Aurora Leigh

Aurora contemplates heaven, preaching privately to herself and resolving to live and work with humility, rather than seeking out fame. Struggling artistically, Aurora reflects on the confusion of her age and the place of poetry within it. Aurora declares that she will not write plays because they are tied to the tastes of the time like “a dog chain round / its regal neck” (Lines 270-71). She also argues that art and life are intimately connected and notes dolefully that although her poetry is loved by many, she lacks a love of her own. Thinking of her parents in heaven, she feels alone, remembering that she has not seen Romney Leigh for 18 months.

Meanwhile, Romney is occupied with social work and has converted Leigh Hall into a refuge for the poorer classes. On a visit to Romney’s friend, Lord Howe, and his wife, Aurora learns that Romney is now engaged to marry Lady Waldemar, who has sponsored Romney’s social works and is involved in all his missions and commissions” (Line 778). At one point, Lord Howe brings Aurora a love letter from one Lord Eglinton, but she replies, “I cannot love. I only find the rhymes to love” (Lines 894-95).