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Thou hast thy calling to some palace-floor,
Most gracious singer of high poems! where
The dancers will break footing, from the care
Of watching up thy pregnant lips for more.
And dost thou lift this house’s latch too poor
For hand of thine? and canst thou think and bear
To let thy music drip here unaware
In folds of golden fulness at my door?
Look up and see the casement broken in,
The bats and owlets builders in the roof!
My cricket chirps against thy mandolin.
Hush, call no echo up in further proof
Of desolation! there’s a voice within
That weeps…as thou must sing…alone, aloof.

Summary of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV: “Thou Hast Thy Calling”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV, “Thou Hast Thy Calling to Some Palace-Floor,” is a heartfelt poem where the speaker reflects on her feelings of unworthiness compared to her distinguished suitor. The poem delves into themes of love, self-doubt, and the power of artistic expression.

The Setting and the Characters

The speaker addresses her beloved, a talented and gracious poet who is accustomed to performing in grand, royal settings. This suitor is portrayed as someone whose poetry is so captivating that it could make dancers pause to listen attentively.

The speaker contrasts this grandeur with her own modest home, which she believes is too humble for someone of his stature.

Feelings of Inadequacy

Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses her amazement that such a remarkable person would even consider visiting her. She questions whether he truly wants to bring his “golden” poetry into her simple life. Her questions highlight her feelings of inferiority and wonder if she is worthy of his attention and affection.

The State of Her Home

The speaker describes her home in vivid, almost melancholic detail. She mentions the broken windows and the bats and owls that have made nests in the roof, symbolizing neglect and decay.

This imagery creates a stark contrast between the suitor’s refined world and her own, which she sees as run-down and unworthy.

The Cricket and the Mandolin

A powerful metaphor in the poem is the comparison between her “cricket” and his “mandolin.” The speaker likens her own simple, humble existence and her poetry to a cricket’s chirping, which pales in comparison to the rich, beautiful music of his mandolin.

This metaphor illustrates her belief that her talents and life are insignificant next to his.

Inner Voice and Loneliness

In the final lines, the speaker asks her suitor not to dwell on the desolation of her surroundings. She reveals an inner voice that weeps, suggesting her deep sense of loneliness and emotional turmoil.

Despite this, she acknowledges that his art, his singing, has a profound impact that can reach her deeply, even if she feels “alone” and “aloof.”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV is a poignant exploration of love, self-worth, and the power of art to transcend physical and social barriers. The speaker’s admiration for her suitor is tinged with self-doubt and a sense of unworthiness, but her deep emotional response to his poetry highlights the transformative potential of true artistry. Through this intimate reflection, the poem beautifully captures the complexity of human emotions and the yearning for connection.

Line-by-Line Explanation of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV: “Thou Hast Thy Calling”

Lines 1-4:

Thou hast thy calling to some palace-floor,

• The speaker begins by stating that the suitor belongs in grand places, like a palace, where his presence and talent are highly esteemed.

Most gracious singer of high poems! where

• She addresses him as a gracious and distinguished poet, emphasizing the nobility and elegance of his art.

The dancers will break footing, from the care

• In these lines, she imagines that even dancers would stop dancing just to listen to him, showcasing the power and allure of his poetry.

Of watching up thy pregnant lips for more.

• His lips are described as “pregnant” with meaning and beauty, implying that everyone eagerly waits to hear his words.

Lines 5-8:

And dost thou lift this house’s latch too poor

• The speaker expresses disbelief that he would visit her humble home, suggesting that her house is too poor for someone of his status.

For hand of thine? and canst thou think and bear

• She continues to question if he can truly consider being in such a modest place and if he can tolerate the disparity between their worlds.

To let thy music drop here unaware

• She wonders if he would let his rich and beautiful music be heard in her simple home.

In folds of golden fulness at my door?

• She describes his poetry as “golden fulness,” a metaphor for its richness and value, which seems out of place at her door.

Lines 9-11:

Look up and see the casement broken in,

• The speaker directs his attention to the physical state of her home, pointing out the broken window.

The bats and owlets builders in the roof!

• She mentions that bats and owls have nested in the roof, symbolizing decay and neglect.

My cricket chirps against thy mandolin.

• The speaker compares the simple sound of her cricket (a metaphor for her humble poetry) to the sophisticated music of his mandolin, highlighting the difference between their lives and talents.

Lines 12-14:

Hush, call no echo up in further proof

• She asks him not to draw more attention to the disparity and desolation of her situation.

Of desolation! there’s a voice within

• The speaker reveals an inner sadness, an internal voice that weeps, indicating her deep sense of loneliness and emotional pain.

That weeps…as thou must sing…alone, aloof.

• Despite his presence and the beauty of his singing, she feels that her inner voice weeps alone and distant, emphasizing her isolation and the emotional gulf between them.

Analysis of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV: “Thou Hast Thy Calling” (in Easy Words)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV, “Thou Hast Thy Calling to Some Palace-Floor,” is a beautiful poem where the speaker admires her talented and noble suitor while feeling unworthy of his love. The poem touches on themes of love, self-doubt, and the power of art.

The Setting and Characters

The poem starts by placing the suitor in a grand setting, like a palace. The speaker describes him as a talented poet who performs in royal courts where everyone is mesmerized by his art. The dancers in these courts are so captivated by his poetry that they stop dancing to listen to him. This opening sets up the idea that the suitor belongs to a world of grandeur and elegance.

Feelings of Inadequacy

The speaker then shifts to her own situation, expressing disbelief that someone so distinguished would visit her modest home. She questions if her house, which she describes as poor and simple, is worthy of his presence. Her rhetorical questions reveal her deep-seated insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. She wonders if he can truly accept her and if he can bear to let his beautiful poetry grace her humble abode.

The State of Her Home

The speaker invites her suitor to look around her home, describing its dilapidated state. She points out the broken windows and the bats and owls that have made nests in the roof, symbols of neglect and decay. This imagery creates a stark contrast between her world and his, highlighting her feelings of unworthiness. Despite her admiration for him, she feels that her environment is too humble for someone of his stature.

The Cricket and the Mandolin

A powerful metaphor in the poem is the comparison between her “cricket” and his “mandolin.” The speaker likens her own simple and humble existence, including her poetry, to a cricket’s chirping. This is contrasted with the rich, beautiful music of his mandolin. This metaphor vividly illustrates how she sees herself and her talents as insignificant compared to his grand achievements.

Inner Voice and Loneliness

In the final lines, the speaker asks her suitor not to dwell on the desolation of her surroundings. She reveals an inner voice that weeps, indicating her deep sense of loneliness and emotional pain. Despite this, she recognizes the profound impact of his art. His singing has the power to reach and move her deeply, even though she feels “alone” and “aloof.”

Conclusion

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet IV is a touching exploration of love, self-worth, and the impact of art. The speaker’s admiration for her suitor is evident, but so are her self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Browning captures the emotional complexity of the speaker’s situation. The poem beautifully illustrates the speaker’s deep longing for connection and the transformative power of her suitor’s art, which can reach her heart despite the physical and social barriers between them.