Theme to "Porphyria's Lover" by Leah Siewert

Robert Browing tells the story of a crazy lover in his work "Porphyria's Lover".  When one begins reading the poem the theme of love is shown.  One can see that the narrator has been waiting for this moment when he states, "And, last, she sat down by my side And called me.  When no voice replied, She put my arm about her waist" (719). It is as if it is too good to be true that his love has finally come to him and he was unsure it was reality.

He described her, "So, she was come through wind and rain," showing she had defeated the elements in order to make it to her true love (719).  Also, prior, the reader sees the love in, "Murmuring how she loved me" (720).  In reading we believe that she does love him so and he the same.  We are somewhat happy in the fact that they have finally come together as from the writing we are given the impression it has been some time for this to finally be.

Suddenly, the story takes a turn in that he does not know what to do now that he finally has his love.  "Made my heart swell, and still it grew  While I debated what to do" (720).  He is over taken by his love for Porphyria, he is so happy she has come to him yet afraid she will leave him again, perhaps.  When he strangles her with her own hair he believes that she does not feel any pain.  

In the closing lines he knows what he has done yet focuses on them being together, "And all night long we have not stirred, And yet God has not said a word" (720).  He and his love are together as he had dreamed in the past.