The Pied Piper of Hamelin

“The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning is a narrative retelling of a folk tale popularized by the brothers Grimm and loosely based on real historic events. It was originally published in 1842 in Browning’s collection Dramatic Lyrics, then adapted into an illustrated children’s book. Browning wrote this poem for the ill son of a friend whom he was visiting; this child is directly addressed in the poem’s closing stanza. “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” explores themes of social class and greed, honesty, and the power of music and story.

Poet Biography

Robert Browning (1812-1889) was an English poet and playwright who is intrinsically associated with the styles of the Victorian era. He was born in what is now the Borough of Southwark in south London. Browning’s grandfather was an enslaver, but his father was a dedicated abolitionist. Their household was filled with books and encouraged learning. When Browning struggled with conventional school during childhood, he was privately educated at home. He studied languages and music, but devoted himself to writing poetry. He was particularly influenced by Romantic-era poets such as Percy Shelley, and elements of Shelley’s

Unlock all 19 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App

+ Printable PDF

+ Literary AI Tools

Unlock Full Library