Understanding the poem ‘Sonnet 29’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I can explain how Barrett Browning presents passion within a relationship.
Understanding the poem ‘Sonnet 29’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I can explain how Barrett Browning presents passion within a relationship.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Barrett Browning conveys her overwhelming wish to be reunited with her love.
- Barrett Browning describes a relationship which although emotionally close, is physically distant.
- Barrett Browning describes how her thoughts of her lover sometimes obscure and corrupt her reality.
- The poem is partially autobiographical, written during her courtship with Robert Browning, who later became her husband.
- Barrett Browning's life experiences suggest she had positive views about the power of love.
Keywords
Overwhelming - causing a strong emotional or physical response.
Sacrifice - giving up something valuable for a higher purpose, often involving personal loss or hardship.
Obscure - lacks clarity, not easily understood; kept from sight, concealed.
Corrupt - dishonest behaviour, typically for personal gain or to influence others.
Courtship - the process of getting to know a romantic partner before establishing a romantic relationship.
Common misconception
In this poem, the speaker mourns for their lover after they have died.
This could be a valid interpretation but there is no evidence to suggest the lover is definitely dead. In fact, the volta in L.9 has the speaker demand he return which implies that there is a chance they could be reunited with one another.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem ‘Sonnet 29’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem ‘Sonnet 29’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Love and Relationships' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Sonnet 29 - 'I think of thee!' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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