Appearance
Excerpt
Excerpt from Life of Robert Browning, by William Sharp
London, Robert Browning's birthplace; his immediate predecessors
and contemporaries in literature, art, and music; born May 7th, 1812;
origin of the Browning family; assertions as to its Semitic connection
apparently groundless; the poet a putative descendant
of the Captain Micaiah Browning mentioned by Macaulay;
Robert Browning's mother of Scottish and German origin;
his father a man of exceptional powers, artist, poet, critic, student;
Mr. Browning's opinion of his son's writings; the home in Camberwell;
Robert Browning's childhood; concerning his optimism;
his fondness for Carravaggio's "Andromeda and Perseus"; his poetic precocity;
origin of "The Flight of the Duchess"; writes Byronic verse;
is sent to school at Peckham; his holiday afternoons; sees London by night,
from Herne Hill; the significance of the spectacle to him.
Chapter 2.
He wishes to be a poet; writes in the style of Byron and Pope;
the "Death of Harold"; his poems, written when twelve years old,
shown to Miss Flower; the Rev. W. J. Fox's criticisms on them;
he comes across Shelley's "Daemon of the World"; Mrs. Browning
procures Shelley's poems, also those of Keats, for her son;
the perusal of these volumes proves an important event
in his poetic development; he leaves school when fourteen years old,
and studies at home under a tutor; attends a few lectures
at University College, 1829-30; chooses his career, at the age of twenty;
earliest record of his utterances concerning his youthful life printed
in `Century Magazine', 1881; he plans a series of monodramatic epics;
Browning's lifework, collectively one monodramatic "epic";
Shakespeare's and Browning's methods compared; Browning writes "Pauline"
in 1832; his own criticism on it; his parents' opinions;
his aunt's generous gift; the poem published in January 1833;
description of the poem; written under the inspiring stimulus of Shelley;
its autopsychical significance; its importance to the student
of the poet's works; quotations from "Pauline".
Explanation
Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from The Life of Robert Browning by William Sharp
This passage is an excerpt from William Sharp’s (1855–1905) biography of Robert Browning (1812–1889), one of the most influential Victorian poets, known for his dramatic monologues, psychological depth, and complex verse. Sharp’s biography, published in 1890 (shortly after Browning’s death), provides a chronological and analytical account of Browning’s life, influences, and early literary development. The excerpt focuses on Browning’s formative years, his literary influences, and the evolution of his poetic style, particularly leading up to his first major published work, Pauline (1833).
Context of the Excerpt
Biographical Background
- The passage begins by establishing Browning’s birth (May 7, 1812, in London) and his family lineage, dismissing rumors of a Semitic (Jewish) connection while noting a possible descent from Captain Micaiah Browning, a figure mentioned by historian Thomas Babington Macaulay.
- His mother (Sarah Anna Wiedemann) was of Scottish and German descent, while his father (Robert Browning Sr.) was a polymath—an artist, poet, critic, and scholar—who played a crucial role in shaping his son’s intellectual growth.
- The home in Camberwell (a London suburb) is described as a stimulating environment where young Browning was exposed to art, literature, and deep philosophical discussions.
Early Influences & Artistic Sensibilities
- Browning’s optimism and early fascination with art (particularly Caravaggio’s Andromeda and Perseus) suggest a romantic and dramatic imagination even in childhood.
- His poetic precocity is highlighted—he wrote Byronic verse (imitating Lord Byron’s dramatic, emotional style) and later experimented with Pope’s neoclassical wit.
- The mention of "The Flight of the Duchess" (an early, unpublished work) indicates his early interest in narrative and character-driven poetry.
Education & Literary Awakening
- Browning attended school in Peckham but was largely self-educated under his father’s guidance after leaving at age 14.
- A pivotal moment occurs when he discovers Shelley’s Daemon of the World (a fragmentary poetic drama) and later Keats’ poetry, introduced to him by his mother. These Romantic influences profoundly shaped his lyrical intensity and philosophical depth.
- His brief attendance at University College (1829–30) suggests a rejection of formal academia in favor of independent study and artistic pursuit.
Early Ambitions & Pauline (1833)
- By age 20, Browning commits to poetry as a career, planning a series of "monodramatic epics"—a term Sharp uses to describe Browning’s dramatic, character-focused poetry (later exemplified in works like Dramatic Lyrics and The Ring and the Book).
- Sharp compares Browning to Shakespeare, emphasizing his psychological depth and dramatic technique.
- Pauline (1832, published 1833) is Browning’s first major work, written under Shelley’s influence but already showing autobiographical and introspective elements ("autopsychical significance").
- The poem’s reception is noted: Browning later criticized it as immature, but Sharp argues it is essential for understanding his later works.
Key Themes in the Excerpt
Literary Inheritance & Influence
- The passage traces Browning’s evolution from imitation (Byron, Pope) to originality (Shelley, Keats).
- The Romantic movement’s impact is clear—Shelley’s idealism and Keats’ sensuousness help Browning move beyond Byronic melodrama toward psychological and philosophical depth.
Artistic Development & Self-Discovery
- Browning’s early optimism contrasts with the darker, more complex themes of his maturity.
- His fascination with visual art (Caravaggio) suggests a dramatic, visual imagination that later manifests in his vivid poetic imagery.
- The transition from schoolboy verse to Pauline marks his shift from derivative to personal expression.
Family & Intellectual Environment
- His father’s intellectual guidance and mother’s literary introductions (Shelley, Keats) were formative.
- The home in Camberwell is portrayed as a creative sanctuary, fostering his independent thinking.
Urban Experience & Romantic Vision
- Browning’s nighttime views of London from Herne Hill symbolize his romanticized yet analytical perspective—seeing the city as both a spectacle and a subject for poetic exploration.
- This urban imagination later appears in poems like "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came" (a nightmarish quest) and "The Bishop Orders His Tomb" (a dramatic monologue set in Renaissance Italy).
The Poet’s Self-Criticism & Growth
- Browning’s later dismissal of Pauline as juvenile reflects his maturing artistic standards, yet Sharp insists it remains a crucial text for understanding his early struggles with identity and form.
Literary Devices & Stylistic Features
Biographical Narrative Structure
- Sharp uses a chronological, almost clinical approach, listing key events, influences, and works in Browning’s early life.
- The accumulation of details (dates, names, specific works) creates a sense of historical authority while also building a portrait of artistic development.
Juxtaposition of Influences
- The contrast between Byron’s drama and Shelley’s idealism highlights Browning’s synthesis of different poetic traditions.
- The shift from Pope’s neoclassicism to Romanticism mirrors the broader literary transition of the early 19th century.
Symbolic Imagery
- Caravaggio’s Andromeda and Perseus (a Baroque painting of rescue and drama) foreshadows Browning’s interest in myth, heroism, and psychological tension.
- London at night becomes a metaphor for the poet’s mind—simultaneously dazzling and mysterious, a recurring theme in his later works.
Critical & Analytical Tone
- Sharp interprets Browning’s work rather than just recounting facts, as seen in phrases like:
- "autopsychical significance" (suggesting self-analysis in Pauline).
- "monodramatic epics" (a term Sharp coins to describe Browning’s dramatic, character-driven poetry).
- Sharp interprets Browning’s work rather than just recounting facts, as seen in phrases like:
Use of Primary Sources
- References to Browning’s own later reflections (e.g., the Century Magazine interview) and contemporary critiques (Rev. W.J. Fox’s feedback) lend authenticity and depth to the biography.
Significance of the Excerpt
Understanding Browning’s Early Years
- The passage demystifies Browning’s origins, showing how his family, education, and literary exposures shaped his unique voice.
- It challenges misconceptions (e.g., the Semitic ancestry claim) while affirming his intellectual lineage.
The Evolution of a Poetic Genius
- Browning’s transition from imitation to innovation is a case study in artistic development, relevant to studies of Romantic and Victorian poetry.
- His rejection of formal education in favor of self-directed learning reflects the Romantic ideal of the poet as a self-made genius.
The Role of Influence & Originality
- The excerpt illustrates how great artists absorb and transcend their influences—Browning moves from Byron’s theatrics to Shelley’s philosophy before forging his own style.
- Pauline is presented as a bridge between his youthful experiments and mature masterpieces.
Browning’s Dramatic Monologue Technique
- Sharp’s mention of "monodramatic epics" foreshadows Browning’s later mastery of the dramatic monologue (e.g., "My Last Duchess," "Fra Lippo Lippi"), where a single speaker reveals their psychology through speech.
Historical & Cultural Context
- The passage places Browning within the Victorian literary landscape, showing how he both inherited and reacted against Romanticism.
- The urban setting (London) and cosmopolitan influences (German, Scottish, Italian art) reflect the globalized culture of 19th-century Britain.
Conclusion: Why This Excerpt Matters
This excerpt from Sharp’s biography is more than a factual account—it is a critical framework for understanding Browning’s formative years and artistic philosophy. By tracing his early influences, family dynamics, and first major work, Sharp sets the stage for Browning’s later dramatic and psychological poetry.
Key takeaways:
- Browning’s genius was nurtured by a stimulating home environment and exposure to great literature.
- His early works (Pauline) reveal a struggle between imitation and originality, a tension that defines many great artists.
- The dramatic, introspective qualities of his later poetry originate in his youthful experiments.
- Sharp’s biographical approach blends historical detail with literary analysis, making it essential for Browning scholars.
Ultimately, this passage invites readers to see Browning not just as a fully formed poet, but as a young artist shaped by his time, his influences, and his relentless pursuit of a unique voice.