Curated set · answers marked
In Robert Browning's poem "Porphyria's Lover," what method does the speaker use to kill Porphyria?
AHe stabs her with a knife
BHe strangles her with her own hair✓
CHe drowns her in the lake
DHe poisons her wine The speaker takes Porphyria's long yellow hair and wraps it three times around her throat, strangling her. He believes this act captures the ideal moment of her love for him.
At the climax of the poem, what action does the speaker take, and what is his stated reason for doing so?
AHe proposes marriage to Porphyria, believing she truly loves him.
BHe strangles Porphyria with her own hair, believing this preserves her moment of perfect love and happiness.✓
CHe sends Porphyria away into the storm, fearing the consequences of their relationship.
DHe confesses his love to Porphyria and waits for her response.
Rationale
The speaker wraps Porphyria's yellow hair around her throat three times and strangles her. He convinces himself that she felt no pain and that, in that moment, she was completely happy and entirely his — a moment he wants to capture forever. This act of violence is key to Browning's exploration of obsession, control, and the unreliable narrator within the dramatic monologue.
At the climax of the poem, what does the speaker do to Porphyria, and what is his stated reason for doing it?
AHe abandons her, thinking she doesn't really love him.
BHe strangles her with her own hair, believing it will capture the perfect moment of her love forever.✓
CHe locks her in the cottage, worried she will return to her social obligations.
DHe confesses his love to her and asks her to leave her life behind.
Rationale
The speaker wraps Porphyria's hair around her throat and strangles her. He rationalizes this act by convincing himself that she felt "no pain" and that by killing her at the peak of her affection, he has immortalized her love — freezing the moment before it could wane or be lost.