Aurora Leigh

“The poet, speaker, he expands with joy;

The palpitating angel in his flesh

Thrills only with consenting fellowship

To those innumerous spirits who sun themselves

Outside of time. O life, O poetry,

—Which means life in life! cognizant [sic] of life

Beyond this blood-beat, passionate for truth

Beyond these senses!” (Book 1, Lines 910-18)

Conduct a close reading of the passage above and discuss to what extent the poem represents real life. This question can be considered both from the perspective of larger social issues, or from the perspective of Barrett Browning’s own biography.

How is the notion of truth problematic throughout the poem? Select at least two characters and discuss the ways in which they seek to hide certain truths.

Discuss the ways in which Barrett Browning utilizes picturesque and pastoral imagery throughout Aurora Leigh. Are idyllic images of the peaceful countryside always portrayed in a positive manner, or does the poet create instances in which the purpose of such imagery is reversed? (Consider the disastrous wedding scene in Book 4, for example.)