The Content Reader

On 7 May 1812 poet Robert Browning is born in Camberwell, outside London. Browning attended boarding school and studied for a short time at the University of London before returning to his parents' home where he had private tutors. Both parents were interested in literature and the arts and encouraged both Browning, and his sister Sarianna, in this field. Browning read a lot, and by age fourteen he was fluent in French, Greek, Italian and Latin. He devoted his time to poetry and refused a formal career. He stayed at home until he was 34 and was dependent on his family for finance. His father also sponsored the publications of his son's poems. His poetry was criticised so he abandoned it and continued to write drama. This was neither very successful but he developed a form for dramatic monologue which he transferred later on to his poetry. Among all the bad critics, there was one positive, from the respected poet Elizabeth Barrett. Browning wrote to thank her and asked for a...