What are the religious allusions made in this poem “How Do I Love Thee?”?

What are the religious allusions made in this poem “How Do I Love Thee?”?

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s (1806-61) “How Do I Love Thee?” (1850) is a heartfelt expression of deep and spiritual love. The poet compares her love to divine concepts. This makes her feelings seem eternal and pure. She connects love with faith, grace, and God, which reflects her religious beliefs. Here are the key religious allusions in the poem:

Grace and Spiritual Love: The poet writes about “ideal grace,” referring to divine grace. This grace is often connected to God’s unconditional love. She expresses that her love is vast like her soul reaching toward a higher, unseen power. This shows her belief that God inspires true love and exists beyond physical boundaries.

Childhood Faith and Lost Saints: Browning mentions her “childhood’s faith” and “lost saints.” These refer to the simple, unquestioning belief she had as a child in God and saints. She compares her love to that faith. This shows how her love is pure, trusting, and sacred. The “lost saints” may also symbolize people or beliefs she has left behind, but her love revives those feelings of devotion.

Eternal Love and Afterlife: The poem ends with a reference to eternity: 

“I shall but love thee better after death.” 

This reflects the Christian belief in life after death. She believes her love will continue and even grow stronger in the afterlife. This shows her faith in God’s eternal plan. This ties her love to the divine promise of everlasting life.

In conclusion, Browning’s use of religious allusions highlights the purity, depth, and eternal nature of her love. By comparing love to faith and grace, she elevates it to a spiritual and holy experience.