Question

Based on this excerpt from "Porphyria's Lover” by Robert Browning, what does the setting contribute to this poem?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is B. The power of the storm underscores Porphyria's power.

Explanation:

The power of the storm reflects the power that Porphyria had over the narrator.

And it increases the sense of chaos in the whole poem.

When using the words: “I listened with heart fit to break.

When glided in Porphyria; straight

She shut the cold out and the storm”

The speaker started talking about the storm, but at the same time he also recognizes when Porphyria "breaks" on the scene.

So much is the force she has on him that he ends up killing her just for not letting her go.

Answer 2

A. The storm enhances the mysterious quality of Porphyria and her appearance This is the correct option.

Robert Browning wrote this monolgue in 1836 during Victorian times. Porphyria was a mysterious woman who defied the morality of the times. She came from the simple and wild rural area; the poet was comfortable at home. He represented urban life. This sort of life was severly criticised by Victorian  people. However, Porphyria wanted to escape from the rigid Victorian way of life. This was strange and ,in the monologue ,this strange characteristic of the woman's is emphasised through the storm.

These optins are not right:

B. The power of the storm underscores Porphyria's power ( On the contrary, the storm makes her more mysterious).

C. The wildness of the storm contrasts with Porphyria's conventionality ( In fact, Porphyria is not traditonal or conventional at all. She wants to rebel against the opression of Victorian England).

D. The destructive nature of the poem echoes Porphyria's limitless passion. ( The setting of the poem is related to the storm in this excerpt. There is not any destructive tone in this excerpt. )