4+Browning+context

Personal context
 * her intense Methodist faith
 * classical education
 * already an established, successful poet
 * 39 at time of epistolary [by letter] courtship with Robert Browning
 * an invalid, reclusive at family home
 * six years Robert's junior
 * believed a loving relationship with him most unlikely
 * controlling attitudes of father - opposed any of his children marrying
 * poems private meditations, not intended for publication

Social and historical context
 * Victorian era 1840s and 50s
 * religious beliefs - although some questioning of institutional religions, Christian faith and values widespread and strong
 * patriarchal [male dominant] values - women perceived as passive and subservient
 * in middle and upper classes, restrictive courtship conventions and rules of etiquette
 * open expressions of emotion and sexuality repressed
 * women disadvantaged at law in terms of wealth and property ownership
 * women often needed to marry for economic security; this took precedence over passion or emotion