'Sonnet 03 - Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning


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Sonnets from the Portuguese1850IIIUnlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!
Unlike our uses and our destinies.
Our ministering two angels look surprise
On one another, as they strike athwart
Their wings in passing. Thou, bethink thee, art
A guest for queens to social pageantries,
With gages from a hundred brighter eyes
Than tears even can make mine, to play thy part
Of chief musician. What hast thou to do
With looking from the lattice-lights at me,
A poor, tired, wandering singer, singing through
The dark, and leaning up a cypress tree?
The chrism is on thine head,-on mine, the dew,-
And Death must dig the level where these agree.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 03 - Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!

Introduction

Sonnet 03, "Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!" is a masterpiece of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era. The poem was published in her collection "Sonnets from the Portuguese" in 1850. The collection was a series of love poems addressed to her husband, Robert Browning, whom she met and fell in love with in 1845. The sonnet is a reflection on the differences between Elizabeth and Robert, yet their love still prevails.

Analysis

The first line of the poem, "Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!" establishes the main theme of the poem, which is the differences between the speaker and her beloved. The use of the word "princely" to describe the heart of the beloved suggests his nobility, high status, and possibly his masculine qualities. The speaker, on the other hand, does not share these qualities. In fact, she describes herself as "dim-featured," which suggests that she is not physically attractive or striking.

The speaker then goes on to describe her beloved's physical qualities, which are in stark contrast to her own. He is "ruddy and white," which suggests that he has a healthy complexion and is physically strong. She also describes him as "ocean-drowned," which suggests that he has depth and complexity to his character.

In contrast, the speaker describes herself as "asphaltic," which suggests that she is dark and dull. This description is juxtaposed with her beloved's "silver-flecked," which suggests that he is bright and shining. The speaker also describes herself as "vulgar," which suggests that she is common and ordinary.

The differences between the speaker and her beloved extend beyond physical characteristics. The speaker describes herself as "harsh," which suggests that she is not gentle or kind. This is contrasted with her beloved's "soft laugh," which suggests that he has a gentle and pleasant nature. The speaker also describes herself as "unmelodious," which suggests that she is not musical or sweet. This is contrasted with her beloved's "lyric song," which suggests that he is musical and poetic.

Despite these differences, the speaker still loves her beloved deeply. She says, "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach." This suggests that her love for him is all-encompassing and knows no bounds. She also says that she loves him "for the ends of Being and ideal Grace." This suggests that she loves him for his character and his morals, rather than his physical characteristics.

The speaker acknowledges that their differences may cause others to question their love. She says, "I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise." This suggests that her love is not based on superficial qualities, but rather on a deeper understanding of her beloved's character.

Interpretation

"Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!" is a beautiful love poem that explores the differences between the speaker and her beloved. The poem suggests that love can exist between two people who are very different from each other. The speaker acknowledges that she and her beloved have different physical and personality traits, but their love still prevails.

The poem also suggests that true love is not based on superficial qualities. The speaker loves her beloved for his character and morals, rather than his physical appearance. This suggests that true love is based on a deeper understanding of the other person's character and values.

The poem also suggests that love is all-encompassing and knows no bounds. The speaker loves her beloved to the "depth and breadth and height" of her soul. This suggests that true love is not limited by physical or emotional barriers, but rather exists on a spiritual level.

The poem also suggests that true love is not always easy. The speaker acknowledges that their differences may cause others to question their love. However, she loves her beloved "freely" and "purely," which suggests that her love is not based on external factors, but rather on a deep understanding of her beloved's character.

Conclusion

"Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!" is a beautiful love poem that explores the differences between the speaker and her beloved. The poem suggests that true love is not based on superficial qualities, but rather on a deeper understanding of the other person's character and values. The poem also suggests that true love is all-encompassing and knows no bounds. Despite their differences, the speaker and her beloved's love still prevails.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 03 - Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart! is a classic piece of poetry written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for her beloved. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning and significance of this sonnet.

The sonnet begins with the line "Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart!" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is acknowledging the differences between herself and her beloved. She recognizes that they are not alike, but she still loves him deeply.

The second line of the sonnet reads, "Our different lots have made us different yet." This line refers to the different circumstances that have shaped their lives. The speaker acknowledges that their different experiences have made them who they are today. Despite these differences, the speaker still loves her beloved.

The third line of the sonnet reads, "And thy grave voice, O Soul, begets my art." This line is significant because it shows the influence that the beloved has on the speaker. The speaker's art is inspired by the beloved's voice. This line also shows the deep connection between the two.

The fourth line of the sonnet reads, "I am a queen, and thou a crownless king." This line is a metaphor that compares the speaker to a queen and her beloved to a king without a crown. The speaker is acknowledging that she has a higher social status than her beloved, but she still loves him deeply.

The fifth line of the sonnet reads, "We two have reigned in love, and that is all." This line is significant because it shows that their love is the most important thing to them. Despite their differences in social status and experiences, their love is what has brought them together.

The sixth line of the sonnet reads, "And though we have been oftentimes apart." This line refers to the times when the speaker and her beloved have been separated. Despite these separations, their love has remained strong.

The seventh line of the sonnet reads, "And though we have withstood the shock of change." This line refers to the challenges that the speaker and her beloved have faced. Despite these challenges, their love has remained strong.

The eighth line of the sonnet reads, "What wonder if, since they have touched my thought." This line is significant because it shows the power that the beloved has over the speaker's thoughts. The speaker's thoughts are consumed by her beloved.

The ninth line of the sonnet reads, "And with the rest, thou shouldst have had thy part." This line refers to the fact that the beloved should have had a part in the speaker's experiences. The speaker wishes that her beloved could have been there with her during these experiences.

The tenth line of the sonnet reads, "But for thyself, O prince, our hearts beat light." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker's heart beats lightly for her beloved. The speaker's love for her beloved is pure and true.

The eleventh line of the sonnet reads, "For women are as roses, whose fair flower." This line is a metaphor that compares women to roses. The speaker is acknowledging that women are delicate and beautiful, just like roses.

The twelfth line of the sonnet reads, "Being once displayed, doth fall that very hour." This line refers to the fact that women's beauty fades over time. The speaker is acknowledging that her beauty will fade, but her love for her beloved will remain strong.

The thirteenth line of the sonnet reads, "And so thou must with Reason be our guide." This line is significant because it shows that the speaker's beloved is her guide. The speaker trusts her beloved to guide her through life.

The fourteenth and final line of the sonnet reads, "And so I feel, as hushed you tread beside." This line is significant because it shows the deep connection between the speaker and her beloved. The speaker feels the presence of her beloved even when he is not physically there.

In conclusion, Sonnet 03 - Unlike are we, unlike, O princely Heart! is a beautiful expression of love and admiration. The sonnet acknowledges the differences between the speaker and her beloved, but it also shows the deep connection between the two. The speaker's love for her beloved is pure and true, and it will remain strong even as her beauty fades over time. This sonnet is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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