Poem A Day: Flush or Faunus Explanation

Welcome to Poem of the Day – Flush or Faunus by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era, wrote a variety of poems that explored human emotion, nature, and classical references. One such poem is “Flush or Faunus”, which touches on the themes of love, beauty, and human nature in an innovative way. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, shedding light on its key themes and the literary devices Browning uses to convey her ideas.

Flush or Faunus Poem

You see this dog. It was but yesterday
I mused, forgetful of his presence here,
Till thought on thought drew downward tear on tear;
When from the pillow, where wet-cheeked I lay,
A head as hairy as Faunus, thrust its way
Right sudden against my face,—two golden-clear
Large eyes astonished mine,—a drooping ear
Did flap me on either cheek, to dry the spray!
I started first, as some Arcadian
Amazed by goatly god in twilight grove:
But as my bearded vision closelier ran
My tears off, I knew Flush, and rose above
Surprise and sadness; thanking the true Pan,
Who, by low creatures, leads to heights of love.

Flush or Faunus Explanation

Overview of the Poem

“Flush or Faunus” is a poem written in the form of a dramatic monologue. The speaker in the poem is believed to be the voice of Elizabeth Barrett Browning herself, reflecting on the nature of love and beauty through the characters of Flush, a dog, and Faunus, a Roman god of the forest.

The poem is an interesting exploration of how love is perceived by different beings—one human and one animal—and how their understanding of beauty and affection differs. By contrasting Flush, a domesticated dog, with Faunus, a mythical figure, Browning invites readers to think about the connection between the divine, the earthly, and the simple love that animals experience.

Key Themes

1. Love and Affection A major theme in “Flush or Faunus” is love, specifically the pure and untainted love shown by animals like Flush. Browning contrasts this natural, uncomplicated love with the more complex and often troubled expressions of love that humans, like the Roman god Faunus, experience. Flush’s affection for his owner, Browning’s love for her beloved, and the mythological Faunus’s symbolic role as a god of fertility all reflect various expressions of love, ranging from innocent and straightforward to divine and idealized.

2. Beauty and Nature Browning also explores the concept of beauty, which plays a central role in both love and nature. In the poem, the contrasting representations of Flush and Faunus serve as metaphors for different types of beauty. Flush’s beauty is the everyday, natural beauty found in a beloved pet, something that is simple yet profound in its loyalty and devotion. Faunus, on the other hand, represents the unattainable or celestial beauty, which exists in myth and legend but is often far removed from human reality.

3. Human vs. Animal Experience The poem explores the differences between human and animal experiences, especially in terms of affection and beauty. While humans often complicate or overthink love, animals like Flush experience it in its purest form. In contrast, Faunus symbolizes an idealized love—one that is grand and untouchable, yet distant from human experience. Browning seems to suggest that perhaps the truest form of love is the one experienced by animals, as it is untainted by human complexities.

Literary Devices

1. Dramatic Monologue Browning uses the dramatic monologue as a poetic form to give voice to the speaker’s inner thoughts and feelings. The reader is invited to experience the poem from the perspective of the speaker, which adds emotional depth and a sense of personal reflection.

2. Symbolism Symbolism plays a significant role in this poem. Flush represents loyalty and pure love, while Faunus symbolizes unattainable beauty and divine love. These symbols allow Browning to convey larger ideas about the nature of affection, beauty, and idealization.

3. Contrast The contrast between Flush and Faunus is central to the poem’s message. By presenting these two figures—one grounded in reality and the other in mythology—Browning highlights the different forms of love and beauty. Flush’s love is unconditional, natural, and simple, while Faunus’s love is mythical, idealized, and out of reach. This contrast emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and the different ways we experience love and beauty.

Conclusion

“Flush or Faunus” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a thought-provoking poem that explores themes of love, beauty, and the differences between human and animal experiences. Through the contrasting figures of Flush, a dog, and Faunus, a Roman god, Browning invites readers to reflect on the nature of affection and the ways in which love is perceived across different realms—be it earthly or divine. The use of symbolism, dramatic monologue, and contrast allows Browning to delve deeply into these complex themes in a clear and accessible way, making the poem resonate with readers on both an emotional and intellectual level.