This poem demonstrates several of Robert Browning's defining characteristics as a poet. It contains his criticism towards the beliefs and practices of self-restraint and his traditional use of dramatic monologue to expose a single character's personality, which in turn often provides an additional depth to his works in coordination with his use of unpoetic language. Also taking into account the author's own personal experiences with his wife, the poem can also be perceived as a representation of the development of their relationship.
             Browning's criticism of the idea of self-restraint is evident throughout the poem "Porphyria's Lover" as it was shown in the internal debates both characters underwent as they decided whether or not they should consummate the love between them. "When no voice replied" as the young lady approached, the speaker revealed his attempt to restrain himself from fulfilling his carnal desires. Porphyria's acts of seduction, the conscious intent of placing his "arm around her waist" and so on, demonstrate her own strong sense carnality. His attempts, however, to restrain himself were for naught because neither one of them were able to keep the "struggling passion" within them from overcoming their moral senses and from "prevail(ing)." The thought of Porphyria "worship(ing)" him gave him intense pleasure but also spawned an internal debate as to "what (he) should do." This indecision clearly shows the hesitation he had in going against the traditional beliefs of chastity and the importance of self-restraint. Although at first glance, the reader may believe that Porphyria was murdered, looking carefully at the hidden connotations may prove this particular notion otherwise. Unknown to most people today, it was believed that the idea of reaching an orgasm was the closest experience a human being may encounter without having to actually die. With that notion in mind carrying through to the poem,
             ...