What idea about the speaker’s character do you get from the poem “How Do I Love Thee?”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s (1806-61) “How Do I Love Thee?” (1850) is a heartfelt sonnet about love. The speaker deeply expresses her feelings for her beloved. Her words reveal not only her love but also her character. Through this poem, we see her as a devoted, pure, and emotional person.
Devotion to Love: The speaker shows complete dedication to her beloved. She says,
This means her love is endless and covers every part of her life. Such deep devotion reflects her loyal and caring nature. She does not hold anything back in her love.“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach.”
Purity and Honesty: Her love is pure and honest. She says,
This shows her love is without selfishness or desire for recognition. It reflects her noble character. She loves not for gain but because her heart is true and kind.“I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.”
Strong Emotions and Faith: The speaker is very emotional and full of faith. She says she loves with,
This shows how she connects her love to past emotions and innocent faith. It also shows her hopeful and emotional personality, as she believes her love will continue even “after death.”“The passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.”
The speaker in the poem is a deeply devoted, pure-hearted, and emotional person. Her words reveal not only her love but also her inner strength and faith. This sonnet celebrates a love that is eternal and full of goodness.
