The History of Literature Podcast: Episode 705 – Runaway Poets: How the Brownings Fell in Love (And Why It Matters)
Host: Jacke Wilson
Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 705 of The History of Literature, host Jacke Wilson delves into the passionate and tumultuous love story of two of Victorian England's most renowned poets: Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This episode, originally recorded in 2017, explores not only their romantic union but also the societal and personal challenges they faced, shedding light on why their love story remains significant in literary history.

Background of Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Ancestral Legacy and Early Life

Elizabeth Moulton Barrett was born in 1806 into a wealthy family with deep roots in Jamaica. Her grandfather, Edward Barrett, amassed a fortune through extensive landholdings and sugar plantations, benefiting from slave labor. This dark aspect of her family's prosperity casts a long shadow over her legacy. Jacke Wilson notes, “[05:20] Barrett knew her family’s wealth was built on slavery, a fact that likely influenced her later social reformist views.”

Life at Hope End

At the age of three, Elizabeth moved with her family to the Hope End estate in England, a sprawling 500-acre property transformed into a whimsical residence featuring Turkish designs, ponds, grottoes, and an underground tunnel. This idyllic setting nurtured her creativity and literary talents. By twelve, her father supported her poetic endeavors, even funding the publication of her early works, labeling her the "poet laureate of Hope End."

Personal Struggles and Family Tragedies

Despite her literary promise, Elizabeth's life was marred by personal tragedies. She endured four miscarriages, the death of her mother at 22, and the drowning of her beloved brother Edward—a loss she deeply blamed herself for. Additionally, a severe accident left her reliant on laudanum, hinting at the complexity of her mental and physical health struggles.

Robert Browning: The Poet and His Pursuit

Early Career and Literary Style

Robert Browning, born in 1812, initially struggled to publish his work. His breakthrough came with poems like "Pauline" and "Paracelsus," earning praise from literary giants such as William Wordsworth and Charles Dickens. However, his ambitious poem "Sordello" faced criticism for its obscurity, causing him to retreat from the literary scene temporarily.

Dramatic Monologues and Influences

Browning became renowned for his dramatic monologues, with "My Last Duchess" being a prime example. This poem showcases his ability to create suspense and deep character studies, earning admiration from contemporaries like Oscar Wilde, who lauded Browning's capacity to blend poetry with storytelling.

Quote Highlight:

“[22:10] Jacke Wilson: Oscar Wilde described Robert Browning as 'the most Shakespearean creature since Shakespeare,' highlighting his unparalleled skill in creating vivid dramatic scenarios.”

The Fateful Love Letter

A Letter That Changed Lives

The pivotal moment in their relationship began with a letter from Robert to Elizabeth. Addressed simply as "Ms. Barrett" and mailed from New Cross, Surrey, the letter conveyed Robert's profound admiration for Elizabeth’s poetry and, subtly, his emerging love for her.

Notable Excerpts:

“[12:45] Robert Browning: 'I love your verses with all my heart. Dear Miss Barrett...'”

“[13:30] Robert Browning: 'Not only do I admire your poetry, but I find myself loving you as well.'”

These heartfelt words marked the beginning of an extensive correspondence that would eventually lead to their secret marriage.

Correspondence and Courtship

Building a Connection Through Letters

Over three years, Robert and Elizabeth exchanged over 540 letters, deepening their intellectual and emotional bond. Their letters reveal a relationship founded on mutual respect, literary admiration, and a shared passion for poetry.

Secret Marriage and Exile to Italy

Defying Elizabeth's domineering father, who had vowed to disinherit any child who married, the Brownings eloped and relocated to Italy. This move not only liberated them from familial oppression but also provided a conducive environment for their creative pursuits.

Relationship Dynamics: Respect, Criticism, and Collaboration

Honest Communication and Mutual Respect

The Brownings maintained a dynamic where honest critique and open communication were paramount. They valued each other's opinions, especially regarding their poetry, allowing for personal and artistic growth without imposing their own biases.

Supporting Each Other's Work

Elizabeth's prominence as a poet provided Robert with both inspiration and a platform. Their collaboration was marked by an unwavering support system, enabling both to flourish creatively.

Quote Highlight:

“[30:50] Jacke Wilson: 'They were honest, didn’t cover anything up. When it came to poetry, which one imagines is the most charged aspect of their relationship, they respected each other’s views and valued their differences.'”

Their Poetry and Literary Influence

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Magnum Opus

One of Elizabeth’s most celebrated works, Sonnets from the Portuguese, captures the depth of her love for Robert. The sonnets, personally titled despite public ambiguity, are intimate reflections of their relationship.

Robert Browning's Dramatic Monologues

Robert's "My Last Duchess" stands out as a masterpiece of character-driven poetry, illustrating themes of power, control, and jealousy. His work influenced myriad writers, including Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde.

Influence on Contemporaries and Future Generations

Both poets garnered admiration from literary figures like Emily Dickinson and Virginia Woolf, cementing their legacy as pivotal contributors to English literature.

Quote Highlight:

“[40:15] Jacke Wilson: 'Wilde wrote to Browning, 'He is the most supreme writer of fiction we have ever had,' showcasing the high regard in which he was held.'”

Challenges and Tragedies in Their Union

Health Struggles and Personal Losses

Elizabeth's ongoing health issues, compounded by the grief of losing family members, placed immense strain on her life. Robert's steadfast support was crucial in navigating these hardships, demonstrating the strength of their bond.

Father’s Opposition and Social Constraints

Elizabeth's father remained a formidable obstacle, enforcing his decree against marriage among his children. Their decision to marry and flee to Italy was a bold defiance of his authoritarian control, reflecting the societal pressures of the time.

Speculative Insights:

Jacke Wilson speculates that Elizabeth’s father’s harsh stance against marriage might stem from shame over the family's slaveholding past, though this remains historically debated.

Legacy and Conclusion

Impact on Literature and Social Reform

The Brownings not only enriched English literature with their poetic contributions but also championed social reforms, including anti-slavery and child labor movements. Their works continue to inspire and resonate with readers and writers alike.

Elizabeth's Final Word and Enduring Love

Elizabeth passed away in Florence, leaving Robert and their child, Pen Browning. Her last word, "beautiful," encapsulates her enduring spirit and the profound love she shared with Robert.

Final Reflections:

Jacke Wilson concludes by celebrating the Brownings' unyielding love and literary legacy, emphasizing that despite familial and societal challenges, their union and creative partnership left an indelible mark on the world.

Quote Highlight:

“[60:45] Jacke Wilson: 'I'll stand with Robert and Edgar and Emily and a million others and say, we love your poems, dear Ms. Barrett, and we love you, too.'”

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Love: The Brownings' relationship thrived despite external pressures, demonstrating the power of mutual respect and support.

• Literary Synergy: Their collaboration enhanced their individual works, creating a rich literary legacy that continues to influence modern writers.

• Social Conscience: Both poets leveraged their literary platforms to advocate for social justice, intertwining their creative and reformist passions.

For more insights and episodes, visit historyofliterature.com or follow us on Facebook. Support the show at patreon.com/literature.

This summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 705, providing a comprehensive overview for those yet to listen, while highlighting the profound discussions and poignant moments shared by Jacke Wilson.