The Poetical Works of Robert Browning: Volume I. Pauline, Paracelsus

Margaret Smith received the Rose Mary Crawshay Prize for her contributions to the Clarendon Edition, which includes the poetic works of Robert Browning, specifically the volumes featuring Pauline and Paracelsus.

The Poetical Works of Robert Browning: Volume I. Pauline, Paracelsus serves as an insightful exploration into the early works of one of the most significant poets of the Victorian era. This volume primarily focuses on two of Browning's notable pieces: Pauline and Paracelsus. In these works, Browning delves into complex themes of identity, ambition, and the nature of artistic creation, showcasing his evolving style and philosophical inquiries.

Pauline, Browning's first published poem, is a dramatic monologue that presents the inner thoughts and emotions of its protagonist. Through this innovative narrative technique, Browning allows readers to engage deeply with the character's struggles and desires. The poem reflects Browning's fascination with the interplay between the self and the external world, as well as the quest for personal authenticity in a society filled with constraints. This exploration of the self foreshadows the themes that will recur throughout Browning's later works.

In Paracelsus, Browning shifts focus to the life of the historical figure Paracelsus, a physician and alchemist. The poem examines the tension between the pursuit of knowledge and the consequences that come with it. Browning's portrayal of Paracelsus reveals the poet's own preoccupation with the responsibilities of the artist and the moral implications of creation. Overall, this volume not only highlights Browning's early literary prowess but also sets the stage for his continued exploration of profound philosophical questions in his subsequent writings.