It was the story of two lovers uniting in the night to express their affection and devotion. So how did this love story end in a cruel, cold-blooded murder? Good evening and welcome to Poetry Break Down, I am your host Mary Doe. Tonight we will delve into the fascinating world of classic Victorian literature. Under the microscope is the canonized poet, the late Robert Browning. Browning's poetry was a reflection of his life and times in Victorian England. Later in the evening, we'll analyze how his era played a major role in some of his greatest works, particularly his revered poem Porphyria's Lover. Released in 1836 (Catherine Maxwell, 1993, p.27), this esteemed text follows the murder of the beloved Porphyria, the lover of the enigmatic speaker who, after inviting her to his cottage for a meeting you romantic, strangle him. Stay tuned, because tonight we explore how this poem became a perfect representation of a society obsessed with the dominant preoccupation with male dominance. Robert Browning's Porphyria's Lover skillfully embodies the male desire to dominate women in all spheres of life during the Victorian Era. This construction of power is foregrounded as a dominant reading through a range of literary devices in the poem, relating to gender roles. Originally, the dramatic monologue highlights Porphyria and her strong presence in contrast to her passive male lover. She put my arm round her waist, and bared her smooth white shoulder, and all her yellow hair moved, and, stooping, made my cheek lie. there (Browning, Porphyria's Lover, lines 16-19) Porphyria dominates her partner's actions, forcing his control against his bare shoulder; a control symbol. Telling the sto...... middle of paper ...... summer Jemima Hazell from Poetry Break Down, good evening Australia. Works Cited The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Victorian Era: Introduction. "The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Victorian Era: Introduction. 2010. Web. February 23, 2014 (http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/elizabeth-barrett-browning) “San Francisco Browning Society.” Web February 24, 2014. "Literature and the Canon." English and Media Center Np, 2000. Web February 24, 2014http://www.cswnet.com/~erin/rb6.htm catharinehttp://go galegroup.com/. ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=RELEVANCE&inPS=true&prodId=LitRC&userGroupName=uq_stpatricks&tabID=T001&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA149406 05 &&docId=GALE|A14940605&docType=GALE&role=LitRC