Language and poetic devices

Style of language

The poem “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is written in the old-fashioned style typical of 19th century poetry, as shown by the use of the pronoun “thee”. The poem uses simple language and does not use words with double meanings. Instead, the poet focuses more on the sound of the poem and the images and feelings it evokes. 

Unlike other love poems, rather than using a lot of adjectives to describe her love, the poet uses similes and metaphors to show the ways in which she loves her husband. The sonnet is written mostly in present simple tense to represent the unchanging nature of the speaker’s love: “I love thee freely, as men strive for right.” The tone of the poem is romantic and authentic. 

Alliteration and Assonance

The poet uses alliteration in multiple lines to offer the sonnet an interesting sound an...