Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Life
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a prominent English poet during the Victorian period who, along with her husband Robert Browning, was famously known as one of the most celebrated literary couples of their time. Born on March 6, 1806 in Durham, England, Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of twelve children of Mary Moulton and Edward Barrett Moulton, who was a highly successful sugar merchant. At an early age, Elizabeth was exposed to literature from her father’s extensive book collection and developed an independent, intellectual spirit, publishing her first poem at the age of eleven.
Elizabeth quickly gained renown for her poetry, particuarly for a book of poems called “Sonnets from the Portuguese” which was published in 1850. This book was considered by many to be her single greatest work and her popularity surged. After being diagnosed with tuberculosis, Elizabeth’s health deteriorated and her work was limited.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Marriage
In 1845, Elizabeth met Robert Browning, a prominent English poet of the period with whom she developed an intimate relationship. After much persuasion and encouragement, Elizabeth defied her father’s wishes and agreed to marry Robert, eloping with him to Florence, Italy on 12 September 1846. After the marriage, Robert adopted Elizabeth’s son, Robert “Pen” Barrett Browning.
The Brownings had a long and happy relationship, which according to many biographers, was one of great mutual love and understanding. In 1849, Elizabeth published her work “Aurora Leigh”, which is considered to be her most important work. During their stay in Florence, Elizabeth and Robert also had a son, Robert Wiedeman Barrett Browning, who was born in 1849.
Impact of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Marriage
Elizabeth’s marriage to Robert was considered to be a dare-devil act at the time, which not only earned her the outrage of her family, but also brought her great fame and respect. The Brownings’ marriage was a cause of great rejoicing among the literary world, who saw the marriage of two literary giants as a great milestone in the literary landscape of their time.
Elizabeth and Robert’s relationship also had a profound impact on their respective works. Robert’s poetry was greatly influenced by the philosophical ideas and feminist ideals of Elizabeth’s works and it is said that Robert was greatly inspired by her work and her life story. After the marriage, the couple traveled around the world, which greatly enriched Robert’s poetry.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Legacy
Elizabeth and Robert’s love story is etched in the pages of literary history and is renowned for its subversive influence and inspirational value. The two were united in love and a deep intellectual understanding of each other that helped them foster an environment of creativity and exploration. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works remain some of the most widely and critically acclaimed works of the 19th century, which are still revered and taught in literary courses and seminars around the world. Her legacy is one of love and hope, which will remain immortalized in the pages of literary history.
Significance of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Marriage
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s marriage to Robert Browning was an act of defiance against the patriarchal norms of the 19th century and helped set the ground for more progressive 19th and 20th-century ideologies. The couple’s relationship and the values they exemplified are of significant importance in today’s world, which is still struggling with crass gender norms. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s story is an encouraging example of how one can break beyond the barriers of society and forge one’s own path to liberation and happiness.
Influence of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Works
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works were of great influence in the literary landscape of her time and today. Her works, particularly her book of poems, “Sonnets from the Portuguese” are still widely read, studied and discussed by academics and literary enthusiasts alike. Elizabeth is also revered by feminist scholars as a pioneer of feminist literature and as a champion of romantic love, who wrote works that championed the cause of women’s empowerment and equality.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of the most iconic poets of the 19th century and her marriage to Robert Browning, a revolutionary move of its time, firmly established the two as one of the most celebrated couples in the literary world. Elizabeth’s works remain widely read and appreciated even today and her legacy continues to inspire and encourage many.
