“Aurora Leigh” is a novel in verse written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning in 1856. The work is a comprehensive literary analysis of the protagonist, Aurora Leigh, and her journey as a female writer in Victorian society. In this article, we will explore the themes, characters, and literary techniques used by Browning to create a complex and multifaceted portrayal of a woman’s struggle for creative expression and personal fulfillment in a male-dominated world.
Background and Context
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh is a novel in verse that was published in 1856. It is considered one of the most significant works of the Victorian era and is often cited as an early feminist text. The poem tells the story of Aurora Leigh, a young woman who aspires to be a poet and struggles to find her place in a male-dominated society. The novel explores themes of gender, class, art, and the role of the artist in society. Browning’s own experiences as a female writer in the 19th century are reflected in the novel, making it a deeply personal work. Aurora Leigh is a complex and multi-layered text that requires careful analysis to fully appreciate its significance. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive literary analysis of Aurora Leigh, examining its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of this important work.
Structure and Form
The structure and form of Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a unique blend of poetry and prose. The poem is divided into nine books, each with its own distinct structure and form. The first book is written in blank verse, while the second book is written in rhymed couplets. The third book is written in terza rima, a form popularized by Dante’s Divine Comedy. The fourth book is written in ottava rima, a form popularized by Italian poets. The fifth book is written in blank verse, while the sixth book is written in rhymed quatrains. The seventh book is written in blank verse, while the eighth book is written in rhymed couplets. The final book is written in blank verse. This varied structure and form allows Browning to explore different themes and ideas throughout the poem, while also showcasing her mastery of different poetic forms.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Aurora Leigh is the struggle for female independence and empowerment. The protagonist, Aurora, is a strong-willed and ambitious woman who defies societal norms and pursues her passion for writing. Throughout the novel, she faces numerous obstacles and challenges, including the disapproval of her family and the limitations imposed on women in Victorian society. However, Aurora remains steadfast in her pursuit of independence and ultimately achieves success as a writer. This theme of female empowerment is further reinforced through the character of Marian Erle, a working-class woman who also strives for independence and self-determination. The novel also explores themes of love, art, and social justice, making it a complex and multi-layered work.
Character Analysis
One of the most intriguing aspects of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s epic poem, Aurora Leigh, is the complex and multifaceted character of the titular protagonist. Aurora Leigh is a young woman who is fiercely independent, intelligent, and ambitious, but also deeply conflicted and emotionally vulnerable. Throughout the poem, Browning explores the various facets of Aurora’s personality, delving into her past, her relationships, and her innermost thoughts and feelings.
One of the most striking things about Aurora is her determination to pursue her artistic ambitions, despite the many obstacles that stand in her way. As a woman in Victorian society, she faces numerous challenges and prejudices, but she refuses to be deterred. She is fiercely committed to her craft, and she is willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve her goals.
At the same time, however, Aurora is also plagued by doubts and insecurities. She struggles with feelings of guilt and shame over her privileged upbringing, and she is haunted by the memory of her mother’s death. She is also deeply conflicted about her relationships with the men in her life, particularly her cousin Romney Leigh and the Italian artist, Marian Erle.
Overall, Aurora Leigh is a complex and nuanced character who embodies many of the contradictions and complexities of Victorian womanhood. Through her portrayal of Aurora, Browning offers a powerful critique of the limitations and injustices of Victorian society, while also celebrating the resilience and creativity of women who refused to be silenced or constrained.
Symbolism and Imagery
In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s epic poem, Aurora Leigh, symbolism and imagery play a significant role in conveying the themes and messages of the work. Throughout the poem, Barrett Browning employs a variety of symbols and images to represent ideas such as the struggle for artistic and personal freedom, the power of nature, and the importance of female empowerment. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the image of the sunrise, which represents the dawn of a new era and the potential for growth and change. Additionally, Barrett Browning uses vivid descriptions of nature to convey the beauty and power of the natural world, as well as its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Through these and other symbols and images, Aurora Leigh offers a rich and complex exploration of the human experience, and stands as a testament to Barrett Browning’s skill as a poet and storyteller.
Language and Style
In “Aurora Leigh,” Elizabeth Barrett Browning employs a unique language and style that sets her apart from other Victorian poets. Her use of blank verse, a form of poetry that does not rhyme but maintains a consistent meter, allows her to create a natural flow of language that mirrors the rhythm of speech. This technique also allows her to experiment with syntax and sentence structure, creating a more complex and nuanced narrative. Additionally, Browning’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details immerses the reader in the world of the poem, making it feel more tangible and real. Overall, Browning’s language and style in “Aurora Leigh” contribute to the poem’s status as a masterpiece of Victorian literature.
Gender and Feminism
In Aurora Leigh, Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the themes of gender and feminism through the character of Aurora, a strong-willed and independent woman who defies societal expectations and pursues her passion for writing. Throughout the novel, Aurora faces numerous challenges and obstacles as a female writer in a male-dominated society, but she remains steadfast in her beliefs and refuses to compromise her artistic vision. Browning’s portrayal of Aurora as a feminist icon has made the novel a seminal work in the history of women’s literature, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams and fight for their rights.
Religion and Spirituality
In Aurora Leigh, Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the themes of religion and spirituality through the character of Marian Erle. Marian is a poor, uneducated woman who turns to religion as a way to cope with her difficult life. However, her faith is tested when she is forced to confront the harsh realities of the world and the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious.
Through Marian’s story, Browning raises important questions about the role of religion in society and the true meaning of spirituality. She challenges the idea that religion is a panacea for all of life’s problems and suggests that true spirituality requires a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.
Overall, Aurora Leigh is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between religion, spirituality, and the human experience. Browning’s nuanced portrayal of Marian Erle offers a powerful critique of the limitations of traditional religion and a compelling vision of what true spirituality might look like.
Politics and Society
In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s epic poem, Aurora Leigh, the author delves into the political and societal issues of her time. Set in the mid-19th century, the poem explores themes of gender inequality, class struggle, and the role of art in society. Through the character of Aurora, a young woman struggling to find her place in the world as a female writer, Browning critiques the patriarchal society that limits women’s opportunities and voices. Additionally, the poem addresses the economic disparities between the upper and lower classes, as Aurora’s cousin Romney struggles to reconcile his privileged upbringing with his desire to help the working class. Overall, Aurora Leigh offers a complex and nuanced analysis of the political and societal issues of its time, and remains relevant to contemporary discussions of gender, class, and art.
Reception and Criticism
Upon its publication in 1856, Aurora Leigh received mixed reviews from literary critics. Some praised the poem’s feminist themes and Barrett Browning’s skillful use of language, while others criticized its unconventional form and structure.
One of the most notable critics of Aurora Leigh was Robert Browning, Elizabeth’s husband and fellow poet. In a letter to a friend, he expressed his admiration for his wife’s work but also noted his reservations about the poem’s length and complexity.
Despite the mixed reception, Aurora Leigh has since become recognized as a significant work of Victorian literature and a pioneering feminist text. Its exploration of women’s roles in society and the challenges they face in pursuing their passions and ambitions continues to resonate with readers today.
Influence and Legacy
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh has had a significant influence on the literary world. The poem’s exploration of gender roles, social class, and the role of art in society has inspired countless writers and thinkers. Aurora Leigh’s unique blend of poetry and prose has also been influential, paving the way for other writers to experiment with form and structure.
Browning’s legacy extends beyond her literary contributions. As a woman writer in the 19th century, she faced significant challenges and discrimination. However, her perseverance and talent have made her a role model for future generations of women writers. Her advocacy for social justice and her commitment to using her platform to speak out against injustice have also inspired many.
Overall, Aurora Leigh is a testament to Browning’s talent and her dedication to using her writing to make a difference in the world. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike.