Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Dora Greenwell’s "To Elizabeth Barrett Browning, in 1851" is an eloquent tribute to one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Through vivid metaphors and expressions of awe, Greenwell conveys her deep admiration for Browning’s intellectual and poetic power, depicting her as an overwhelming yet inspiring force. The poem captures Greenwell’s feelings of both reverence and humility as she contemplates Browning’s literary mastery, suggesting that her own creative capacity pales in comparison. Yet, amid this sense of artistic awe, Greenwell also finds inspiration and strength in Browning’s example.

The poem opens with Greenwell’s admission that she "loses" herself within Browning’s mind, as if entering a vast, expansive space: "From room / To goodly room thou leadest me." This metaphor suggests that Browning’s intellect is like a grand and complex house, filled with endless treasures and insights. The use of the word "goodly" emphasizes the richness and splendor of Browning’s poetic world, implying that each new "room" Greenwell encounters reveals yet another aspect of Browning’s greatness. As she moves deeper into this intellectual space, Greenwell’s awe continues to grow, until her soul, like the Queen of Sheba, is "overcome" by the experience.

The comparison to the Queen of Sheba, who famously visited King Solomon and was overwhelmed by his wisdom and wealth, underscores the depth of Greenwell’s admiration. Just as Sheba was left faint and speechless by the magnificence of Solomon’s kingdom, Greenwell finds herself similarly "numb" and "sucked in" by Browning’s genius, as if she is unable to fully comprehend or express the magnitude of what she encounters. This sense of being "overcome" speaks to the sheer force of Browning’s creative power, which leaves Greenwell feeling both astonished and diminished in its presence.

Greenwell extends this metaphor in the following lines, likening herself to a bee that "hastes" to fill its hive with the nectar of Browning’s poetic "bloom." This imagery highlights both the urgency and joy with which Greenwell engages with Browning’s work. Like a bee that is overwhelmed by the abundance of flowers, Greenwell "swoons for very joy" as she immerses herself in Browning’s verses. The phrase "swoon for very joy" suggests that the experience of reading Browning is not just intellectually stimulating, but also deeply emotional, evoking feelings of ecstasy and rapture. Greenwell’s use of the bee metaphor also implies that she draws inspiration and sustenance from Browning’s poetry, as if it provides the creative nourishment she needs.

However, Greenwell quickly contrasts this sense of joy with a feeling of inadequacy. She references the myth of the nightingale who, in competing with a lutanist, "tried against the Lutanist';s her skill, / Crowding her thick precipitate notes, until / Her weak heart break above the contest vain." In this comparison, Greenwell sees herself as the nightingale, whose "precipitate notes" are no match for Browning’s poetic virtuosity. The nightingale’s heart breaks from the strain of trying to compete with the lutanist, symbolizing the futility of Greenwell’s attempts to measure up to Browning’s greatness. This allusion reflects Greenwell’s self-doubt, as she feels that her own creative efforts pale in comparison to Browning’s monumental achievements.

Yet, despite this sense of inadequacy, Greenwell finds a source of strength in Browning’s poetry. She acknowledges that Browning’s "strength" instills in her "a nobler thought," suggesting that Browning’s example inspires Greenwell to think and write more deeply, even if she feels unable to match Browning’s skill. This final line, "I feel as if I ne';er could sing again!" reflects both Greenwell’s admiration and her creative paralysis—her awe is so great that it momentarily silences her own voice. However, the acknowledgment of Browning’s "nobler thought" also implies that, despite this feeling of inferiority, Greenwell is ultimately uplifted by Browning’s influence.

In "To Elizabeth Barrett Browning, in 1851," Greenwell explores the complex emotions that arise when one artist encounters the work of another who appears to surpass them in every way. Through metaphors of the Queen of Sheba, the bee, and the nightingale, Greenwell conveys her awe, joy, and sense of artistic inadequacy in the face of Browning’s immense talent. Yet, amid these feelings of humility, there is also a sense of deep admiration and inspiration. Browning’s strength and poetic vision, while overwhelming, ultimately provide Greenwell with a model of creative excellence to aspire to. In this way, the poem serves as both a tribute to Browning and a reflection on the transformative power of artistic influence.

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