A Light Woman

By Robert Browning

Narrative Poem
I.     So far as our story approaches the end,     Which do you pity the most of us three?     My friend, or the mistress of my friend     With her wanton eyes, or me? II.     My friend was already too good to lose,     And seemed in the way of improvement yet,     When she crossed his path with her hunting-noose     And over him drew her net. III.     When I saw him tangled in her toils,     A shame, said I, if she adds just him     To her nine-and-ninety other spoils,     The hundredth for a whim! IV.     And before my friend be wholly hers,     How easy to prove to him, I said,     An eagles the game her pride prefers,     Though she snaps at a wren instead! V.     So, I gave her eyes my own eyes to take,     My hand sought hers as in earnest need,     And round she turned for my noble sake,     And gave me herself indeed. VI.     The eagle am I, with my fame in the world,     The wren is he, with his maiden face.     You look away and your lip is curled?     Patience, a moments space! VII.     For see, my friend goes shaling and white;     He eyes me as the basilisk:     I have turned, it appears, his day to night,     Eclipsing his suns disk. VIII.     And I did it, he thinks, as a very thief:     Though I love her, that, he comprehends     One should master ones passions, (love, in chief)     And be loyal to ones friends! IX.     And she, she lies in my hand as tame     As a pear late basking over a wall;     Just a touch to try and off it came;     Tis mine, can I let it fall? X.     With no mind to eat it, thats the worst!     Were it thrown in the road, would the case assist?     Twas quenching a dozen blue-flies thirst     When I gave its stalk a twist. XI.     And I, what I seem to my friend, you see:     What I soon shall seem to his love, you guess:     What I seem to myself, do you ask of me?     No hero, I confess. XII.     Tis an awkward thing to play with souls,     And matter enough to save ones own:     Yet think of my friend, and the burning coals     He played with for bits of stone! XIII.     One likes to show the truth for the truth;     That the woman was light is very true:     But suppose she says, Never mind that youth!     What wrong have I done to you? XIV.     Well, any how, here the story stays,     So far at least as I understand;     And, Robert Browning, you writer of plays,     Heres a subject made to your hand!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant, narrative poem delves into the themes of friendship, betrayal, love, and self-reflection. It casts a critical eye on the complexities of human interactions, particularly the dynamics in a romantic triangle. The speaker alternates between questioning, explaining, and rationalizing his actions, creating a tone that oscillates between guilt, justification, and sarcasm.

The poem's structure, divided into fourteen Roman numerals, gives it an episodic quality, allowing the story to unfold in a linear yet deeply reflective manner. The speaker's dialogue with an unseen audience—potentially the reader or perhaps himself—creates an engaging, almost theatrical atmosphere.

Metaphors, such as the 'hunting-noose' and 'eagle', add depth to the characters' roles and motivations. The woman's 'hunting-noose', for instance, portrays her as a seductress, while the 'eagle' and 'wren' contrast the speaker's worldly success with his friend's innocence. The recurring fruit metaphor—first, the woman lying 'in my hand as tame as a pear', then the pear being twisted off its stalk—symbolizes the speaker taking possession of something he doesn't truly desire, leading to waste and regret.

Overall, the poem is a candid exploration of the consequences of actions driven by ego and desire, offering a profound reflection on friendship, loyalty, and the moral responsibility we hold towards those close to us.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.