'Truth' Summary

Truth by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a meditation on the nature of truth and its importance in human life. The poem begins with a series of rhetorical questions, in which the speaker asks what the world would be like without truth. She suggests that without truth, time would be meaningless, life would be worthless, and there would be no guide to right and wrong.

The speaker then goes on to argue that truth is essential for a good and meaningful life. She writes that truth is the source of light, the fountain of all good, and the guide to perfect right. She also acknowledges that truth can be difficult to find, but she believes that it is worth seeking, even if it is challenging.

In the second part of the poem, the speaker explores the different ways in which people can find truth. She suggests that truth can be found in nature, in reason, and in the Bible. However, she also emphasizes the importance of personal experience in the pursuit of truth. She writes that truth is a secret deep, but she will not be won by those who only seek to know her for their pleasure.

The speaker concludes the poem by asserting that truth is the voice of God. She suggests that those who hear the voice of truth and follow it will experience peace and dwell in the peace of God.

The essence and spirit of the poem can be captured in the following passage:

Truth is the pearl divine,

And she who knows her cost

Will prize her more than all

The treasures of the world.

These lines suggest that truth is not only essential for a good and meaningful life, but that it is also the most valuable thing in the world.

Conclusion

"Truth" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a powerful and moving poem that explores the nature of truth and its importance in human life. Browning's insights are timeless and her passion for truth is contagious. If you are interested in the pursuit of truth, then this poem is a must-read.