The English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning is best remembered for the love poetry she wrote to her husband, Robert Browning. Unfortunately, she did not die of old age or in a romantic setting; instead, she died at the age of 55 due to a long battle with chronic health problems.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning suffered from a variety of physical ailments throughout her life, including asthma, rheumatism, and depression. In addition, she suffered from two serious health crises in her later years. The first occurred in 1844 when Barrett Browning was 31 years old and doctors diagnosed her with pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. She was bedridden for several months and it is believed she suffered damage to her heart at this time.
Five years later, in 1849, Barrett Browning was diagnosed with what was probably tuberculosis. The treatment she received was painful and ineffective; her doctors recommended she take the “water therapy”, where she was placed in baths of cold water and then allowed to warm her body naturally. She tried this unsuccessfully and the tuberculosis worsened, leading to a decrease in her energy and appetite.
Despite her declining health, Barrett Browning continued to write poetry throughout her illness. She wrote her most famous collection of sonnets in 1845, when she was in the middle of her first serious health crisis. In addition, she wrote one of her most famous individual poems, “Aurora Leigh,” in 1856, five years after her diagnosis with tuberculosis.
Barrett Browning’s health continued to decline throughout her later years. Her respiratory problems began to affect her chest and throat, and by 1860, she was confined to bed. On June 29th, 1861, she passed away at the age of 55.
Her death certificate stated that she died of “sanctification of the heart,” possibly due to complications of her tuberculosis and pleurisy. Although experts can’t be sure of the exact cause of her death, they agree that her chronic health conditions caused her death.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning is best remembered for her love poetry, which earned her fame and recognition throughout the literary world. Unfortunately, her love story was cut short by her health problems. Despite her pains, she wrote beautiful and inspiring poetry in her final years, and her legacy endures to this day.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s impact on Literature
The death of Elizabeth Barrett Browning left a void in the literary community, but her work continues to have an enormous impact on literature. Her work was noted for its passionate themes and her use of meter and rhythm. She was a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and her writings about love, femininity, and spirituality inspired a generation of poets who followed in her footsteps.
Not only did Elizabeth Barrett Browning influence Romantic poets, she also helped to popularize sonnets in Europe and the United States in the mid-19th century. Before her, sonnets had been largely neglected in English literature; however, by writing such beautiful and popular love sonnets, she helped to revive the form.
Her influence can still be seen today. Her work has been widely adapted, and she has been the subject of many books, films, and television shows. Her sonnets, particularly the timeless “How Do I Love Thee,” are still regularly featured in romantic films and recited at weddings.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning left a lasting legacy in the literary world. Her poetry still has the power to inspire and stir emotion in readers, even centuries after her death.
Analysis of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Health
The cause of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s death may never be known for certain; however, the fact that she suffered from various chronic health conditions throughout her life provides some clues. Her doctor’s diagnosis of tuberculosis in her later years was likely correct; however, the full extent of her health problems was probably greater than is often appreciated.
It is likely that Elizabeth Barrett Browning suffered from a combination of physical and psychological issues throughout her life. Her asthma, rheumatism, depression, and respiratory problems are all indications of potential medical problems, as is her hesitance to seek medical treatment. It is also possible that she suffered from undiagnosed psychological issues that contributed to her gradual decline in health.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s health deteriorated in her later years, and this ultimately led to her death. While the exact cause of her death is a mystery, it is clear that her physical and psychological ailments played a role. Her passion for writing and her beautiful poetry are a testament to her strength of spirit in spite of her weak health.
Impact of Elizabeth Barrett Browning on Poetry
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an influential figure in 19th century poetry, and her impact can still be felt today. Her love poetry is some of the most famous in the English language, particularly her famous sonnet, “How Do I Love Thee?” which is regularly used in films and weddings. In addition, her work was influential in the development of the Romantic movement, as she was a pioneer in writing about love, femininity, and spirituality in a way that had not been done before.
Her work also helped to popularize the sonnet form. Before Elizabeth Barrett Browning, sonnets had been largely neglected in English literature; however, her passionate and beautiful sonnets helped to revive the form. Her writings remain an inspiration to poets today, and a reminder of the power of love and passion in literature.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s work has withstood the test of time, and her influence on literature is still felt today. Her beautiful love stories and sonnets continue to captivate readers and demonstrate the power of poetry.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Health and Legacy
Despite her chronic health problems and early death, Elizabeth Barrett Browning is remembered for her passionate love poetry and her influence on the Romantic movement. Her words have withstood the test of time, and her writings continue to inspire poets and lovers alike.
It is clear that her health declined steadily in her later years, and it is likely that her chronic illnesses contributed to her death. While the exact cause of her death is still a mystery, it is clear that her physical and psychological ailments played a role.
Nevertheless, her legacy remains, a testament to her strength of spirit in spite of her weakened body. Her work has endured, and her sonnets and love poems will live on for generations to come.
How Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Work Has Been Adapted and Remembered
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s work has been widely adapted and she has been the subject of many books, films, and television shows. Her sonnets, particularly the timeless “How Do I Love Thee,” have been featured in romantic films and are regularly recited at weddings. Her work not only touches the hearts of readers, but also has been embraced by popular culture in the form of adaptations, books, and TV shows.
Many of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works have also been included in school curriculums, which is a testament to the lasting impact her work has had on literature. Her influence can still be seen in the writings of contemporary poets, and her legacy endures to this day.
While Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s life was cut short by her health problems, her legacy still lives
