Sonnet 29

Elizabeth Browning

structure of Sonnet 29

• Petrarchan sonnet, which traditionally explores romantic or spiritual love.

• It consists of:

  An octave (first 8 lines): presents the problem or emotional tension.

  A sestet (final 6 lines): offers a resolution or shift in tone.

• In this poem, the volta (turn) happens slightly early — at line 7 (“Yet, O my palm-tree”) — reflecting how impulsive and eager the speaker is to be close to her lover. This subtle disruption mirrors her impatience and emotional intensity.

rhythm of sonnet 29

• The poem is written mostly in iambic pentameter (five pairs of syllables, where the second is stressed: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM).

  • Example: I think of thee!—my thoughts do twine and bud

    This regular rhythm mimics the heartbeat — symbolising passion and emotional build-up.

Some lines disrupt the steady iambic pentameter, which reflects the speaker’s overwhelming emotions.

use of repetition and enjambment

🔹 Enjambment

• Browning uses enjambment (running sentences over the ends of lines) to mirror the overflowing thoughts of the speaker.

• It creates a feeling of rushing forward, echoing her breathless longing.

🔹 Repetition

• Words like “thee” and “my” are repeated frequently, emphasizing the deep intimacy and obsession.

• The phrase “I do not think of thee — I am too near thee” in the final line is almost paradoxical, showing that once her lover is present, all obsessive thought

context of poem

• In Victorian society, women were expected to be reserved, modest, and emotionally restrained — especially in public or in literature.

• However, in this poem, Elizabeth openly expresses desire, both emotional and physical, which would have been considered radical or even scandalous at the time.

  • Her metaphor of vines wrapping around a tree shows a female speaker taking initiative, which defies the typical Victorian gender roles where men were dominant in love and relationships.

“I think of thee!”

Bold opening declaration — immediate intimacy and obsession. Sets a passionate tone, showing how constantly he’s on her mind.

“My thoughts do twine and bud”

Extended natural metaphor — her thoughts are like uncontrolled vines wrapping around him. Suggests obsession, growth, and the intertwining of two lovers.

“Renew thy presence”

Urgent and direct — she craves physical presence, showing that love, to her, is not just emotional but tangible and real.

“Rustle thy boughs and set thy trunk all bare”

Phallic and intimate imagery — a bold expression of sexual longing. The natural imagery suggests raw honesty in her desire.

“I do not think of thee – I am too near thee.”

Turning point / resolution — once he is present, her obsessive thoughts stop. Reflects the healing, calming power of physical closeness.

“As a strong tree should”

Reinforces traditional gender roles — she sees him as steady and grounding, in contrast to her own emotional turmoil.