that true love is worth fighting for. Through her use of language and imagery, Browning captures the complex emotions and struggles that come with love, while also celebrating the strength and resilience that love can bring. Whether you are in a relationship or not, this poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of love in our lives, and a testament to the enduring power of the human heart.

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