Sunday, October 15, 2023

"Among the Rocks" by Robert Browning

 

Among the Rocks


Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth,

This autumn morning! How he sets his bones

To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet

For the ripple to run over in its mirth;

Listening the while, where on the heap of stones

The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.

 

That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;

Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

If you loved only what were worth your love,

Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you:

Make the low nature better by your throes!

Give earth yourself, go up for gain above!



Enjoy the poem with beautiful music.


https://youtu.be/6AsHxg-1w6A

poem video šŸ‘‡ 






Who wrote poem "Among the Rocks"?


Robert Browning (May 7, 1812 – December 12, 1889)

Robert Browning, often situated in the company of the great Victorian poets, was notably proficient in dramatic monologues, a form he mastered and popularized. He married fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Browning's work "The Ring and the Book," inspired by a 17th-century Roman murder trial, became a significant success, solidifying his reputation after years of mixed reviews. Interestingly, Browning and Charles Dickens were friends, and Dickens even wrote a character based on him in "Our Mutual Friend." Despite his literary success, Browning also had a passion for music and was an accomplished pianist, often composing tunes for his own poems.



"Among the Rocks" explanation


"Among the Rocks" intertwines vibrant natural imagery with deep philosophical insights, a hallmark of Robert Browning's work. The earth, personified joyfully basking in the sun, symbolizes life and growth amidst the serene scene of a twittering sea-lark. Browning’s philosophical doctrine in the second stanza reflects on life's trials and the pursuit of worthy love. He advocates elevating base nature through struggle and self-giving to the earth. The poem subtly intertwines the physical and spiritual, encouraging readers to seek higher, intangible gains.





No comments:

Post a Comment