Porphyria's Lover: A Psychological Exploration of an Obsessive and Possessive Relationship

Robert Browning's poem "Porphyria's Lover" is a chilling and unsettling tale of an obsessive and possessive relationship that culminates in murder. The poem has been the subject of much psychological analysis, and it offers a unique insight into the mind of a killer.

The Lover's Obsession

The lover in Browning's poem is utterly obsessed with Porphyria. He describes her in glowing terms, as being "fair" and "delicate." He is also envious of her freedom and independence, and he longs to possess her completely.

PORPHYRIA'S LOVER: A Psychological Poem

by Robert Browning

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	851 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	98 pages
Paperback	:	312 pages
Item Weight	:	11.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.99 x 8.33 inches

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The lover's obsession with Porphyria is evident in the following lines:

> "That moment she was mine, mine, fair, > Perfectly pure and good: I found > A thing to do, and all her hair > In one long yellow string I wound."

These lines reveal the lover's desire to control and possess Porphyria. He wants to make her his own, and he is willing to use violence to achieve his goal.

The Lover's Possessiveness

The lover's possessiveness is also evident in the following lines:

> "And yet God has not said a word!" > "Nor do I, beast though I be, the same."

These lines show that the lover believes that he has a right to own Porphyria. He does not believe that she is a free and independent individual, and he is willing to use violence to keep her under his control.

The Murder

The lover's obsession and possessiveness ultimately lead him to murder Porphyria. He strangles her with her own hair, and then he lays her out on his bed and admires her beauty.

The murder is a symbolic act of the lover's desire to possess Porphyria completely. He wants to make her his own, and he is willing to kill her to achieve his goal.

Psychological Analysis

The psychological analysis of "Porphyria's Lover" has been the subject of much debate. Some critics have argued that the lover is a psychopath, while others have argued that he is simply a deeply disturbed individual who is unable to cope with his own emotions.

There is evidence in the poem to support both of these interpretations. The lover's lack of empathy and his willingness to use violence suggest that he may be a psychopath. However, his obsession with Porphyria and his desire to possess her completely suggest that he is also a deeply disturbed individual who is unable to cope with his own emotions.

"Porphyria's Lover" is a chilling and unsettling tale of an obsessive and possessive relationship that culminates in murder. The poem offers a unique insight into the mind of a killer, and it provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and possessiveness.

PORPHYRIA'S LOVER: A Psychological Poem

by Robert Browning

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	851 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	98 pages
Paperback	:	312 pages
Item Weight	:	11.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.99 x 8.33 inches

FREE