Authorial Detachment and Imagery in The Ring and the Book

The Ring and the Book is a study of perception, a theme presented through two poetic techniques: authorial detachment and imagery. Browning achieves detachment with several devices: the dramatic monologue form; the self-parodying poet of Book I, who tells the story melodramatically and formally withdraws (which is emphasized by the repristination in the ring metaphor); the objective re-telling of the story; the final appearance of the poet in the "O Lyric Love" section; and the use of letters and Fra Celestino's sermon in Book XII. Imagery reveals the Truth of the divine purpose of earthly life, as seen in the constant conflict between good and evil, saintliness and diabolism, purity and corruption, the soul and the flesh. Few of the characters can see this Truth, yet each unconsciously perceives it in his soul. Images, then, are the language of the soul, the expressions of Truth that has been subconsciously glimpsed. They have two significances—one intended by the speaker and a divine Truth the speaker may not see. Thus, authorial detachment and imagery provide the reader with the range of Truth against which to evaluate the differing levels of perception.