In some ways this is a typical poem by Browning in that it
is a dramatic monologue; this means that Browning is writing in the first person as a
created character. The poem is addressed to the lover of the speaker who never
replies so we only get the point of view of the
speaker.
The poem seems modern in its outlook when we
consider that it is the woman who seems to hold the power in that she is the one who has
decided to end the relationship. The speaker is sad about this but also does not regret
the affair but rather is grateful for it. He acknowledges that 'all men strive and who
succeeds?' but crucially this does not mean that we should not try. He tries to 'fix'
the last moments he has with his beloved in his memory and is sure that the love they
had was more important than 'A soldier's doing' as all they receive is the reward of
being able to 'scratch his name on the Abbey-stones.'
For
Browning it appears that love, although often intangible, is important and should be
celebrated and that people should strive even when things are difficult.
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