Notesale: Turn your study into money

Document Preview

Extracts from the notes are below, to see the PDF you'll receive please use the links above

---

Prospice by Robert Browning
Overview:
● This is a very personal poem to Browning, as
we see him “look forwards” (the definition of
“Prospice”) to his own death
...
It portrays Browning as a
“fighter” who will challenge death and face it
with no fears
...

Structure/form:
● Browning uses a regular ABAB rhyme scheme in this poem, which suggests
his unfaltering stride towards death
...

● This poem is of a medium-length, perhaps suggesting that life is not as long
as it may seem - Elizabeth’s life was cruelly cut short
...

● Use of declaratives like “No!” suggests that Browning is firm in his ideas nothing can change his mind
...
At the beginning of the poem,
these are harsh “p” sounds in “power
...
post”, suggesting Browning’s
own struggles
...
However, these are contrasted
by “peace out of pain” which is much softer and implies that not only will
Browning eventually be released, but that he also finds comfort and tranquility
in death
...
The idea of a “summit” also implies that there is a reward
(Heaven) waiting for us all, once we have completed the journey of life
...
The Bible suggests that if you live
your life as a good Christian, then you do not have to fear death
...

● “Bandaged my eyes” - this line suggests that Browning does not want to
reality of death to be hidden from him - he accepts it and does not want any

protection from it
...

● “Let me taste the whole of it, fare like my peers/The heroes of old” - Browning
wants his experience of death to be unhindered, he wants to sense it in every
way possible
...
g
...

The word “peers” may suggest that there is a strong sense of community
among many poets, especially the Romantics
...
He appears courageous but the symbolism of light may suggest that he
will feel hope and joy only once their souls are reunited in a sanctuary

---