Elizabeth Barrett Browning: An Intriguing Life Story
Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of the most renowned romantic poets of the Victorian era. Her poetic works have left an indelible mark on English poetry of the 19th century. But her story does not end with her literary accomplishments. Where did Elizabeth Barrett Browning live? How did her life compare to her contemporaries?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was born in Durham on March 6th 1806. She spent much of her childhood on the family’s historic estate, Hope End, in Herefordshire. She was educated at home by her father and had access to a vast library and household filled with intellectual stimulation. Despite their wealth and social standing, Elizabeth’s parents were extremely conservative and did not permit their daughter to have any formal education or move beyond the safe confines of their estate.
Elizabeth’s love of reading and writing flourished at Hope End and she became devoted to literature and poetry. She wrote her first poem at the age of 12 and published her first collection of poetry at the age of 21. She quickly became a celebrated poet and her works were admired by many members of the English Romantic movement. Her most acclaimed work, Sonnets from the Portuguese, stands out as an exquisite example of the Rhyme Royal poetic form.
The death of Elizabeth’s father in 1832 had a significant impact on her life. The entire Barrett family moved to Sidmouth which was popular with tourists of the day. She resided in Sidmouth while caring for her ailing mother and running the family household. It was at this time that she began to develop her most admired works and her amateur theatrical presentations were well received by the local community. Her increasing fame and success meant that the family had to move to London in 1837. This move brought a major change in Elizabeth’s life. Not only did she finally have the chance to embrace the excitement of London life, but the move also saw her meet and fall in love with the renowned poet Robert Browning.
After a secret courtship, Elizabeth and Robert eloped in 1846 and moved to Florence, Italy. They shared a happy home with their son, Robert Jr., and raised him there. Elizabeth re-established her literary career and published a great deal of work in Italy. Her work was noticed both at home and abroad and in 1861 she was awarded the prestigious prize for ‘most dedicated and gifted girl poet’ by university students in Florence. Elizabeth passed away peacefully in her home in Florence on June 29th 1861.
Legacy
Elizabeth Barrett Browning left a legacy which has survived centuries after her death. Her works remain beloved by many and her influence on English Romantic poetry is undeniable. Despite her conservative upbringings, Elizabeth managed to carve out a meaningful life for herself and pursue her love of literature in a time when such things were discouraged. Her personal story is a testament to the power of personal conviction, the beauty of love, and the power of art to transcend social and political divisions.
Contemporary Relevance
The life and times of Elizabeth Barrett Browning have an important relevance for many in today’s society. Her story of marrying for love against the wishes of her strict parental figures serves as an example to young women and men everywhere. Her literary accomplishments bring hope to aspiring writers and demonstrates the power of refusal to conform to social conventions. Additionally, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s boundary-breaking move to Florence, with her husband and children, serves as an example to the modern family who are venturing overseas for a broadening of horizons and experiences.
Modern Appreciation
Elizabeth Barrett Browning is still fondly remembered by many. Her works are taught in universities and are popular in school curriculums. Several biographies and plays have been created in her honor and her image can be found on stamps, coins and other memorabilia across the world. In 2017, a large collection of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s letters and history of her groundbreaking residence in Florence were displayed in the Wallace Collection in London.
Relationship with Robert Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s most famous and passionate relationship was with Robert Browning. The couple secretly courted and defied the wishes of Elizabeth’s family. Their marriage was considered a scandalous affair at the time and the couple undertook a daring elopement to Italy. But despite the risk, the couple proved that love does prevail. Elizabeth inscribed the words ‘Born of Love’ on their marriage certificate in style indicative of her romantic spirit.
Travel and Cultural Influence
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a lover of travel and adventure from a young age. The move from her family estate in Herefordshire saw her venture to London with her family. The move to Florence with Robert Browning gave Elizabeth a true chance to experience life to the fullest extent. Her travels that spanned Europe and brought her around the courts of many of the world’s greatest leaders.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was also passionate about bringing non-European cultures into the English language. Her fixation on bringing the language of Indian and African peoples into her work was not common practice for English poets at the time. This gave Elizabeth’s work a unique flavor and made her a notable figure in the literary world.
Poetic Style and Legacy
Elizabeth Barrett Browning made a name for herself in the world of poetry. Her preferred style of rhyme royal and her use of vivid and emotional language brought together a stunning collection of work. Her most popular pieces stand today as some of the greatest examples of romantic poetry ever created. She is perhaps best known for her collection called Sonnets from the Portuguese, which still stands as an explicit example of the most effective use of the poetic form.
In spite of the constraints of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning managed to make a name for herself as one of the most influential lyric poets of the time. Her pioneering efforts have made her an enduring figure in the literary world and her powerful works will live on for centuries to come.
