In a sense, the poet brings the reader inside the mind of the speaker. Porphyria's Lover , one of the earliest dramatic monologues by Robert Browning, depends upon the reader's ability to make inferences, as well as to analyze the speaker's attitude toward Porphyria. To make inferences, they are to take clues provided by the writer and add them to their own knowledge. In order to understand this poem, students will need to understand the speaker's changing moods. Note that they are to look for clues in what he says about Porphyria and in his behavior toward her.
Students jot down positive and negative behaviors associated with love.
Then they circle those behaviors that they think could lead to crime it taken to an extreme. Writing options are available and should be designed to meet varied student interests and abilities. Assume the identity of the speaker and write the defense you would use at your trial to explain the events that led up to the murder. Give your judgment of what would be a just punishment for the speaker. Write about what you have learned about the power of personal relationships.