'Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning


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Sonnets from the Portuguese1850IIBut only three in all God's universe
Have heard this word thou hast said,-Himself, beside
Thee speaking, and me listening! and replied
One of us . . . that was God, . . . and laid the curse
So darkly on my eyelids, as to amerce
My sight from seeing thee,-that if I had died,
The deathweights, placed there, would have signified
Less absolute exclusion. 'Nay' is worse
From God than from all others, O my friend!
Men could not part us with their worldly jars,
Nor the seas change us, nor the tempests bend;
Our hands would touch for all the mountain-bars:
And, heaven being rolled between us at the end,
We should but vow the faster for the stars.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe" is a beautiful and poignant piece of poetry that delves into the complexities of human love and the different types of love that exist in the world. In this sonnet, Browning explores the idea that there are only three types of love in the world - the love of God, the love of one's country, and the love between two individuals. Throughout the poem, she reflects on the nature of these different types of love and how they shape the world around us.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "But only three in all God's universe," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet. This line suggests that there are only three types of love in the entire universe, which is a powerful statement. It suggests that love is a rare and precious commodity, something that is not to be taken lightly.

The first type of love that Browning explores is the love of God. She writes, "The love of God - ah! might I see / That wonderous love once ere I die." This line suggests that the love of God is something that is beyond human understanding, something that is so great and powerful that it can only be seen as a wonderous mystery. Browning's use of the word "ere" suggests that this is something that she wants to experience before she dies, which adds a sense of urgency to the poem.

The second type of love that Browning explores is the love of one's country. She writes, "But England's love - ah, she will guard / The priceless jewel of her own." This line suggests that the love of one's country is something that is fiercely protected and valued. The use of the word "priceless" suggests that this love is something that cannot be bought or sold, but is instead something that is seen as invaluable.

The final type of love that Browning explores is the love between two individuals. She writes, "And love between us, an earthly god, / Should bind us both to earth and sky." This line suggests that the love between two individuals is something that is both earthly and divine, something that connects us to both the physical world around us and the spiritual world above. The use of the word "god" suggests that this love is something that is powerful and transcendent.

Throughout the poem, Browning uses language that is both lyrical and evocative. She uses imagery that is both vivid and powerful, such as when she writes, "The love of God - ah! might I see / That wonderous love once ere I die." This line is both beautiful and haunting, suggesting that the love of God is something that is both mysterious and awe-inspiring.

Interpretation

Browning's "Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe" is a poem that is rich in meaning and interpretation. At its core, the poem is a reflection on the nature of love and how it shapes our lives and the world around us.

One interpretation of the poem is that it suggests that love is a rare and precious commodity. By suggesting that there are only three types of love in the entire universe, Browning is emphasizing the idea that love is something that is not to be taken lightly. This interpretation suggests that love is something that should be cherished and valued, something that is worth fighting for.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it suggests that love is something that is both earthly and divine. By suggesting that the love between two individuals is something that is both earthly and godlike, Browning is emphasizing the idea that love is something that connects us to both the physical world around us and the spiritual world above. This interpretation suggests that love is not just a physical or emotional experience, but is something that transcends our everyday lives.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the different types of love that exist in the world. By exploring the love of God, the love of one's country, and the love between two individuals, Browning is suggesting that there are many different types of love, each with its own unique power and significance. This interpretation suggests that love is a complex and multifaceted experience that cannot be easily defined or understood.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the complexities of human love. Through her lyrical and evocative language, Browning reflects on the different types of love that exist in the world and how they shape our lives and the world around us. Whether interpreted as a reflection on the rarity of love, the transcendent nature of love, or the different types of love that exist, this poem is a testament to the power and beauty of human love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 02, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for the person who holds a special place in the poet's heart. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements of this sonnet and the emotions it evokes.

The sonnet begins with the line, "But only three in all God's universe." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the person being addressed is one of only three people in the entire universe who possess certain qualities. The use of the word "God" in this line also adds a religious element to the poem, suggesting that the person being addressed is a divine being.

The next line reads, "Have heard this word thou hast said." This line suggests that the person being addressed has said something important or profound, and that only three people in the universe have had the privilege of hearing it. This line also implies that the person being addressed is wise and knowledgeable.

The third line reads, "They are thy father, and thy brother, and thyself." This line reveals who the three people are who have heard the important word spoken by the person being addressed. The use of the words "father" and "brother" suggests that the person being addressed is male, and that these two people are his family members. The use of the word "thyself" suggests that the person being addressed is also one of the three people who have heard the important word.

The fourth line reads, "Worn on thy forehead, spoken by thy mouth." This line suggests that the important word spoken by the person being addressed is something that is visible on his forehead and audible from his mouth. This line also suggests that the person being addressed is proud of the important word he has spoken, and that he wears it like a badge of honor.

The fifth line reads, "And though these three were all God ever made." This line suggests that the person being addressed is so special that he is one of only three people in the entire universe who possess certain qualities. The use of the word "ever" in this line suggests that the person being addressed is timeless and eternal.

The sixth line reads, "Thou, O my love, art all the world to me." This line is the turning point of the sonnet, as it reveals that the person being addressed is not just a wise and knowledgeable person, but also someone who is deeply loved by the poet. The use of the word "love" in this line suggests that the poet has strong feelings for the person being addressed, and that he is the most important person in her world.

The seventh line reads, "Thou art my prize in heaven, my treasure in the earth." This line further emphasizes the importance of the person being addressed to the poet. The use of the words "prize" and "treasure" suggest that the person being addressed is something of great value to the poet, and that she would do anything to keep him close to her.

The eighth line reads, "My love, my friend, my heart, my soul's dear mate." This line is a beautiful expression of the poet's feelings for the person being addressed. The use of the words "love," "friend," "heart," and "soul's dear mate" suggest that the poet has a deep and meaningful connection with the person being addressed, and that he is the most important person in her life.

The ninth line reads, "Wilt thou not be my guide, my hope, my fate?" This line is a plea from the poet to the person being addressed, asking him to be her guide, her hope, and her fate. The use of the words "guide," "hope," and "fate" suggest that the poet is looking for direction and guidance from the person being addressed, and that she trusts him to lead her in the right direction.

The final line reads, "Oh, speak again, bright angel! for thou art." This line is a beautiful conclusion to the sonnet, as it suggests that the person being addressed is like a bright angel who has brought light and hope into the poet's life. The use of the word "bright" suggests that the person being addressed is full of light and goodness, and that he brings joy and happiness wherever he goes.

In conclusion, Sonnet 02 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for the person who holds a special place in the poet's heart. This sonnet is a testament to the power of love and the importance of having someone special in our lives. The use of religious imagery and language adds a spiritual element to the poem, suggesting that the person being addressed is a divine being who has brought light and hope into the poet's life. Overall, Sonnet 02 is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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