How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43) Study Guide

Elizabeth Barrett Browning: A Concise Biography

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) was a prominent English poet of the Victorian era. Born in Durham, England, she was the eldest of twelve children. Despite battling chronic illness from a young age, she was a voracious reader and began writing poetry early in life. Her work gained recognition with the publication of "The Seraphim and Other Poems" in 1838.

Barrett Browning's life took a significant turn when she began a correspondence with fellow poet Robert Browning in 1845. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they married in 1846, against her father's wishes. The couple moved to Italy, where Elizabeth's health improved, and she continued to write prolifically. Her most famous works include "Aurora Leigh" and "Sonnets from the Portuguese," a collection of 44 sonnets written during her courtship with Robert.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry often tackled social and political themes, including child labor, slavery, and the oppression of women. She remains celebrated for her emotional depth, intellectual rigor, and the lyrical quality of her verse.

Historical and Literary Context of "How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)"

"How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)" is one of the most famous poems from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Sonnets from the Portuguese," published in 1850. This collection, written during her courtship with Robert Browning, is a series of love sonnets that chronicle the development of their relationship.

The Victorian era, during which the sonnet was written, was characterized by strict social mores and a rigid class structure. Poetry of the time often explored themes of love, morality, and individual emotional experience, reflecting the broader societal tensions between personal desire and social expectation.

"How Do I Love Thee?" stands out for its passionate and idealistic portrayal of love. The sonnet employs the Petrarchan form, with an octave and a sestet, and is notable for its sincerity and intensity. Elizabeth's use of rhetorical questions and anaphora (repetition of "I love thee") emphasizes the depth and constancy of her feelings.

The poem's timeless appeal lies in its universal exploration of love's many dimensions—spiritual, enduring, and all-encompassing. It captures the transformative power of love, making it a quintessential piece in both Elizabeth Barrett Browning's oeuvre and the broader canon of English literature.

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