Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Dora Greenwell’s "To Elizabeth Barrett Browning, in 1861" is a deeply personal and moving reflection on the passing of the iconic poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, whom Greenwell greatly admired. The poem conveys Greenwell’s reverence for Browning’s spirit and work, transcending the need for praise or mourning in the traditional sense. Instead, Greenwell’s response to Browning’s death is one of continued love, gratitude, and admiration for the ways in which Browning’s influence has enriched her life and deepened her understanding of beauty, art, and human expression.

Greenwell begins by stating that she did not "praise" Browning while she was alive, questioning what her praise would have meant to someone as accomplished and profound as Browning. The rhetorical nature of the question—"what to thee / Was praise of mine?"—suggests that Browning, as a poet of immense stature, stood beyond the need for validation from others, particularly from someone like Greenwell, who considered herself a lesser poet. This line reflects Greenwell’s humility and her recognition of Browning’s greatness, which seemed to render praise unnecessary or even inadequate.

Likewise, Greenwell reveals that she did not "mourn" Browning in the conventional sense after her death. Instead, her feelings toward Browning have always been grounded in love, which remains unchanged even after Browning’s passing: "I only loved thee,—love thee!" Greenwell’s use of the present tense here emphasizes that her admiration for Browning transcends physical death. In her view, Browning’s spirit has not been diminished by death but has been "freed" to dwell in a realm "where all are free." This suggests that Greenwell believes Browning’s essence—her spirit, her influence, and her art—lives on, untethered by earthly constraints.

The poem continues with Greenwell expressing how Browning’s existence has fundamentally altered her perception of the world: "Forever thou hast made the rose more red, / More sweet each word by olden singers said." Through Browning’s poetry, Greenwell perceives the world with heightened sensitivity and appreciation for beauty. The metaphor of the rose being "more red" evokes a deepened sense of vividness and intensity in the natural world, while the sweetness of "each word by olden singers said" suggests that Browning’s influence has made even the works of past poets more meaningful to Greenwell. Browning’s impact, then, is not just confined to her own poetry, but enriches the entire tradition of poetic expression for those who love and admire her.

The personal nature of the relationship between Greenwell and Browning is reflected in the lines that follow: "Once, only once in life I heard thee speak, / Once, only once I kissed thee on the cheek, / And met thy kiss and blessing." Greenwell recalls a brief but significant encounter with Browning, during which they shared a kiss and blessing. This moment is precious to Greenwell, not because of its rarity, but because of the profound emotional and spiritual connection it symbolized. Even though Greenwell admits that she "scarce knew" Browning’s smile, her love for Browning was not dependent on frequent interaction or familiarity. Instead, it was the strength of Browning’s presence—her "wealth" and "strength"—that inspired Greenwell and made her feel "less poor, less weak." Browning’s influence, then, is portrayed as empowering, offering Greenwell both emotional and creative sustenance.

The final line of the poem, "Oh what hath death with souls like thine to do?" serves as a powerful conclusion, reiterating Greenwell’s belief that Browning’s spirit is unaffected by death. In this rhetorical question, Greenwell suggests that death cannot diminish or contain a soul as vibrant and profound as Browning’s. Her legacy, influence, and spirit continue to thrive beyond the physical realm, rendering death powerless in the face of such greatness. This idea aligns with Greenwell’s broader theme of transcendence throughout the poem—Browning’s life and work have left an indelible mark on the world, and her spirit endures in the hearts and minds of those who love her.

In "To Elizabeth Barrett Browning, in 1861," Greenwell offers a poignant meditation on the lasting influence of a beloved poet. Rather than focusing on conventional mourning or praise, Greenwell emphasizes the enduring nature of Browning’s spirit and the transformative effect her poetry has had on the world. Through vivid imagery and deeply personal reflections, Greenwell expresses her continued love and gratitude for Browning, suggesting that her legacy transcends death and continues to inspire those who remain. The poem is not just a tribute to Browning’s genius, but a testament to the ways in which art and love can outlast even the most final of separations.

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