Gender Inequalities in Victorian England Robert...

It was a tale of two lovers uniting in the night to express their affection and devotion. So how exactly did this tale of love, end in cruel, cold-blooded murder? Good evening and welcome to Poetry Break Down, I’m your host Mary Doe. Tonight, we will delve into the fascinating world of classic Victorian literature. Under the microscope is canonized poet, the late Robert Browning. Browning’s poetry was a reflection of his life and times living in Victorian England. Later on this evening we will analyze just how his times came to play a major role in some of his greatest works, in particular his revered poem Porphyria’s Lover. Released in 1836 (Catherine Maxwell, 1993, p.27), this esteemed text follows the murder of beloved Porphyria, the†¦show more content†¦The emasculation and submissive role the narrator has been faced with ultimately leads to the climax of the poem. In an attempt to preserve Porphyria’s love and exercise power, Porphyriaâ€℠¢s lover strangles her with a lock of her own yellow hair (Line 39-40). The obsessive speaker then proceeds to prop Porphyria’s ‘drooping’ neck against his shoulder (Line 39-41), a complete reversal of his previous compliance to her controlling actions. This is symbolic of recovering masculinity from prior submission and depicts the male agenda of the Victorian period. Gender inequalities formed the fabric of society during the Victorian Era, as reflected in Porphyria’s Lover. From 1837 to 1901, Victorian England was a civilization of male dominance and supremacy. Men were viewed as superior beings that were far more intellectually, physically and emotionally able than females. Women were bound by law to obey their husbands while being forced to adhere to societal expectations. The female role in Victorian England consisted of caring for children and maintaining the home, occupying spare time with monotonous hobbies such as sewing. Husbands were by law permissible to punish their wives if they were not compliant with their expected role or acted disobediently. Originally, Porphyria challenges the dominant discourse of Victorian England as she boldly speaks and acts with independence, a trait that