A poem in which the poet creates a picture Essay

Task-Choose a verse form in which the poet creates a picture of a heroic or smear figure. Discuss the means by which the personality is clearly depicted. A poem in which the poet creates a picture of a corrupt figure is Porphyrias Lover by Robert Browning. The poem written in 1837 is in the form of a dramatic monologue which helps to show the true disposition of the corrupt sociopath. Throughout the poem Browning uses a series of literacy devices to help convey this idea. The form of the poem, dramatic monologue, is significant as the indorser only invariably experiences the speaker system systems feelings and recollections of events.This forces the reader to doubt the narrator at various points throughout the poem. This form also leaves the reader believing that the situation is less frank than that being described. It is clear from the outset of the poem that the speaker in the poem is troubled. Through Brownings use of pathetic fallacy in the start four lines of the poem he does not only illustrate the extreme weather conditions but also the speakers mind set It part the elm-tops down for spiteThis effectively highlights the speakerss bitterness due to Porphyrias failure to appear for their arranged meeting. Browning deliberately comp ars the speakers worked up condition to the weather as these ar all negative emotions. The discourses sullen, spite and vex are the first early clues that the reader sees about the speakers true nature being that of violence and aggression. The fact that the narrator is so distraught at the idea of not seeing Porphyria is the first minute indication towards his obsession with her.Also, the fact that the speaker is waiting for Porphyria immediately suggests that she in is control of their consanguinity something that would have been extremely unusual and possibly daintyly solemn to the Victorian audiences that the poem was written for. This idea is also suggested by the title of the poem. The title Porphyrias Lo ver suggests that the speaker is dissatisfied he wants to be more than than just her Lover and feel less emasculated by her strong character.Browning also drops a hint of the speakers corrupt nature through the rhythm and rhyme arrangement in the poem. The rhythm of the poem is iambic tetrameter which in this poem serves to create a regular pattern. The point in using this rhythm is to make the speaker seem rational, calm and normal while effectively disguising his true nature. However the Rhyme in the poem follows the scheme of ABABB. Unlike the regular, naturalistic rhythm of the poem the rhyme scheme is asymmetrical and adds intensity to the speakers words.This is possibly a hint to the speakers unstable nature and the madness within his head. The speakers obsession with Porphyria is developed when she eventually enters the cottage. He describes her as having glided in which shows she moved elegantly and gracefully. This word choice captures the speakers passion for Porphyria. The reader learns from the poem that she is from a higher social class than the narrator, which in turn makes the reader suspect that their relationship is a forbidden affair. However, this is left ambiguous and for the reader to decide.straight/She shut the cold out and the storm The poets use of enjambment here emphasises the function of Porphyrias arrival and this also helps to continue the idea that she holds the dominant role in their relationship. The poet uses transferred epithet to stress the immediacy of the change in atmosphere afterwards Porphyrias arrival. Her practical actions represent the change in the speakers mind set. This example of transferred epithet effectively represents the immediate effect that Porphyrias enamour had on the speaker.At the beginning of the story his heart was cold and his mind was stormy whereas following her entrance he feels content and calmed by her presence as she has metaphorically shut the storm out of his mind. Another aspect of the poem which would have been somewhat shocking to a Victorian audience is the unusually inner manner in which Porphyria next behaves. She removes her outdoor clothing, lets her hair hang lose, puts her arm around the narrator, positions his head on her bare shoulder then proceeds to support her love for him.However the narrators reaction to this takes the reader by surprise. A dash is used to introduce a change in olfactory property as the speaker begins to describe Porphyria in a negative light Too weak, for all her hearts endeavour Here, Browning writes in an most contemptuous tone. The narrator is disapproving as he believes that- although Porphyria wants nothing more than to be with him- she is unable to leave behind other ties in her life which are preventing her from being with the speaker forever.The narrators resentment towards these complications out-with his control is portrayed as resentment towards Porphyria and this sudden change in mood offers the first slight indic ation that the narrator is not mentally stable. At this point in the poem the reader does not know whether to trust all that the speaker is saying. We are shocked by the speakers lack of interest and lack of love towards Porphyria. However, the speaker then experiences the sudden realisation later in the poem that Porphyria worshiped him.This is a very strong emotional word which goes past simple passion and suggests he believes that he is the only thing Porphyria really cares about. It also shows that the speaker thinks of himself as almost god-like in her eyes. He is vain and narcissistic. Any sane person would be content with the declaration of love however not the speaker. The reader being sane finds his next actions even more shocking. He is not sane, he is troubled and his corrupt nature is beginning to show. The poem reaches the shocking and affect turning point when becomes clear that the speaker is going to strangle Porphyria I found A thing to do.