1837

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Long-Term Morphine Use Begins

Poet involved

What happened

In 1837, Elizabeth Barrett Browning began her long-term use of morphine to manage chronic illness, a practice that continued throughout her literary career. This reliance on morphine influenced her writing and personal life, reflecting the struggles of chronic pain and the medical practices of her time. Browning's experience with morphine provides insight into the intersection of health, creativity, and the challenges faced by artists.

Literary impact

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's long-term morphine use beginning in 1837 subtly shaped her themes of endurance, love, and altered perception in her sonnets. This personal struggle informed her exploration of the human condition, allowing her to convey profound emotional depth and complexity in her poetic works.

Source: Wikipedia

Poets alive in 1837

153 poets

More events in 1837

Skip to main content