Aurora Leigh

Definition

Aurora Leigh is a novel in verse by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, published in 1856, that explores themes of art, gender, and societal expectations through the life of its titular character. The work is significant as it merges poetic and narrative forms, highlighting the struggles of a female artist in Victorian society, which connects to the broader movements in Romantic poetry influenced by the earlier 'Lyrical Ballads'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Aurora Leigh' consists of nine books and combines elements of both poetry and prose, making it a unique contribution to literature.
2. The narrative follows Aurora's journey as she navigates her identity as a woman and an artist, reflecting Browning's own views on gender roles.
3. Browning's use of blank verse in 'Aurora Leigh' allows for expressive language that enhances the emotional depth of Aurora's experiences.
4. 'Aurora Leigh' critiques societal constraints placed on women during the Victorian era, emphasizing the importance of self-fulfillment and artistic expression.
5. The work is often regarded as one of the first major feminist texts in English literature, influencing later generations of writers and thinkers.

Review Questions

• How does 'Aurora Leigh' reflect the themes of Romanticism as established in earlier works like 'Lyrical Ballads'?
  • 'Aurora Leigh' embodies the themes of Romanticism by emphasizing individual emotion and the connection between art and nature. Similar to 'Lyrical Ballads', Browning's work explores personal experiences and the inner struggles of its protagonist. The focus on Aurora's artistic aspirations mirrors the Romantic ideal of valuing creativity and emotional depth, showcasing how these earlier influences shaped her narrative.
• Discuss the significance of gender roles in 'Aurora Leigh' and how they relate to the ideas presented in 'Lyrical Ballads'.
  • 'Aurora Leigh' significantly critiques gender roles in a way that connects to the ideas presented in 'Lyrical Ballads'. While Wordsworth and Coleridge introduced common people as subjects worthy of poetic exploration, Browning extends this idea to women artists. The challenges faced by Aurora highlight the societal constraints imposed on women, paralleling Romantic poetry's broader challenge against conventional norms and advocating for greater recognition of individual voices.
• Evaluate how Elizabeth Barrett Browning's portrayal of Aurora can be seen as a response to or evolution from the concepts introduced in 'Lyrical Ballads'.
  • 'Aurora Leigh' serves as both a response to and an evolution from concepts introduced in 'Lyrical Ballads', particularly regarding individual experience and societal reflection. While 'Lyrical Ballads' set the stage for exploring ordinary lives and emotions, Browning takes this further by placing a female artist at the center of her narrative. Aurora's journey not only reflects personal growth but also embodies a critique of societal limitations on women, pushing Romantic ideals toward a more nuanced understanding of gender and artistic expression. This evolution signals a shift towards feminist discourse within literary traditions.

Related terms

Elizabeth Barrett Browning: A prominent Victorian poet known for her influential works, including 'Aurora Leigh', which challenged societal norms and explored women's rights.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and influencing many poets of the time.

Feminism: A movement for advocating women's rights and equality, which is a central theme in 'Aurora Leigh', showcasing the challenges faced by women artists.