FEMALE VOICES IN VICTORIAN POETRY: BROWNING AND TENNYSON

Узданица XXII-II (2025) (стр. 115-125)

АУТОР(И) / AUTHOR(S): Biljana R. Vlašković Ilić   

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DOI: 10.46793/Uzdanica22.2.115VI

САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:

This paper explores the representation of female voices in the poetry of Robert Browning and Lord Alfred Tennyson within the socio-cultural context of the Victorian era. It examines how these poets navigated the complexities of female sexuality and societal norms, often using their works to covertly liberate women’s voices. Through a detailed analysis of Browning’s two most famous dramatic monologues, “Porphyria’s Lover” and “My Last Duchess”, and Tennyson’s lyrical poems, the study reveals the paradoxical nature of Victorian ideals that demanded beauty and purity from women while simultaneously suppressing their sexual expression. The paper argues that both poets, despite their different approaches, contributed to the discourse on female liberation by highlighting the struggles and desires of women in a male-dominated society.

КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:

Victorian era, female sexuality, female body, female voices, Browning, Tennyson.

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