Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Learn Interesting Facts about

Elizabeth Browning.

This week’s famous poet is Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Last week’s famous poet was Emily Elizabeth Dickinson.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning is widely regarded as one of the most significant poets of the Victorian era. She began her poetic journey at a remarkably young age, showcasing her talent for writing between six and eleven years old. Throughout her lifetime, she composed an impressive collection of over 100 poems, which often explored themes of love, social injustice, and personal struggle.

Born in County Durham, England, on March 6, 1806, she was the eldest of twelve children in the Barrett family. Her parents, Edward Barrett Moulton and Mary Graham Clarke, provided her with a literary environment that nurtured her early interest in poetry. Growing up in a large family, Elizabeth had eight brothers and three sisters, which meant her childhood was filled with the dynamics and complexities that come with such a large household. However, it was her passion for literature and her intense dedication to her craft that ultimately set her apart as a poet and thinker of her time.

Here is a list of some poems/writings by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

The Cry of the Children
A Child Asleep
A Musical Instrument
Sabbath Morning at Sea
Grief
The Soul’s Expression
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
Beloved, thou hast brought me many flowers
A Dead Rose

Parents and caretakers, please ensure the poems are suitable for children before reading them.

Interesting facts about Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

1. She was born on March 6, 1806, in the picturesque County Durham, England, a region renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Her birthplace was steeped in the industrial spirit of the time, surrounded by rolling hills and the bustling activity of early 19th-century life, reflecting the cultural and economic transformations shaping the nation.

2. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the renowned Victorian poet, was just 55 years old at the time of her death on June 29, 1861. Her passing marked the end of a remarkable life filled with literary brilliance and personal triumphs. She was laid to rest in the serene English Cemetery located in Florence, Italy, a place known for its tranquil beauty and historical significance.

Her final resting place is adorned with an exquisite tomb, crafted with care and elegance, reflecting her esteemed status in the literary world. Surrounding her grave, particularly in the springtime, a stunning display of irises and a variety of other vibrant flowers bloom, adding to the tranquil and picturesque ambiance of the cemetery. This floral abundance serves as a fitting tribute to her legacy, celebrating not only her life but also the beauty of the poetry she created.

3. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s most famous poem is:

How Do I Love Thee?

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.)

4. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, an esteemed Victorian poet known for her groundbreaking works, married the renowned poet Robert Browning. Their union, celebrated for its deep affection and literary collaboration, resulted in the birth of their only child, Robert Wiedeman Barrett Browning, affectionately nicknamed "Pen" by his parents. Remarkably, Elizabeth was already forty-three years old at the time of Pen's arrival, a fact that stood out in an era when motherhood often began much earlier. This milestone in Elizabeth’s life not only marked a tender personal journey but also influenced her poetry, as she navigated the joys and challenges of motherhood alongside her literary career.

5. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the renowned Victorian poet, passed away quietly in the embrace of her beloved husband, Robert Browning. In her final moments, her last word was “beautiful,” a testament to her appreciation for life and love. Scholars and medical experts have speculated that her passing may have been linked to hypokalemic periodic paralysis, a condition characterized by episodes of muscle weakness due to low potassium levels in the blood. This rare ailment could have contributed to her declining health in her later years, ultimately leading to her serene yet poignant departure from this world.

6. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a prominent Victorian poet, was a vocal critic of slavery and its moral implications. Throughout her literary career, she expressed her opposition to this inhumane institution through her poetry. Two of her most significant works addressing the issue are “The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point” and “A Curse for a Nation.”

In “The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point,” Browning offers a poignant exploration of the experiences and emotions of an enslaved woman who has fled to seek freedom. The poem captures her despair, the violent realities of enslavement, and her yearning for liberation.

“A Curse for a Nation,” on the other hand, serves as a powerful condemnation of a society that condones slavery. In this poem, Browning invokes a deep sense of moral outrage, articulating the curse that befalls a nation that allows such injustices to persist. Through her evocative language and passionate imagery, Browning not only highlights the plight of the enslaved but also calls for societal introspection and change.

Together, these poems reflect Browning's profound commitment to social justice and her conviction in the power of literature to challenge the status quo and inspire thought and empathy in her readers.

7. From a young age, she found immense joy in reading a wide variety of books, losing herself in the pages of classic tales and whimsical stories alike. She adored the feeling of the wind in her hair as she rode ponies through sun-dappled fields, relishing every moment spent in the company of these gentle creatures. Family picnics were another cherished pastime, filled with laughter, delicious homemade treats, and the warmth of loved ones gathered under the shade of tall trees.

In her childhood, she and her family delighted in putting on theatrical performances for their family and friends, transforming their living room into a small stage where imagination ran wild. Each play was a labor of love, with costumes crafted from household items and scripts inspired by their favorite stories, drawing joy and applause from their small audience.

Among her most treasured companions was her beloved pet dog, Flush, a spirited spaniel with a playful demeanor. This furry friend had been a thoughtful gift from Mary Mitford, a renowned author whose works had captivated her imagination. Flush was more than just a pet; he was a constant source of affection and adventure in her life.

As she grew older, her world expanded further, and she had the extraordinary opportunity to meet numerous distinguished authors, acclaimed poets, and talented artists. These encounters enriched her life, providing her with inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the creative arts. Each meeting left a lasting impression, shaping her own journey and passion for storytelling.

8. At the age of 15, Elizabeth began experiencing persistent and debilitating pain in her head and spine. This chronic discomfort significantly impacted her adolescent years, making it difficult for her to participate in activities that her peers enjoyed. To manage her pain, she was prescribed opiates, which initially provided some relief. However, over time, she found herself developing a dependence on these powerful medications. As the years progressed, her reliance on opiates grew, leading to a full-blown addiction that consumed much of her adult life and hindered her ability to maintain a normal routine.

As if her battle with addiction wasn't enough, Elizabeth faced another serious health challenge later in life when she was diagnosed with a lung disease. This illness added another layer of complexity to her already difficult existence, exacerbating her pain and complicating her treatment options. As she navigated the challenges of chronic pain and the struggles of addiction, Elizabeth's health continued to deteriorate, leaving her to confront a series of monumental obstacles.

9. She received her education at home, primarily under the guidance of her oldest brother, Edward, who took on the role of her primary teacher, alongside a dedicated tutor. From a very young age, she displayed a keen interest in learning, and by the time she was around four years old, she had already mastered the art of writing. This early foundation laid the groundwork for her intellectual development and fostered a lifelong love for learning.

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Books about Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

1. How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

2. The Brownings for the Young by Robert Browning

3. How Do I Love Thee? by Jennifer Adams

Parents and caregivers, ensure the books you read to your child or children are suitable for them.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post! If you happen to spot any mistakes, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback is really appreciated! Tune in next week to learn some quick facts about Edgar Allan Poe!

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