Sonnet XLIII
Reading Comprehension Activity

Author: Elizabeth Barrett Browning

One of the greatest love poems of all times, Elizabeth Barrett Browning dedicated this poem to her husband, Robert Browning. Students will read the poem and respond to questions on the language, the rhyme, and the theme.

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Passage

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 a 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.

Comprehension Questions
Answers

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