Porphyria’s Lover

English poet and playwright Robert Browning was a master of dramatic monologue and often employed irony and dark humor in his poems. Porphyria’s is a good example of this trait and an interesting twist on the nature of love.

After a promising start early in his career, Browning fell into disfavor and it took him over a decade to regain his reputation. He hit his stride mid-life following his marriage to poet Elizabeth Barrett and wrote the book-length epic poem The Ring and the Book and the collection of poems Men and Women. Well regarded by the time of his death, Browning Societies were common in England and the United States to study his works, philosophies, and ideas.

The Poetry Foundation gives a full account of Browning’s life and work. Many of his poems can also be found on this site.

Narrated by David Gregory Clark.