HOW DO I LOVE THEE : ELIZABETH BARRET BROWNING /NSOU

 

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

 

1.    Analyse “How do I love thee ? Let me count the ways” as a love poem. December, 2011

2.    Consider How do I love Thee as a love poem. December, 2013/June, 2014

3.    Consider Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s ‘How do I love thee ... ?’ as a love poem. December, 2015/June, 2016