Hannah
Martinez
Kristen
Hague
English
Literature
23 October
2012
Blog: Elizabeth Barrett Browning and
Aurora Leigh
Was anyone else fascinated by the
life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning as I was?! In reading her short biography
starting on page 1151, right before Book I of Aurora Leigh, I was intrigued by
her and her life story, as well as her writing. I have never read any of her
works before but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Aurora Leigh. Since I was in
middle school I have had this love for reading stories, books, novels and
anything written in poetic structure. So to read one that was written so many years
ago was very fun. Browning’s life story caught my attention on a personal level
in the fact that she, at one point, became almost a complete recluse from the
rest of the world but then after years of experiencing it she miraculously came
out of hiding, only to gain fame for her writings. Needless to say, because that
scenario grabs at personal emotions it lent some hope that a person can come
out of such a state of being depressed and still accomplish success.
The woman had every reason to be this way, let’s be honest.
She got extremely ill at the age of fifteen and it strongly affected her, then chronic
lung disease ailed her again and then in later life she had a father who
completely disowned her; with no family left to turn to but her husband. Maybe I
am stretching this a bit far but her troubles in life and the bounce-back she conquered
later in life really stood out and spoke to me. I have read about many
different authors going through their fair share of trials and tribulations
throughout their lifetime but not any that have struck me with awe like
Browning’s. In learning about her personal story and then reading Aurora Leigh,
book I and II, it seems as though maybe there is some reflection of herself in the
character of Aurora Leigh; especially when we see the characteristics of a
controlling father, or a lonely girl who believes in the freedom of writing. The
feelings and emotions that are seen in this story make me think that much of
herself was very readily placed in the context of Aurora’s character. Although
this was written after she was reintroduced into the world, it makes me wonder
if maybe the first happenings and thoughts of Aurora Leigh were produced in
those years of seclusion that she experienced. I would be interested how much
more of Browning may have shown through in the remainder of this story and look
forward to reading the rest of it someday.
Maybe, I took a topic that was skimmed by others or minuscule
in importance but for some reason it was the author herself that I found so
interesting. She seemed to live a very troubled life but yet sought fame and
succeeded in doing so. Her story seemed simple, somewhat tragic but overall an
admiration of her is present because she shows hope to others through her own
life and it is also reflected in her writing. It makes me have hope that anyone
can write and be successful at it; that it does not necessarily need to be
taught and that for myself, if my time, money and energy somehow fails in
getting a teaching degree I could always wallow in my sorrows for a few years
and then become a published writer! Right?!
Just a
thought…… J
EBB's biography has always interested me as well, in part because of the way it informs her writing. I'd suggest taking a look at her "Sonnets from the Portuguese" when you have a couple of hours. Most of us are familiar with the more famous sonnets in the series ("How do I love thee/Let me count the ways"), but it's the whole sequence that's most interesting in the way it shows the author move from unloved and lacking confidence to embracing love and feeling deserving of it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I found her background really interesting, too! Her life seems to be one of those perfect romances, and it's fascinating to see her life story come up, in part, within Aurora Leigh. Also, I, too, enjoy reading stories in verse, part of why I devoured The Inferno.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you focused on Elizabeth Barrett Browning's biography and how it informed her writing, great topic! I think it is especially relevant that you applied her life story to your own life and aspirations for writing, that's one of the best benefits we can all get from reading! I find myself looking for inspiration in the lives of authors I read too, and I bet that many of them have an author or authors whose works inspired their own careers. Best of luck with your future as a teacher and writer, I'm sure you'll succeed at both :)
ReplyDeleteI think it really gives more color to her writing as well. When you learn of her life story and her aspirations it makes it that much more amazing, personally. I still have to read the sonnets though. So excited for it!
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