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Home-Thoughts, from Abroad by Robert Browning
Overview:
● This poem shows Browning’s sense of yearning
towards the change in British seasons, particularly the
arrival of Spring
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It is clear that Italy does not have the same natural
beauty as Browning’s homeland
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In this stanza,
Browning describes in depth the processes and features of nature, which
astounds him constantly
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Indeed, it almost sounds like a love song to England
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Language analysis:
● The first stanza begins with “Oh, to be in England” and ends with “In England
- now!”
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His sense of nostalgia is also portrayed
in these two lines, and the reader gets a sense of Browning’s yearning to be
home
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This also breaks the flow of the
poem and perhaps signals to the reader that a change is about to occur
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This may create sympathy for him
from the reader
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Browning’s love of this season is shown through the phrase: “Hark, where my
blossomed pear-tree… Leans to the field and scatters of the clover”
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● The use of the possessive “my” suggests that Browning feels a connection
with nature - this is a stereotypical convention of Romanticism
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● The sense of place is also gained in this poem and the verb “blossomed”
suggests the theme of “new beginnings” which is commonly associated with
Spring
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“Scatter” also provokes images of confetti,
which may suggest that the rural English Spring is
something which should be celebrated (perhaps with
as much vigour as a wedding?)
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This, of course, is ironic as Browning cannot return to
England due to the woman he had married
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● The imagery of “buttercups” as like golden treasure may suggest the value of
Springtime and the fact that many British people do not appreciate it
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● In contrast, the poet writes of the Italian’s “gaudy melon-flower!” which seems
bright and unnatural compared to the uncomplicated “buttercup”
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This gives a deep sense of Browning’s longing and desire to return
home
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where he wants to be
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● Romanticism - Browning’s highly stylised view of nature’s perfection and how
he is in awe of it
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● Nature - obviously!
● Patriotism



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