Victorian Poets: Elizabeth Barrett Browning

These flashcards focus on key concepts and details about Elizabeth Barrett Browning, her poetry, relationships, and the context of the Victorian era.

Who was the most celebrated woman poet of the Victorian era?

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

What years did Elizabeth Barrett Browning live?

1806-1861

Which notable figures admired Elizabeth Barrett Browning's work?

Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, Christina Rossetti, Edgar Allan Poe, and Emily Dickinson.

What circumstances led Elizabeth Barrett Browning to become reclusive?

Her father's isolation after her illness in her teens.

What significant event happened between Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning in 1845?

They began a romance.

When did Elizabeth Barrett Browning elope with Robert Browning?

In 1846.

What were Elizabeth Barrett Browning's two most important works?

Sonnets from the Portuguese (1850) and Aurora Leigh (1856).

What is a famous quote from Robert Browning's letter to Elizabeth Barrett in 1845?

“I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett.”

What themes are explored in Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem 'How Do I Love Thee'?

Expressions of deep, unconditional love.

What was the main purpose of art according to Aurora Leigh?

Art serves to enlighten and convey truth in a dark world.

What book contains the poem 'How Do I Love Thee'?

Sonnets from the Portuguese.

Who were Elizabeth Barrett Browning's parents?

Her mother was Florentine and died young, her father was English and stern.

What does Aurora Leigh's journey represent in the poem?

A transformation and the discovery of her identity and purpose.

What is the significance of the phrase 'double vision' in Aurora Leigh?

Poets should see both the near and distant realities with clarity.

Which poem expresses Elizabeth Barrett Browning's love with references to God?

How Do I Love Thee?

What literary device is prevalent in 'How Do I Love Thee'?

Anaphora, through the repetition of 'I love thee'.

What does Aurora Leigh critique about traditional education for women?

It focuses on 'accomplishments' rather than intellectual development.

What does Aurora compare her mother to in the poem?

Mythical figures such as Muse, Psyche, and Medusa.

What genre does 'Aurora Leigh' belong to?

It is a novel in verse.

In the context of Aurora Leigh, what does the 'outer Infinite' refer to?

The broader journey of self-discovery beyond mere existence.

How does Elizabeth Barrett Browning describe her love in relation to her past griefs?

She loves with the passion derived from her past experiences.

What type of life does Aurora's aunt represent in the poem?

A 'harmless life' viewed as virtuous yet lacking true vitality.

What is one of the key messages about the poet as presented in Aurora Leigh?

Poets serve as truth tellers and have a prophetic role in society.

What metaphor does Aurora Leigh use to describe learning?

The ‘tongues, not books’ method of acquiring knowledge.

What legacy did Elizabeth Barrett Browning leave in terms of her contributions to poetry?

She significantly influenced Victorian literature with her emotional depth and innovative style.

What does the phrase 'Let us strive for this.' imply in Aurora Leigh?

A call to pursue a deeper understanding and expression in poetry.

What are some of the themes explored in the love sonnets of Elizabeth Barrett Browning?

Love, loss, longing, and spiritual connection.

Who created the sculpture 'Clasped Hands of the Brownings'?

Harriet Goodhue Hosmer.

What is the format of 'Aurora Leigh'?

It is structured in a series of narrative poems.

What visual imagery is used in 'Aurora’s Education'?

Imagery of landscapes, cold cliffs, and birds in cages.

What do the words 'without smile or kiss, buried at Florence' indicate about Elizabeth Barrett Browning's mother?

Her mother died young and is portrayed as a source of absence in Aurora's life.

In the letters exchanged between Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, what is a common theme?

Expressions of love and poetic admiration.

What literary technique is utilized in the quote 'a quiet life, which was not life at all'?

Irony, emphasizing the lack of vitality in a conformist existence.

Which literary movement is associated with Elizabeth Barrett Browning's work?

Victorian literature.

What does the poet’s message in Aurora Leigh emphasize about spirituality?

The connection between love and divinity.

What literary form does Elizabeth Barrett Browning notably use to express her feelings?

The sonnet.

What does ‘the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life’ signify in Browning's poetry?

It reflects the encompassing nature of her love and emotions.

In which city did Elizabeth Barrett Browning spend her later years after eloping?

Florence, Italy.

What achieving accomplishment does Aurora strive for in the poem?

To articulate the complex nature of women's experiences and emotions.

What impact did Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s health have on her writing career?

Her recovery allowed her to continue her writing and family life.

How did aside from literary admiration, did Browning and Barrett's relationship influence their works?

Their personal relationship fueled their poetic inspirations and themes.

What element of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's life is evident in her poetry?

Her personal struggles and emotional depth.

In 'Aurora’s Education', what is indicated by Aurora’s transformation?

An awakening to her own identity and creative potential.

What aspect of Victorian society is critiqued in the works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning?

The limited roles and opportunities for women.

What is the core message of 'Discovery of Poetry' in Aurora Leigh?

The transformative power of poetry in individual and societal contexts.

How does Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry often depict love?

As a powerful force that transcends life and death.

What is meant by 'poets should exert a double vision'?

They must perceive both everyday realities and deeper truths.

What is one key reason for Elizabeth Barrett Browning's historical significance?

She was one of the first women to achieve literary fame on her own terms.

How is Elizabeth Barrett Browning's health described in relation to her writing?

It fluctuated, affecting her productivity and social interactions.

What does the imagery of the 'frosty cliffs' represent in Aurora Leigh?

Challenge and emotional difficulty in Aurora's life.

What does Aurora Leigh reveal about the educational limitations placed on women during the Victorian era?

That women were often taught superficial accomplishments instead of substantive knowledge.

What literary criticism can be found in Elizabeth Barrett Browning's works?

Challenging gender roles and advocating for women's intellectual and artistic freedom.

How do the letters exchanged between Elizabeth and Robert reflect their intellectual relationship?

They exhibit mutual respect and encouragement of each other's creative endeavors.

What main concept is addressed through the portrayal of Aurora's mother in the poem?

The lasting impact of maternal absence on a daughter’s identity.

What does Browning's assertion about the poet serve as a reminder of?

The importance of artistic expression and its relevance to humanity.

What is a significant aspect of the poetic style found in 'Sonnets from the Portuguese'?

Personal introspection and emotional vulnerability.