Furthermore, imagery is created in this poem through metaphors: “I am no doll to dress and sit for feeble worship if that be what you ask, fool, I refuse you!” Her point is emphasized through the use of repetition, “Do you come to me to bend me to your will.” Moreover, sibilance is used such as “skin soft,” The repetition of the “S” sound creates a hissing affect as well as a sinister sibilance tone, which gives us a feeling that she doesn’t want to be seen as pure or perfect.
In contrast “The Laboratory” is also a poem renowned for its depth of meanings through the variety of linguistic devices used; in addition it also shares a similar theme of death and revenge to other poems written by Browning such as Porphyia’s Lover. The tone of this poem is obsession. “Grind away, moisten and mash up thy paste, Pound at thy powder, I am not in haste!” This just emphasizes that this woman has only one aim which is to seek revenge on her rival by killing her.
We see that “The Laboratory” is an unusual poem whereby we see the courageous female persona is driven to revenge. This is in stark contrast to the stereotypical view of women during the 19th century, who were not expected to have a voice, in a male dominated society. Not only does she seek revenge but also wishes to punish her husband: “He is sure to remember her dying face.”
“As thou pliest thy trade in this devil's-smithy,” this line in the opening stanza to the poem which indicates to us that “The devil's smithy” is a metaphor for the subject of this workshop may be poison and death. This imagery also ties in with the devils work.
The structure of this poem is a regular AABB rhyme scheme; this conveys a very jolly rhythm to the poem which is ironic because the subject is quiet chilling about seeking revenge. The language on this poem is conveyed throughout the poem through the use of imperatives “Take my mask off! Nay, be not morose!” the use of imperatives highlight that she is in control. Furthermore, alliteration is combined with onomatopoeia, “moisten and mash up thy paste.” To convey a harsh tone, reflecting her revenge and determination, as she makes the poison.
“Porphyria’s Lover,” is similar to “The Laboratory,” In that it is also a dramatic monologue told by Porphyria's lover. The action of "Porphyria's Lover" commences through the telling of the events of one night— culminating in the murder of Porphyria—by the narrator of the poem. The story is not retold to an audience but seems rather to be replayed in the mind of Porphyria's lover. Browning masterfully builds up tension in the poem by gradually revealing to the reader, through details provided by the speaker, what has taken place. As it also becomes clear that the narrator is mad, it is up to the reader to decide on what extent to believe the speaker's account of events.
The themes of this poem are attraction, lust and death, as he is attracted to the woman but decides to kill her as “he believes” he has control and dominance over her, “Porphyria worshiped me.” From this we can see that he feels he is in command of her. The tone to this poem is negative, “The rain set in early in tonight”, and madness, “And did its worst to vex the lake,” Imagery is depicted through the use of pathetic fallacy, “The sullen wind was soon awake,” which matches the mood of range and anger.
Metaphors such as: “She shut the cold out and the storm.” Makes us think she is a woman sent from heaven. The structure of this poem is ABABB; this very effectively emphasizes the inward turmoil of the speaker’s mind. This poem is written in a free verse form unlike “The laboratory.”
The most chilling phrase which highlights the macabre theme of death in “Porphyia’s Lover” is; “In one long yellow string I wound Three times her little throat around, and strangled her.” From this we can see that the narrator casually kills his lover, whom he is attracted to; but alarmingly shows no remorse in her inhumane death. Additionally, in “The Laboratory” the most shocking line which focuses on the narrator’s deranged state of mind is, “Brand, burn up, bite into its grace—He is sure to remember her dying face,” the alliterative effect of the harsh ‘B’ sound expresses the fury and bitterness as she really wants to kill her rival and hurt her husband at the same time so he can remember her death forever.
In conclusion to my essay, I feel that the poets studied here have portrayed their views through a wide range of techniques including political statements. In my opinion “Porphyria’s Lover” and “The Laboratory “are similar as they both share the theme of death and obsession. On the other hand in,” A Woman to her Lover”, is more about breaking the social norm and standing up for your rights. Each poem has a unique tone and message but they do share some similar techniques.
Word Count: 1,100
