Compare and contrast the presentation of the diseased mind in 'Porphyria's Lover' by Robert Browning and 'Too Bad' written by Carol Ann Duffy

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Sabrena Verma

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Compare and contrast the presentation of the diseased mind in ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ by Robert Browning and ‘Too Bad’ written by Carol Ann Duffy

Within the poems ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ by Robert Browning and ‘Too Bad’ by Carol Ann Duffy, are both written from a first person’s prospective. This allows us to compare and contrast the presentation of the diseased minds in both poems. The subject of dramatic monologue is also present. Both poems are written two hundred years ago. ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ was introduced in the 19th century. We can understand that around this period of time melodrama was popular. Themes of death, love and passion were highly admired.

In ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ Browning reflected society in his poem. Society was divided by social status. The ‘upper class’ social status is perceived via their wealth and social respect. The ‘middle class’ main characteristics are their professional standing in the fields, for example doctors and lawyers. The ‘working class’ are perceived through their laid back behaviour and the underclass who are seen as the outcasts in the whole social system. In contrast to Duffy, she reflects society today. In ‘Too Bad’ there is violence and gangs. There is a specific use guns. We can confirm that Duffy uses this type of weapon throughout the poem, as it is topical to what is happening in today’s society. Violence and gun crimes have risen by 32%.

Browning and Duffy both introduce their poems using the device of pathetic fallacy. This sets the tone and mood of the atmosphere. Browning conveys the turbulent state of the lover, by creating a vivid picture of the weather outside the cottage. We could suggest that in both poems the weather is reflective of the lover’s and the assassin’s state of mind. The weather is used to create an atmosphere and mood within the poems. This gives a more visual image. Within the poems they concern many ideas, but primarily it could be seen to present a ‘diseased mind’ in different forms. In ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ we could suggest that it’s a crime of passion. Whereas, ‘Too Bad’ conveys that the assassin has planned and knows about the killing. This is murder!

In ‘Too Bad’ we can depict that by using the image, “rain” suggests a dark, cold, depressing mood. Browning elaborates the build up of anger in the line, “the sullen wind was soon awake” within the personification the line intensifies his sulky, sad mood. However the words, “wind was soon awake” develops a notion of fury in his mind as he waits for her. The atmosphere portrays a stronger impression of the assassin’s mind and thoughts. In contrast to Duffy, within her first stanza evokes a feel of coldness, a time of “winter” suggestive of when plants die. It also depicts a sense of the end of the year period. We could convey that it underlines possible death. However the specific use of, “blue wet streets” could be seen to describe a

miserable atmosphere, unpleasantness and possibly a hostile environment of tension arising within the minds of the assassin. It also associates with the cold, calculating, and depressive personality of the assassin. Browning uses the language, “vex” this portrays a strong image of anger.

Duffy writes, “with our heads down” which depicts that they don’t want to be seen as on a mission to kill. We could suppose that the assassin has a diseased mind, as he knows he’s going to commit this murder, “we had a job to do”. This shows that the assassin is doing it for the money. However the phrase, “the barmaid caught my eye,” conveys he wants to impress his friends, which depicts that he could be isolated and unsure about himself. The mention of the barmaid in the poem, could suggest that the assassin is showing negligence as he’s going to commit murder, he should know to keep his identity low. This shows he’s inexperienced. We could suggest that he could have had a dull life and now this, “job” is a form of excitement and indulgence. It could also be implied that it could inject the feeling of self-esteem.  

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We find out that Porphyria is from a higher social status as she is described as having, “cloak and shawl, and soiled gloves”. From this we can deduce that in those days these items were highly expensive and only rich women could afford to possess these items. Browning states, “she shut the cold out and the storm” which evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity within the cottage. The line clarifies and highlights warmth and passion arising. Although “when no voice replied” suggests the assassin wants to retain some pride, which links to ‘Too Bad’ as the murderer in ...

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