Why I Am A Liberal

By Robert Browning

Sonnet
    "Why?" Because all I haply can and do,     All that I am now, all I hope to be,     Whence comes it save from fortune setting free     Body and soul the purpose to pursue,     God traced for both? If fetters, not a few,     Of prejudice, convention, fall from me,     These shall I bid men, each in his degree     Also God-guided bear, and gayly, too?     But little do or can the best of us:     That little is achieved through Liberty.     Who, then, dares hold, emancipated thus,     His fellow shall continue bound? Not I,     Who live, love, labour freely, nor discuss     A brother's right to freedom. That is "Why."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a profound exploration of freedom, personal growth, and the responsibilities that come with liberty. The speaker begins by pondering over his personal journey, attributing his growth and hopes to the liberty bestowed upon him by fate or divine intervention. This theme is established through words and phrases like "fortune setting free", "God traced", and "fetters".

The poem’s structure and use of rhetorical questions in the first stanza set the contemplative tone. The poet uses these questions to challenge societal norms ("prejudice, convention") and advocate for individual freedom. The second stanza transitions into a more assertive tone, with the speaker emphasizing the limited achievements of even the best among us. The speaker, appreciating his own emancipation, vehemently refuses to deny others their freedom. The use of anaphora with the repetition of the phrase "Not I" intensifies the speaker's resolve. The poem concludes with a conclusive, powerful statement, "That is 'Why.'" This rallying cry for freedom and equality underscores the poem's key themes and provides a strong, memorable closing. The poem thus combines themes of liberty and moral responsibility with a thoughtful structure and compelling rhetorical devices, making it a compelling call to action and introspection.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.