Early Life
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was born in 1806, the oldest of 12 children, to a wealthy family residing in County Durham, England. At an early age she was determined to pursue her passion for literature and writing. This was no mean feat, since the prevailing attitude at the time was that only men should be dedicated to intellectual pursuits. Despite the obstacles, she was educated at home and devoted her time to writing poetry.
Published Works
From an early age, Elizabeth Barrett Browning was drawing attention to her writing and it paid off. Her first book of poems, “An Essay on Mind” was published in 1826 to great acclaim. This was followed by her second book “The Seraphim and Other Poems”, which was published in 1838. In these works, she showcased her mastery of the English language and her immense talent and creativity.
Love and Marriage
Elizabeth Barrett Browning met and fell in love with the American poet, Robert Browning in 1845 and the two were secretly married in 1846. Elizabeth’s father was against the union and the marriage was kept a secret for some time. However, the two poets were extremely happy together and collaborated on works such as the epic poem “The Ring and the Book”.
Final Years
In 1861, Elizabeth Barrett Browning was diagnosed with lung cancer, which slowly worsened and took its toll on her health. She died five years later in Florence, Italy, on June 29, 1861, at the age of 55. Her last poem was written just a few days before her death and spoke of her impending doom with unwavering strength and courage.
Legacy
Elizabeth Barrett Browning is still remembered today as one of the most celebrated and accomplished writers of her time. Her works continue to inspire and delight readers, teachers and students alike, and her legacy lives on in the works of female writers and poets. Her words still evoke emotion and captivate the hearts of people from all walks of life.
Influence and Inspiration
Elizabeth Barrett Browning had a huge influence on the women’s movement as well as on the genre of romantic poetry. Her works tackled difficult topics such as gender inequality and social repressions, offering a voice to those who were often unheard. She was also an ardent abolitionist who used her work to advocate for the freeing of slaves and spoke out against the injustice and violence perpetrated against those in bondage.
Critical Reception
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works have always been well-received and during her lifetime, she was widely acknowledged as one of the leading poets of the time. Her works were praised for their emotional depth and candid exploration of love, life and death. Today, her works are widely studied in media and literary studies, and her poems continue to find favor with newly forming generations of readers.
Style of Writing
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works were characterized by her exquisite use of language, incorporating vivid imagery and deep emotion. Her works were a unique blend of the romantic style of poetry that was popular in the 19th century and the neoclassical style that she so favored. She often used the poetic device of anaphora to emphasize her points and to draw in the readers.
Women’s Rights Activism
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a radical figure in her lifetime as she spoke openly against gender inequality and other social ills during a time when women were expected to stay silent. She was a fierce campaigner for women’s rights and often used her works to make her point. In her famous poem Sonnets from the Portuguese, she speaks passionately of the plight of women and demands equal rights and recognition.
Themes
Themes of love, death, despair, faith and hope are recurrent in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s work and her poems often end with some consolation for the reader. She addresses the universality of these themes and shows how even in despair and darkness, there is still light, joy and wonder to be found. Her works are both complex and accessible, as she manages to bring her ideas to life through her inventive use of language.
Influence on Later Writers
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a major influence on later female writers and poets. Her passionate commitment to the rights of women, her impeccable command of language and her emotional depth of her works has continued to inspire female authors of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Her influence can be seen in the works of contemporary female writers and poets, who follow in her footsteps and carry on her legacy.
Influence on Popular Culture
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works have had a profound impact on popular culture. Her poem “Sonnets from the Portuguese,” is particularly well-known and has been widely referenced in literature, television and movies. It has also been adapted into musical pieces, including a song by the singer-songwriter Tori Amos. Her works continue to delight, inspire and entertain people of all ages.
