Essay About Robert Brownings Poem Porphyria And General Meaning Of The Term Psychopath

Porphryias Lover
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Crazy In Love
A general meaning of the term psychopath is when a person with an antisocial personality
disorder, manifested in aggressive, perverted, criminal, amoral behavior without empathy or
remorse. (Webster New Collegiate Dictionary)The term can also be used to illustrate a mental
and unstable person. A psychopath is exemplified in Robert Brownings poem Porphyrias
Lover,” In this dramatic monologue the speaker describes how and why he murders his dear
Porphyria. The speaker displays his psychotic his characteristics through his jealousy , possessive
behavior and his self deception.
One of the psychotic characteristics of the speaker would be his jealously. Browning
makes it quite obvious to the reader that Porphyria is an upper-class woman by describing her
wardrobe [She] withdrew the dripping cloak and shawl, and laid her solid gloves by, untied her
hat and let her damp hair fall”(lines 11-13) this quote amplifies the speakers jealousy of her
wealth and her independence as a woman. He also envies her happiness and her simple pleasures
in life. As the story opens the speaker is awaiting for Porphyria to arrive home. At this point, the
speaker feels invidious. He feels this way because Porphyria Is away having a good time, while he
is alone in his cottage
Another psychotic characteristic of the speaker would be his possessive behavior. It is
quite obvious that Porphyria cares about the speaker. She travels in the storm just to see him.
Spears 2
When Porphyria enters into the cottage the speaker acknowledge her presence. “When glided in
Porphyria; straight she shut the cold out and the storm, and kneeled and made the cheerless
grate” (lines 6-8)This quote clarifies the cheer and happiness she brought throughout the speaker
home. She then set the furnace, seize off her wet garments and let her damp hair fall. Soon
Porphyria beings murmuring to him, telling him how much she loves him. During the moment,
however, the speaker realizes that Porphyria will not leave her social obligations to be with him.
Upon his thoughts, he looks into her eyes, he then perceives that she adores him ” be sure I
looked up at her eyes happy and proud; at last I knew Porphyria worshiped me; surprise my heart
swell, and still it grew while I debated what to do” (lines 31-35)this quote emphasis that he has to
do something so he can capture this moment, the moment that he and Porphyria shares. The
speaker decides to grasp the moment by strangling Porphyria with her hair “In on long
yellow string I wound three times her little throat around and strangle her. No pain felt her; I am
quite sure she felt no pain.” (lines39-42 )The speaker kills Porphyria because he wants her all to
himself. He feels that killing her is the only way. This