Student Question
What does "Sonnet 43" suggest about the character of Browning's love?
Quick answer:
"Sonnet 43" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning suggests that her love is profound and multifaceted. It is spiritual, as she compares it to her love for God, and it appreciates the beauty of everyday life. Her love is also just and honest, and her lover's reciprocation has healed past disappointments. The sonnet, part of "Sonnets from the Portuguese," reflects the deep, mutual love she shared with her husband, Robert Browning, during their courtship.
I suppose one can make assumptions about the object of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's love based on what she compares the depth of her feelings to.
Her lover must be spiritual, to appreciate the comparison of her love for him to her love of the grace of God. Her lover must appreciate the the beauty of everyday life. Her lover is just and honest. Her lover's reciprocation of her feelings has erased her past disappointments and former passions, so he must be open and giving.
She wrote this sonnet (along with the others in the series, "Sonnets from the Portuguese") to her husband, Robert Browning, during their courtship. It is a beautiful testament to the depth of their love for each other.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.