The poem “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the greeting card “Why Do I Love You So Much?” address love and affection in distinct ways, structurally speaking. Through repetition of vivid imagery , meter, and rhyme. Barrett Browning’s use of these poetic devices emphasizes the speaker’s deep affection for their lover, evident through the words, “I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight” It is her complete arrangement of musical elements like a musical tune that further emphasizes how strongly she feels about their romantic partner.
While poetic techniques are absent from the lyrics of greeting cards meant to convey love, they utilize a direct and comprehensible language. The apparent ease with which “Why Do I Love You So Much?” expresses emotions enables readers to comprehend the speaker’s emotion and recognize those tangible and supportive elements inherent to love. Indeed, the message of love is very clear, and its cornerstone attribute of simplicity is laid out plainly; “Because I trust you / more than anyone in the world / to listen, to help me through.”
While both texts share the central theme of love, they approach it differently in terms of style and structure. Browning’s sonnet delves into love, showcasing a more formal and elaborate poetic style, whereas the greeting card lyrics emphasize the relatable and nurturing qualities of love through a casual and direct tone.
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