Analysing the poem 'Porphyria's Lover' by Robert Browning
I can include meaningful context when writing about modern poems in the ‘Love and Relationships’ anthology.
Analysing the poem 'Porphyria's Lover' by Robert Browning
I can include meaningful context when writing about modern poems in the ‘Love and Relationships’ anthology.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Browning uses pathetic fallacy to reflect the emotional turmoil the speaker initially feels.
- Browning uses symbolism to convey the taboo nature of Porphyria's sexuality and the illicit relationship.
- Browning reveals the speaker's desire to exert total control over Porphyria by killing her.
- In the resolution, Browning conveys the speaker's psychotic lack of remorse for his gruesome murder.
- Browning uses the form of a dramatic monologue to explore the motivations and psyche of a murderer.
Keywords
Taboo - something forbidden by social norms
Pivotal - crucially important
Symbolism - using symbols to represent deeper meanings
Fallen woman - a woman shunned for moral failings
Psyche - the human mind and spirit
Common misconception
Porphyria is entirely passive and without agency.
Porphyria displays agency by actively seeking out the speaker and initiating intimacy. Her actions challenge societal norms, reflecting her independence and desire, despite her eventual victimisation.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the poem 'Porphyria's Lover' by Robert Browning which can be found in the AQA 'Love and Relationships' anthology and the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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