Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Best [Thing in the World]" is a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning that explores the concept of love and its significance in human life. The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying length, each of which emphasizes a different aspect of love. 

Meaning:

The poem begins by stating that the "best" thing in the world is not gold or pearls, but something "else." The speaker then goes on to describe this "best" thing as "love," which is characterized as a feeling that "counts not time" and can be experienced by "rich and poor alike." The second stanza focuses on the power of love to heal, claiming that it can "calm the tumult and the strife" and bring peace to the soul. The final stanza speaks to the transformative nature of love, asserting that it has the power to turn "earth to heaven" and make the world a better place.

Poetic Elements:

Browning employs a variety of poetic elements to convey her message, including alliteration, repetition, and imagery. The use of alliteration is particularly prominent in the poem, with examples such as "pearls and gold" and "pleasure and power" emphasizing the contrast between material wealth and the value of love. Repetition is also used to create a sense of emphasis and urgency, with the repeated use of the phrase "best" serving to drive home the central message of the poem. Finally, the imagery employed in the poem, such as "calm[ing] the tumult and the strife" and turning "earth to heaven," helps to create a vivid picture of the transformative power of love.

Significance:

"The Best [Thing in the World]" is a powerful ode to the power of love, emphasizing its ability to transcend material wealth and create positive change in the world. By highlighting the universality of love and its ability to heal and transform, Browning suggests that it is the most important thing that humans can experience. The poem's message is particularly significant in the context of Browning's own life, as she was known to have a deep and abiding love for her husband, Robert Browning. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder that love is the most valuable and powerful force in the world, capable of bringing joy, healing, and transformation to all who experience it.

In summary, "The Best [Thing in the World]" is a poignant and powerful poem that celebrates the transformative power of love. Through its use of poetic elements such as alliteration, repetition, and imagery, the poem conveys a message that is both universal and deeply personal. By emphasizing the importance of love in human life, Browning provides a message that remains as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written.

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