"Porphyria's Lover" by Robert Browning (poetry reading)

[MiniDress360]

I'm currently writing an essay on this poem and a few others by Browning and nothing has helped more than hearing it read out as Browning intended it to be, so thank you very much.

[arssfarger]

I think there is a connection between Porphyry the philosopher who wrote a book called, "Against the Christians" and the name of the poem.

The poem identifies that after the murder of an innocent person there was no interference or repercussion from God.

[npearson0011]

the diseases owes its name to this poem, it was diagnosed and named after the poem was written

[SharnsiR]

@SpokenVerse ... love your deep voice

I don't understand why you've written the info that this was written 'before psychiatry was invented'. Sigmund Freud was around at the this was written, unless Browning was very young when he wrote it. It's true that this poem was badly misunderstood in it's day and was therefore condemned. They knew what Porphyria (the condition) was in those days so I'm amazed they didn't make the obvious connection. I guess euthanasia wasn't spoken of back then.

[SpokenVerse]

@Sharnsir Thank you - this reply is mainly for other readers. The poem was written in 1835 - Freud wasn't born until 1856. Many of Browning's poems are written in the first person by someone of "abnormal psychology". Browning may have been aware that Porphyria was a disease - it has been suggested to be the origin of the vampire myths - but he wouldn't have known that. I don't go for the "encoded message" or "mercy killing" expanation: the speaker gives his reasons and he is insane.

[SharnsiR]

@SpokenVerse OMG I so totally disagree! Firstly, you must be right about the date of the poem vs. psychology. I looked only at Browning and Freud's birth dates. This poem must be early for Browning then? Secondly... I disagree! Why would Browning use the word "Porphyria" if he didn't know of the disease? He couldn't invent the word by coincidence! Look how he describes her eyes 'without a stain'... he's saying she was NOT upset to die. if I had room I could analyse every line to prove my theory.

[SharnsiR]

@SpokenVerse Also.... where you say 'someone of "abnormal psychology", just remember Browning was an artist (of the written word). Creative people are lateral thinkers, as a rule. Also, there is a fine line between brilliance and madness. I don't believe Browning crossed it. Look at poems like "Mending a Fence" (I could have the name wrong, but you know which poem I mean). Such a normal topic, but with such warmth and emotion. He wasn't disturbed. I believe he understood compassion.

[SpokenVerse]

@SharnsiR I didn't say that Browning had abnormal psychology. What I said was that he wrote many poems in such a persona e.g. "My Last Duchess", "The Laboratory", "Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister" - and this one, "Porphyria's Lover". This was before psychology was invented: such people interested him.

I recorded the other poems too, you can find them by putting "Browning" into the box marked "search uploads" on my channel page.

[SharnsiR]

@SpokenVerse I'm sorry. I must have mistaken your meaning when you said "any of Browning's poems are written in the first person by someone of "abnormal psychology".

I think Browning had an artistic attraction to the dark side of life and mentality. Perhaps had he been less artistic, he might have invented psychology before Freud (and without suggesting all men want to fuck their mothers and other erroneous statements like such).

[SharnsiR]

@SpokenVerse Thankyou, I will listen to them. Whether or not we agree on this particular poem's meaning, your voice is hypnotic and beautiful and I thank you for the upload!

[Missmarple78]

@SharnsiR

sorry but Freud wasn't known at all until the 1900s, and this was written in the mid 19th century

[SharnsiR]

@Missmarple78 I'm not disputing that.or the fact this poem was written before issues like euthanasia were debated, If psychologists had existed back then I think Browning wouldn't have copped so much stick about this poem (Last Duchess is a different story, defs more evil).

Incidents of euthanasia have undoubtedly occurred since man developed complex emotions like compassion.Whether or not Freud or his ilk existed before the poem as written is irrelevant (in relation to the author's intent).

[Burdell22000]

@SharnsiR "I don't understand why you've written the info that this was written 'before psychiatry was invented'."

Freud didn´t invent psyachiatry, he invented pseudo-psycology, that is, psychoanalysis.

[ShayLee0501]

@Burdell22000 Thank u 4 teaching me that. I didn't realise. So when was actual psychiatry invented? I know in the middle ages they thought 'humours' could be toxic conditions combated by stupid measures like draining blood from the person & that sadness could actually kill (other than suicide) because of bad humours (died of a broken heart etc.) Otherwise people were labelled as mad and put into Bedlam (in England) or considered village idiots but when did real psychiatry/treatment begin?

[SharnsiR]

I love this poem, it's so misunderstood now, just as it was in Victorian times. Browning wasn't a sicko. The if you Google the word Porphyria, you understand what the whole thing means. Personally I'm pro-euthanasia so long as it can be prevented from getting over-used (senile relatives bumped off for will money or hospital beds etc.)

[tesoro993]

Thanks! Ill be converting this into audio and putting it on my ipod (Im doing Robert Browning as one of my texts for A levels)

[jupiter784]

Ugh! This is amazing.

[sasquash12]

You're an inspiration. This might be the best poetry reading I have ever heard. And all night long I have not stirred, and yet God has not said a word!

[beutybabe]

i hate doing english coursework and stuff but i love love love this poem, best poem ive ever heard

[RinkShadow]

You have a wonderful voice for poetry recitation.

[balaamsafe]

Thanks for doing these, really helps with revision.

[sesshomarook]

im doing this poem and also my last duchess in one of my english essays. if anyone knows any of the poetic techniques used in the poem, please tell me ^^

[LoffleMe]

Adults have to have that certain voice to make me fall asleep; quiet and gentle, yet slightly rough - this fit perfectly. I did manage to listen all the way through, and I love every second of it.

[SpokenVerse]

I'm sorry mistook your meaning. Thank you for those kind words.

[LoffleMe]

It's okay, I should have been clearer in my first comment. And also thank you for making such a brilliant ... video? Reading? haha~ :)

[LoffleMe]

This made me feel I should be falling asleep to it, hmm. Then again, creepy is what I like.

[Guitarmike216]

great poem mate

[Roseyard]

A great video for a great poem!

Thank you so much for your notable effort in putting this beautiful video together.

[josephineblack]

thanks for posting the video. it was stunning. burst me into tears mate!

[Aettryne]

I cannot get over how perfect your voice is for this poem. And... the tone, the pauses... you really bring the poem to life with your reading. This is one of my favourite poems and I love this. Thank you~