Monday, February 4, 2019
Biography of Robert Browning:
Robert Browning (1812–1889) was a Victorian poet and playwright known for his dramatic monologues and his contribution to the development of the dramatic monologue as a literary form.
Here is a brief biography of Robert Browning:
Early Life of Robert Browning:
1. Birth: Robert Browning was born on May 7, 1812, in Camberwell, London, England.
2. Family Background: He came from a literary and artistic family. His father, Robert Browning Sr., was a bank clerk and a scholar, and his mother, Sarah Anna Wiedemann, was a pianist and an accomplished amateur artist.
Education:
1. Browning was largely self-taught, reading voraciously in his father's library.
2. He attended London University but left without completing a degree.
Early Works of Robert Browning:
1. Browning published his first poem, "Pauline: A Fragment of a Confession," anonymously in 1833.
2. His early works, including "Paracelsus" (1835) and "Sordello" (1840), were not initially well-received.
Marriage to Elizabeth Barrett:
1. Browning's reputation changed with the publication of "Men and Women" (1855), which included the well-known poem "My Last Duchess."
2. He corresponded with fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett, and the two fell in love. They married in secret in 1846, eloping to Italy.
Robert Browning's Life in Italy:
1. The couple settled in Florence, Italy, where they enjoyed a happy marriage. Browning was devoted to Elizabeth, who was an accomplished poet in her own right.
2. During this period, Browning wrote some of his most famous works, including "The Ring and the Book" (1868-1869), a long narrative poem.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Death:
1. Elizabeth Barrett Browning died in 1861. Her death had a profound impact on Robert Browning, and he returned to England with their son.
Later Works and Recognition:
1. Browning continued to write prolifically after his wife's death. Some of his notable works include "Dramatis Personae" (1864) and "The Inn Album" (1875).
2. He gained critical acclaim and recognition later in his life, receiving honorary degrees from Oxford and Edinburgh.
Death of Robert Browning:
1. Robert Browning died on December 12, 1889, in Venice, Italy.
2. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, London, alongside other literary giants.
Legacy:
1. Browning is known for his mastery of the dramatic monologue, a form in which a character addresses an audience, revealing their inner thoughts and emotions.
2. His poetry explores themes of love, morality, and the complexity of the human psyche.
3. Browning's influence on modern poetry and his contribution to the development of psychological insight in literature are widely acknowledged.
Robert Browning's poetry, with its intricate language and exploration of human nature, continues to be studied and admired. His work has left an enduring impact on the world of literature.