Explore a Poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

In this activity, we will be exploring a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861). 

It is a sonnet about how she wishes someone to love her.

Read the poem then answer the questions.

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If thou must love me, let it be for nought

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only. Do not say
'I love her for her smile—her look—her way
Of speaking gently,—for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day'—
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may
Be changed, or change for thee,—and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry,—
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!
But love me for love's sake, that evermore
Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity.

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You can  look back at the poem while doing the questions by clicking on the red Help button on the screen.

Let's get started.