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The Complete Poems Of Robert Browning 22 Poetry Collections In One Edition: My Last Duchess Porphyria S Lover The Pied Piper Of Hamelin Christmas Eve Easter Day

Jesse Bell

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My Last Duchess

In "My Last Duchess," Robert Browning crafts a chilling yet captivating portrait of a possessive and manipulative husband. The poem's narrator, the Duke of Ferrara, reveals his callous disregard for his deceased wife through his nonchalant description of her portrait.

The Duke's obsessive control over his wife's every gesture and interaction is palpable. He fixates on her "faint smile" and "quick blush," perceiving them as threats to his authority. His jealousy is further evident in his reference to her "courtly strangeness" and "spot of joy" that she shared with others but not with him.

Through the Duke's twisted perspective, Browning explores the destructive nature of unchecked pride and the devastating consequences it can have on relationships. The poem's haunting portrayal of a woman silenced and objectified serves as a powerful indictment of male dominance.

The Complete Poems of Robert Browning - 22 Poetry Collections in One Edition: My Last Duchess, Porphyria's Lover, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Christmas-Eve, Easter-Day…

by Jean-Joseph Julaud

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	2664 pages

Porphyria's Lover

With "Porphyria's Lover," Browning transports readers into the macabre depths of a possessive and obsessive mind. The poem follows the narrator as he recounts his fatal encounter with his lover, Porphyria.

Driven by an insatiable desire for control, the narrator lures Porphyria into a secluded cottage during a snowy storm. There, he smothers her with her own hair, believing that this act will forever preserve their moment of love.

Browning's use of vivid imagery and sensory details creates a visceral depiction of the narrator's crime. The "porphyry" hair that becomes the instrument of Porphyria's death symbolizes both her beauty and the narrator's twisted obsession with her.

Through this chilling tale, Browning delves into the dangerous territory of unchecked passion and the tragic consequences it can unleash.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

"The Pied Piper of Hamelin" is a whimsical and enchanting poem that explores the themes of revenge, deceit, and the power of music. In this beloved classic, a mysterious piper arrives in the town of Hamelin to rid it of a plague of rats.

The piper's enchanting tune draws the rats out of their hiding places and leads them to a watery grave. However, when the townspeople refuse to pay him the promised reward, the piper takes a more sinister revenge.

Using his music's hypnotic power, the piper lures all the children of Hamelin away to a secret destination. This devastating act serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of broken promises and the dangers of underestimating the power of those who feel wronged.

Christmas Eve and Easter-Day

In "Christmas Eve" and "Easter-Day," Browning explores the themes of faith, doubt, and the search for spiritual truth. "Christmas Eve" follows a young man as he attends a midnight Mass, struggling with his wavering belief in the Christian faith.

The poem weaves together biblical imagery and introspective reflections as the speaker grapples with his doubts and seeks to find meaning in the rituals of the holiday season.

"Easter-Day" continues the exploration of faith, with the speaker now fully embracing his belief in Christ's resurrection. The poem celebrates the triumph of hope over despair and the transformative power of divine love.

Robert Browning's poetic masterpieces, "My Last Duchess," "Porphyria's Lover," "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," "Christmas Eve," and "Easter-Day," continue to captivate and provoke readers to this day. Through their vivid imagery, profound themes, and unforgettable characters, these poems have cemented Browning's legacy as one of the greatest English poets.

The Complete Poems of Robert Browning - 22 Poetry Collections in One Edition: My Last Duchess, Porphyria's Lover, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Christmas-Eve, Easter-Day…

by Jean-Joseph Julaud

4.8 out of 5