The Angel in the House Poem Analysis
"The Angel in the House" is a narrative poem by the Victorian poet Coventry Patmore, published in multiple volumes between 1854 and 1862. The poem is divided into two sections: "The Betrothed" and "The Espousals." It is a long, romantic work that celebrates the virtues of an idealized woman, based on Patmore's own wife, Emily Augusta Andrews. The poem was very popular in the Victorian era, but its portrayal of women as submissive and self-sacrificing has been criticized by modern readers.
Structure and form:
"The Angel in the House" is composed of numerous short poems that are organized into a narrative structure. The poem employs a range of traditional forms, including sonnets and various rhymed stanzas. This variety adds to the richness of the poem, and the narrative structure allows Patmore to explore the many facets of love and marriage.
Themes:
Idealized womanhood: The central theme of "The Angel in the House" is the celebration of an idealized woman who is selfless, nurturing, and devoted to her husband and family. This image of the perfect woman, sometimes referred to as "the angel in the house," became a dominant stereotype in Victorian society, shaping expectations of women's roles and behaviors. While Patmore's poem was intended as a tribute to his wife, its impact on gender roles has been criticized in the years since its publication.
Love and marriage: "The Angel in the House" explores the themes of love and marriage in great depth, celebrating the union of the poem's central couple as the pinnacle of human happiness. The poem emphasizes the importance of love, companionship, and mutual support in marriage, presenting an idealized vision of marital bliss that reflects the values of the Victorian era.
Domesticity and the home: The poem's title, "The Angel in the House," highlights the importance of the domestic sphere in Victorian society. The poem celebrates the virtues of the home as a sanctuary of love, comfort, and stability. The idealized woman at the center of the poem is portrayed as the guardian of this domestic space, responsible for maintaining its harmony and nurturing the family within it.
Spiritual and moral dimensions of love: Throughout the poem, Patmore explores the spiritual and moral dimensions of love, suggesting that a deep and enduring love transcends mere physical attraction and becomes a divine bond between two souls. This theme is in keeping with the broader Victorian emphasis on morality and spirituality in literature and society.
In summary, "The Angel in the House" is a narrative poem by Coventry Patmore that celebrates an idealized vision of womanhood and the virtues of love, marriage, and domesticity. While the poem was popular in its time, its portrayal of women as submissive and self-sacrificing has been criticized by modern readers. Nonetheless, "The Angel in the House" remains an important work for understanding the values and ideals of the Victorian era.