Both Shakespeare's sonnets and Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnets from the Portuguese explore the theme of love, yet with distinct differences.
Similarities
Deep Expression of Love: In both works, love is portrayed as a profound and intense emotion. Shakespeare describes love's power in Sonnet 116 with "Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds," emphasizing its constancy. Similarly, Browning in Sonnet 43, with "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways," shows a deep - seated and passionate love.
Idealization of Love: Both poets idealize love. Shakespeare's sonnets often present love as a source of beauty and inspiration. Browning also idealizes love, seeing it as a redemptive force that can transform and elevate the human spirit.
Differences
Nature of Love: Shakespeare's sonnets explore various aspects of love, including love's complexity, its ability to cause pain as well as joy, and the impact of physical attraction. In contrast, Browning's sonnets focus more on the spiritual and emotional connection in love, emphasizing the purity and depth of the beloved's soul.
Expression of Love: Shakespeare's language is often more elaborate and metaphorical. He uses a wide range of literary devices to describe love. Browning's language, while also rich and poetic, is more direct and personal. Her sonnets give a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if she is speaking directly to her beloved.
Love and Time: Shakespeare frequently contemplates the relationship between love and time, worrying about love's fading in the face of time. His Sonnet 18, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" is an attempt to immortalize love. Browning, however, is more concerned with the present moment of love and its power to transcend time in the here and now.