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The Lost Leader by Robert Browning
Overview:
● This poem documents the feelings of anger and
betrayal that Browning felt when renowned Romantic
poet, William Wordsworth, started writing poems for the
rich upper classes in return for money
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Structure/form:
● The syllables in this poem follow a catalectic metre
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This creates a strong rhythm which is reminiscent of the uniform marching
that is carried out by soldiers and suggests that the poets want revenge and
to fight back
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● Written in 2 stanzas, both of which are highly emotive
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We
also see the poets’ determination in stanza 2
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It not only makes Wordsworth seem
weak and feeble, but the collective pronoun “us” suggests that that he has let
the side down
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This creates a hyperbolic tone and suggests that
Wordsworth is easily bought - this idea is particularly shocking for the
Romantic poets, who were often very poor and lived humble lives (but stuck to
their morals)
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They
clearly knew that Wordsworth would take almost anything for his work
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The triad of
“loved
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lived” creates a tone of nostalgic hero-worship, which
highlights Wordsworth’s status as one of the first Romantic poets
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Additionally, this phrase suggests that
Wordsworth lived humbly and was not aware of his greatness (making it even
more painful when he betrayed his followers)
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Shakespeare, for example, was loved by everyone from the Queen to
prostitutes
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● “Deeds will be done, - while he boasts his quiescence” - the poets will rise up
as a group and not allow their reputations to be spoiled
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The use of hyphens shows Browning’s passion, whilst the word
“quiescence” suggests that Wordsworth is now obedient and at the hands of
the rich - everything against what Romantic poets stand for
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Key themes
● Individual voice
● Betrayal and revenge
● Lack of loyalty
● Personal
● Power



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