Sonnet 43by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a powerful expression... Show more
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Megan
21/07/2025
English Literature
Sonnet 43 annotations
1,148
•
21 Jul 2025
•
Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Line-by-Line Analysis, Key Quotes, and Context (Eduqas & AQA)
Megan
@meganjean.xo
Sonnet 43 Analysis
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 43 is a masterpiece of romantic poetry, showcasing the depth and intensity of love through carefully crafted language and structure. This 14-line poem follows the traditional sonnet form, with a rhyme scheme that echoes Shakespeare's sonnets.
The poem begins with the famous line, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways," immediately setting the tone for a detailed exploration of love. This opening line mimics Shakespearean style, paying homage to the sonnet tradition while introducing a more personal and direct approach.
Quote: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."
Barrett Browning employs a semantic field of measurement throughout the poem, using terms like "depth," "breadth," and "height" to quantify her love. This technique effectively conveys the all-encompassing nature of her feelings.
Highlight: The use of measurement terms emphasizes the vastness and completeness of the speaker's love.
The poem makes extensive use of enjambment, with thoughts and phrases spilling over from one line to the next. This technique creates a sense of overflow, mirroring the boundless nature of the speaker's love.
Example: "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height / My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight"
The repetition of "I love thee" at the beginning of several lines reinforces the poem's central theme and creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory quality. This repetition also serves to emphasize the various facets of the speaker's love.
Vocabulary: Enjambment - The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause.
Barrett Browning incorporates religious imagery and allusions throughout the sonnet, comparing her love to "ideal Grace" and referencing "lost saints." This spiritual dimension adds depth to the poem and suggests that her love transcends the earthly realm.
Definition: Volta - A turn or shift in thought or emotion in a sonnet, typically occurring between the octave and sestet.
The poem's volta, or turning point, occurs in the final lines, where the speaker declares that her love will continue even after death. This powerful conclusion emphasizes the eternal nature of her feelings.
Quote: "I shall but love thee better after death."
Context plays a crucial role in understanding Sonnet 43. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote this poem in 1850, during her courtship with fellow poet Robert Browning. Their relationship, which began through correspondence about poetry, blossomed into a deep love despite Barrett Browning's chronic illness and her father's disapproval.
Highlight: The poem's personal nature reflects Barrett Browning's own experiences of love and adversity.
The sonnet's themes include:
- The immeasurable nature of love
- The connection between love and spirituality
- The endurance of love beyond death
In conclusion, Sonnet 43 stands as a testament to the power of love, expertly crafted to convey the depth and breadth of the speaker's emotions. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Barrett Browning's skill in capturing the universal experience of profound love.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Line-by-Line Analysis, Key Quotes, and Context (Eduqas & AQA)
Megan
@meganjean.xo
Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a powerful expression of love, written in the traditional sonnet form. This poem, also known as "How do I love thee?", explores the depth and breadth of the speaker's love for... Show more
Sonnet 43 Analysis
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 43 is a masterpiece of romantic poetry, showcasing the depth and intensity of love through carefully crafted language and structure. This 14-line poem follows the traditional sonnet form, with a rhyme scheme that echoes Shakespeare's sonnets.
The poem begins with the famous line, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways," immediately setting the tone for a detailed exploration of love. This opening line mimics Shakespearean style, paying homage to the sonnet tradition while introducing a more personal and direct approach.
Quote: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."
Barrett Browning employs a semantic field of measurement throughout the poem, using terms like "depth," "breadth," and "height" to quantify her love. This technique effectively conveys the all-encompassing nature of her feelings.
Highlight: The use of measurement terms emphasizes the vastness and completeness of the speaker's love.
The poem makes extensive use of enjambment, with thoughts and phrases spilling over from one line to the next. This technique creates a sense of overflow, mirroring the boundless nature of the speaker's love.
Example: "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height / My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight"
The repetition of "I love thee" at the beginning of several lines reinforces the poem's central theme and creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory quality. This repetition also serves to emphasize the various facets of the speaker's love.
Vocabulary: Enjambment - The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause.
Barrett Browning incorporates religious imagery and allusions throughout the sonnet, comparing her love to "ideal Grace" and referencing "lost saints." This spiritual dimension adds depth to the poem and suggests that her love transcends the earthly realm.
Definition: Volta - A turn or shift in thought or emotion in a sonnet, typically occurring between the octave and sestet.
The poem's volta, or turning point, occurs in the final lines, where the speaker declares that her love will continue even after death. This powerful conclusion emphasizes the eternal nature of her feelings.
Quote: "I shall but love thee better after death."
Context plays a crucial role in understanding Sonnet 43. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote this poem in 1850, during her courtship with fellow poet Robert Browning. Their relationship, which began through correspondence about poetry, blossomed into a deep love despite Barrett Browning's chronic illness and her father's disapproval.
Highlight: The poem's personal nature reflects Barrett Browning's own experiences of love and adversity.
The sonnet's themes include:
- The immeasurable nature of love
- The connection between love and spirituality
- The endurance of love beyond death
In conclusion, Sonnet 43 stands as a testament to the power of love, expertly crafted to convey the depth and breadth of the speaker's emotions. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Barrett Browning's skill in capturing the universal experience of profound love.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user