nd poetic language used at the beginning of the poem. Browning has used the rhyme scheme to help form the readers impression of the speaker, it is a rigid 5-line scheme but well concealed by using enjambment to lead one line into the next, and by the absence of separate stanzas to divide the poem. This presents a slow constant rhythm, which tells the reader the speaker is calm. The poem flows like a continuous train of thought, the speaker is obviously contemplates and is deliberate in his actions. This is why we are shocked when the speaker, in the same tone, tells us,all her hairIn one long yellow string I woundThree times her little throat aroundAnd strangled her.The lack of emotion which the steady rhythm conveys is very important in the characterisation of the speaker as it shows the speakers state of mind. Had the rhythm broken and quickened at dramatic moments the speaker would seem more impulsive and insane, but instead his calm mediated manner makes him almost a pathetic figure. He arouses pity, it seems as if he cannot recognise that he has done wrong, he is a man at peace with his actions.Though Browning surprises the reader with the murder of Porphyria, the imagery used at the beginning of the poem does give us a hint towards the mental imbalance of the speaker,The sullen wind was soon awake,It tore the elm tops down for spiteAnd did its worst to vex the lakeThe speakers view of the storm, that it was spiteful, helps to form the character. The fact that he feels this shows he is sulking for some reason and is transferring his feelings to the storm.Assonance is used to draw attention to other imagery such as,As a shut bud that holds a bee,I warily oped her lidsThe short vowel sounds in shut bud give the simile a harsh sound and betray the murderer's superstition that in her eyes he will see the last vision of her murderer ready to affront him like an angry bee. Alliteration is also used in this way to draw attention to moment...
