Browning and the Dramatic MonologueCurry, S. S. (Samuel Silas)
History
Browning and the Dramatic Monologue
Curry, S. S. (Samuel Silas)
Browning, Robert, 1812-1889 -- Criticism and interpretation; Dramatic monologues -- History and criticism
It will be noted that the dactyl is very closely related in expression to
the trochee, and the anapest to the iambic. Triple rhythm or metre,
however, implies a more circular and flowing movement. The dactyl is used
in some of the most pathetic and passionate monologues of the language.
Notice the fine use of it in Hood's "Bridge of Sighs."
THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS
One more unfortunate, weary of breath, rashly importunate, gone to her
death! Take her up tenderly, lift her with care; fashion'd so
slenderly, young, and so fair!
Look at her garments clinging like cerements, whilst the wave
constantly drips from her clothing; take her up instantly, loving, not
loathing. Touch her not scornfully; think of her mournfully, gently
and humanly; not of the stains of her--all that remains of her now, is
pure womanly.
Make no deep scrutiny into her mutiny rash and undutiful: past all
dishonor, death has left on her only the beautiful. Still, for all
slips of hers, one of Eve's family--wipe those poor lips of hers
oozing so clammily. Loop up her tresses escaped from the comb, her
fair auburn tresses; whilst wonderment guesses where was her home?
Who was her father? Who was her mother? Had she a sister? Had she a
brother? Or was there a dearer one still, and a nearer one yet, than
all other? Alas! for the rarity of Christian charity under the sun! O!
it was pitiful! near a whole city full, home she had none. Sisterly,
brotherly, fatherly, motherly feelings had changed: love, by harsh
evidence, thrown from its eminence; even God's providence seeming
estranged.
Where the lamps quiver so far in the river, with many a light, from
window and casement, from garret to basement, she stood, with
amazement, houseless by night. The bleak wind of March made her
tremble and shiver; but not the dark arch, or the black, flowing
river; mad from life's history, glad to death's mystery swift to be
hurl'd--anywhere, anywhere out of the world! In she plunged boldly, no
matter how coldly the rough river ran, over the brink of it,--picture
it, think of it, dissolute Man! lave in it, drink of it, then, if you
can!
Take her up tenderly, lift her with care; fashion'd so slenderly,
young and so fair! Ere her limbs frigidly stiffen too rigidly,
decently, kindly, smooth and compose them; and her eyes close them,
staring so blindly! Dreadfully staring through muddy impurity, as when
with the daring last look of despairing fix'd on futurity.
Perishing gloomily, spurr'd by contumely, cold inhumanity burning
insanity into her rest.--Cross her hands humbly, as if praying dumbly,
over her breast! Owning her weakness, her evil behavior, and leaving,
with meekness, her sins to her Saviour!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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