47 pages • 1 hour read
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningAurora Leigh
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1856A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning follows Aurora Leigh, an aspiring poet, who moves from Florence to England after her parents' deaths. She rejects her cousin Romney's marriage proposal to pursue her literary ambitions in London. As Aurora achieves poetic success, she navigates complex relationships, social issues, and personal dilemmas, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of love and purpose. The narrative includes discussions of sexual exploitation and rape.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Aurora Leigh garners acclaim for its innovative blank verse form and feminist themes, highlighting the protagonist's struggle for artistic and personal autonomy. Critics praise its rich, poetic language and depth of social commentary, though some find its dense style challenging. Overall, it stands as a significant work in Victorian literature.
Who Should Read Aurora Leigh?
Aurora Leigh's ideal reader enjoys Victorian poetry, feminist themes, and narrative verse. Comparable to fans of Jane Eyre and Middlemarch, they appreciate literary works that explore the complexities of women's roles and artistic ambition. This reader values poetic language and rich character development.