Poetry about Relationships: 'Sonnet 43'

This worksheet will enable you to develop your understanding of poetry.

Read the following poem 'Sonnet 43' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861) and answer the questions. The Sonnet is one of a collection that she wrote for her husband.

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How do I love thee? (Sonnet 43)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! -

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and Ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight -

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right, -

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise;

I love thee with the passion, put to use

In my old griefs, ... and with my childhood's faith:

I love thee with the love I seemed to lose

With my lost Saints, - I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

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