“Porphyria’s Lover”, written and published by Robert Browning in January 1836, is said to explore various sexual notions and desires of that of men. Marked as one of Browning’s most famous and well-known dramatic monologues, “Porphyria’s Lover,” encapsulates the story of two young lovers and explores the themes and notions of extreme sexuality, more specifically, the appeal and emotion that exists between two potential partners or spouses. Browning’s work, as a dramatic monologue, captures the event of love and adoration, as it transpires between the speaker and Porphyria. 

On a more analytical and historical level, Browning’s work serves to further encapsulate and portray the realities of Romantic poetry, as it existed during this time. Balancing his work between the Romantic period and the modern world, Browning’s poem further explores the notions of “over sexuality,” as Porphyria begins to caress her lover with the appearance of her shoulder. Actively demonstrating the themes of sex and violence, Browning’s piece begins to bring into question the meaning(s) of sexuality and sensuality– how does one find this balance within society?

Furthermore, this poem, as detailed by Oliver Edwards is a poem that “conjures up too vivid images,” as Browning’s work continually explores the notion of sexuality, as it transpires between two individual lovers (“Night Thoughts”). Often detailed with vivid adjectives, stark language, and even ending in murder, Browning’s piece further serves to challenge the societal and social opinions and viewpoints of relationships and sex. It can be said that Browning’s piece provides a rather rash and stark depiction of sexuality, sensuality, and love– as it ends in one’s death. 

To further the discussion surrounding the depiction and topic of sexuality and adoration, Tyler Efird analyzes the presence of “male sexual fantasy,” as it is present throughout Browning’s monologue. As detailed by Efird, “Nineteenth-century bourgeois masculinity was characterized by a rigid program of male self-discipline and control necessary for [the]...parameters of patriarchy”; However, it cannot be said that Browning’s work depicted a masculinity such as this. “Browning wants to implicate his reader in the pathological matters of male sexuality,” as further detailed by Efird. Through this interpretation of Browning’s work, the recurring themes of adoration and sexuality are ever-present. 

Browning, as further detailed by C.R. Tracy, it can also be said that Browning’s work is a depiction and portrayal of madness. Tracy states that, “Knowing that Porphyria loves him passionately but has not the strength of character necessary to make her true to him, he thinks it better that she should die.” On a more psychological and intellectual level, Browning’s work can be described as a portrayal of “hyper” sexuality, as such actions and behavior exist within and on the boundaries of moral and immoral. 

Although Browning’s piece does not depict any notion of homosexual behavior, Browning’s piece does serve to test the boundaries of sexuality and its depiction. Further relating to the existence and topic of sexuality, “Porphyria’s Lover” challenges the previous opinions and assumptions made about the topics of sexuality, love, and adoration. Depicting a rather stark contrast from “normal” love, this poem furthers the conversation surrounding what it means to love and be loved.

Works Cited:

Edwards, Oliver. "Night Thoughts." Times, 13 Mar. 1958, p. 13. The Times Digital Archive, link-gale-com.proxy.ulib.uits.iu.edu/apps/doc/CS218454637/TTDA?u=iulib_iupui&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=d88098ff. Accessed 30 Apr. 2022.

Efird, Tyler. “‘Anamorphosizing’ Male Sexual Fantasy in Browning’s Monologue.” Mosaic: An Interdisciplinary Critical Journal, vol. 43, no. 3, 2010, pp. 151–66, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44029488. Accessed 30 Apr. 2022.

Tracy, C. R. “Porphyria’s Lover.” Modern Language Notes, vol. 52, no. 8, 1937, pp. 579–80, https://doi.org/10.2307/2912910. Accessed 30 Apr. 2022.