Analysing the poem 'Sonnet 29' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Barrett Browning uses imagery and subtle references to present passion within a relationship.
Key learning points
- Barrett Browning uses an extended metaphor of vines to convey how separation in a relationship can be corruptive.
- She uses natural imagery to reveal how reunification can be rejuvenating in a relationship.
- She uses declaratives and imperatives to convey her urgency to be reunified with her lover.
- She uses exclamatory sentences to suggest the speaker finds the intensity of her thoughts emotionally overwhelming.
- She uses euphemistic language to convey her sexual and physical desire.
Keywords
Declaratives - statements expressing facts or opinions
Imperatives - commands or requests that begin with a verb, giving direct instructions
Rejuvenating - restoring energy, vitality, or youthfulness; refreshing and invigorating
Natural imagery - descriptions that use elements from nature, like landscapes, weather, or living things
Euphemism - substituting a mild or indirect expression for something that is considered rude or taboo
Common misconception
The extended metaphor of trees and vines represent her absent lover.
The extended metaphor of a tree symbolises her absent lover whereas the extended metaphor of the vines symbolises her fantastical thoughts of her lover while he is away from her.
Teacher tip
When annotating the poem together, use two different colours to colour-code key quotations related to both trees and vines. This will enable students to track the journey of these extended metaphors across the poem.
Equipment
You will need access to the poem 'Sonnet 29 - 'I think of thee!' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This can be found in the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.It is rumoured that Barrett Browning's poem 'Sonnet 29' is autobiographical. This means...
Q2.In 'Sonnet 29', Barrett Browning presents a __________ view of love.
Q3.In the final line of 'Sonnet 29', the speaker says "I do not think of thee - I am too near thee". Why does she say this?
Q4.During which century did Elizabeth Barrett Browning live and write?
Q5.Sonnets were typically written about which topic?
Q6.Read this quotation from 'Sonnet 29': "my thoughts do twine and bud". Which word class are the words "twine' and "bud"?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Sonnet 29', the extended metaphor of vines is used to symbolise...
Q2.In 'Sonnet 29', the speaker describes how her lover's return allows her to "breathe [...] a new air" which presents the lover as a presence.
Q3.Match these methods to the correct definition.
substituting a mild, indirect expression for something that is taboo
descriptions including elements from nature, like weather or animals
statements expressing facts or opinions
commands or requests that begin with a verb
conveys strong emotion or excitement
Q4.Match each of these methods to the correct quotation from 'Sonnet 29'.
"set thy trunk all bare"
"my thoughts do twine and bud"
"I do not think of thee - I am too near thee"
"Renew thy presence"
"I think of thee!"
Q5.Which of these quotations from 'Sonnet 29' best supports this topic sentence? 'The speaker’s thoughts of her love spread quickly, obscuring what he is really like.'
Q6.Which of the topic sentences below best links to this quotation from 'Sonnet 29'? "Renew thy presence; as a strong tree should"
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Sonnet 29' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem 'Sonnet 29' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Poetry anthology (Assessment from summer 2027) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.