The influence of Landor's Imaginary conversations on the development of Browning's dramatic monologues

Abstract

The friendship of Walter Savage Landor and Robert Browning has been of considerable literary significance. Even though a wide difference in age existed--thirty-seven years-- they were attracted to each other. Greater contrasts in disposition and temperament could not be found in two men. At the beginning or their acquaintance Browning was a young writer with very little poetical achievement that had aroused public acclaim or any position of merit, while Landor enjoyed the rank of an established poet and was famous as an author of literary dialogues. Lack of restraint, impetuosity and an uncontrollable temper had earned for Landor the reputation of a man with a violent disposition. Browning possessed a diplomatic faculty which aided him in constantly enlarging his circle of friends.