Life treads on life, and heart on heart; we press too close in church and mart to keep a dream or grave apart

Life treads on life, and heart on heart; we press too close in church and mart to keep a dream or grave apart

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a renowned poet of the Victorian era, known for her powerful and emotive works that often explored themes of love, loss, and social justice. In her poem "Life treads on life, and heart on heart; we press too close in church and mart to keep a dream or grave apart," Browning delves into the complexities of human relationships and the inevitable intertwining of lives.

The opening line, "Life treads on life, and heart on heart," speaks to the interconnectedness of individuals and the ways in which our lives are constantly intersecting with those of others. Browning suggests that we are all linked in some way, whether through shared experiences, emotions, or relationships. This idea of interconnectedness is a recurring theme in Browning's work, as she often explored the ways in which human beings are connected to one another on a deep and profound level.

The second part of the line, "we press too close in church and mart," highlights the idea that even in the most sacred or mundane of spaces, we are still bound to one another. Whether in a place of worship or a marketplace, our lives are intertwined with those around us, and we cannot escape the impact that others have on our own existence. Browning suggests that our connections to others are inescapable, and that we are constantly influenced by the people we encounter in our daily lives.

The final line, "to keep a dream or grave apart," speaks to the difficulty of maintaining boundaries and separations in our relationships with others. Browning suggests that even in our most intimate moments or in times of grief and loss, we are still connected to those around us. Our dreams and our sorrows are shared experiences, and we cannot isolate ourselves from the influence of others, no matter how hard we may try.

Overall, Browning's poem "Life treads on life, and heart on heart; we press too close in church and mart to keep a dream or grave apart" explores the complex and intertwined nature of human relationships. Through her evocative language and poignant imagery, Browning reminds us of the inescapable connections that bind us to one another, and the ways in which our lives are intertwined with those of others.