Analysing 'Sonnet 43' | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

When Barrett Browning wrote 'Sonnet 43', who was it for at the time of writing?

• her current husband

• her future husband

• her father

Answer explanation

Barrett Browning wrote this poem to her future husband, Robert Browning, to express her deep love for him. It's part of a collection of 44 sonnets.

Barrett Browning was defiant against her father's wishes when she married Robert Browning. What does 'defiant' mean?

• to refuse to obey somebody or something

• to fully obey someone or something

• to partially obey someone or something

Answer explanation

Barrett Browning's father did not agree with her choice of husband so in marrying Robert Browning, she was defiant.

What connotations do we often have of the sun?

• warmth

• life

• fate

• sustenance

Answer explanation

We often associate the sun with being life-giving. Without it, we wouldn't be able to survive!

___ is the use of words to create pictures in the minds of readers.

Answer explanation

In 'Sonnet 43' Barrett Browning uses imgery to convey the admiration she feels for her future husband.

How does Sonnet 43 open?

• "I love thee freely"

• "I love thee purely"

• "How do I love thee?"

Answer explanation

Barrett Browning sets out the question 'How do I love thee? at the start of the poem before she begins to describe her feelings.

Match the components of a Petrarchan sonnet up to their explanations.

• volta

• introduces an idea, problem, question or an argument

• sestet

• responds to the questions or ideas introduced in the beginning

• octet

• marks a shift in tone in the poem

Answer explanation

A Petrarchan sonnet begins with a octet and is then followed by the volta and sestet.