Browning as a poet of dramatic monologue.
The Patriot is a notable literary work by Robert Browning. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Patriot.
Answer
Evaluate Browning as a poet of dramatic monologue.
Robert Browning (1812-1889) is widely recognized as a master of the dramatic monologue. Browning’s poem “The Patriot” (1855) is a fine example of his skill in this form.
Dramatic Monologue: A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker addresses an audience. The single speaker reveals personal thoughts and feelings. This type of poem provides insights into the speaker’s personality, emotions, and desires.
Single Speaker and Audience: In “The Patriot,” Browning uses a first-person narrative to bring us into the mind of the speaker. The speaker of the poem was honored as a patriotic hero only a year ago; now, he is on his way to his execution for unspecified crimes. On the way to his execution, the speaker reveals his inner thoughts to the audience; the readers can be considered the audience here.
The Speaker’s Thoughts and Feelings: The patriot speaker reveals his inner thoughts and feelings. He painfully expresses that he was greatly honored as a patriot only a year ago. He was given a grand welcome for his patriotic contribution. He says,
It was roses, roses, all the way,
With myrtle mixed in my path like mad:
However, he is now considered a criminal. He expresses that people are throwing stones at him, and he is being taken to his execution. The speaker painfully reveals that his countrymen have forgotten his contribution. People have changed cruelly. The patriot’s inner thoughts allow us to understand his emotions and pain. Hence, “The Patriot” becomes a fine example of Browning’s dramatic monologue.
The Speaker’s Personality: Again, we get insight into the speaker’s personality from his monologue. The speaker, even in his downfall, finds comfort in the idea of divine justice. He feels safe that God will reward him justly. He says,
Tis God shall repay: I am safer so.
In short, through this fine dramatic monologue, Browning gives us insight into his speaker’s personality, thoughts, and emotions.