Summary:
“The Laboratory” is a dramatic monologue written by Robert Browning in 1844. The poem is set in 17th or 18th-century France and follows a jealous woman who visits an apothecary to purchase poison. She wants to kill her romantic rival and possibly other women who have wronged her. The poem vividly describes the preparation of the poison and reveals the speaker’s deep obsession with revenge. The tone is dark and sinister, emphasizing themes of jealousy, vengeance, and moral corruption.
MCQs:
- Who is the speaker in “The Laboratory”?
a) A doctor
b) A jealous woman
c) A king
d) A servant
Answer: b) A jealous woman - What is the setting of the poem?
a) A battlefield
b) A church
c) A laboratory
d) A courtroom
Answer: c) A laboratory - What is the woman’s purpose in visiting the laboratory?
a) To find a cure for a disease
b) To create a magical potion
c) To buy poison for murder
d) To learn science
Answer: c) To buy poison for murder
The Laboratory - Who is the intended victim of the poison?
a) The woman’s husband
b) The king
c) Her romantic rival
d) A stranger
Answer: c) Her romantic rival - What does the speaker compare the poison to?
a) A sleeping potion
b) A deadly jewel
c) A beautiful flower
d) A sharp sword
Answer: b) A deadly jewel - What is the primary theme of the poem?
a) Love and devotion
b) Revenge and jealousy
c) Hope and forgiveness
d) Science and progress
Answer: b) Revenge and jealousy - What emotion does the speaker express throughout the poem?
a) Happiness
b) Fear
c) Excitement and satisfaction
d) Guilt and remorse
Answer: c) Excitement and satisfaction - How does the woman feel about the poison?
a) Afraid
b) Fascinated and delighted
c) Repulsed
d) Indifferent
Answer: b) Fascinated and delighted - What does the woman offer the apothecary?
a) Money and jewels
b) A promise of protection
c) A scientific experiment
d) Her gratitude
Answer: a) Money and jewels - What poetic form is “The Laboratory” written in?
a) Sonnet
b) Dramatic monologue
c) Free verse
d) Epic poem
Answer: b) Dramatic monologue
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | The Laboratory |
| Poet | Robert Browning |
| Year Written | 1844 |
| Year Published | 1844 |
| Poem Type | Dramatic Monologue |
| Verse Form | Rhymed Couplets |
| Setting | A laboratory in 17th or 18th-century France |
| Main Character | A jealous woman |
| Themes | Jealousy, Revenge, Murder, Moral Corruption |
| Tone | Sinister, Excited, Morbidly Fascinated |
| Famous Quote | “Grind away, moisten and mash up thy paste, / Pound at thy powder—I am not in haste!” |
| Main Conflict | The woman’s obsession with killing her romantic rival |
| Structure | 12 quatrains, each in rhymed couplets |
| Legacy | A classic example of Browning’s mastery in dramatic monologue, showcasing psychological depth and dark themes |