Page 349 - DENG405_BRITISH_POETRY

British Poetry

Notes “As it was better, youth

Should strive, through acts uncouth,
Towards making.”
[Rabbi Ben Ezra: Robert Browning]
Life is probation. Life follows life. Man’s soul is immortal death need not terrify us. As Browning
faithfully voices in “Rabbi Ben Ezra”:

“So, better, age, exempt
From strife, should know, than tempt
Further. Thou waitedst age: wait death, nor be afraid!”
[Rabbi Ben Ezra: Robert Browning]
Imperfects and failures are man’s glory, because they prophesy the future bliss. What man fails to
achieve in this world would be attained by him in the next— that was Browning’s hope and faith as
he in “A Grammarian’s Funeral” states:

“…What’s time? Leave now for dogs and apes!
“Man has forever.”

Such is the optimistic philosophy of Browning, based on his invincible faith, not founded on any
arguments for optimism, nor on opinions, but on life which is the work of God. The pronouncements
on life are preponderantly sober, but the sky is lighted by courage and hope and faith.
Browning rejected the idea of asceticism and believed that this life should be lived to the full, like
“Fra Lippo Lippi” he believed in “the value and significance of flesh”, and he causes Rabbi Ben
Ezra to advise:

“Let us not always say,
“Spite of this flesh today
I strove, made head, gained ground upon the whole!”
As the bird wings and sings,
Let us cry” All good things
Are ours, nor soul helps flesh more, now, than flesh helps soul!”

29.3 Summary

• This poem is loosely based on historical events involving Alfonso, the Duke of Ferrara, who
lived in the 16th century.
• The Duke begins reminiscing about the portrait sessions, then about the Duchess herself.
• The style and structure of this poem play a significant role in the effect of the poem.
• A poem like “My Last Duchess” calculatedly engages its readers on a psychological level.
• The most important qualities pervading Browning’s works are his robust optimism and spiri-
tual courage.
• Robert Browning’s “Last Ride Together” is a monologue of a rejected lover that expresses his
undying love for his beloved.

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