Browning begins by setting the scene and foreshadowing events to come. First, his use of the adverb “early” indicates that there is something different about the night in question. Second, rain has many symbolic meanings in literature: from rebirth and cleansing, to tragedy and death. So, their combined use creates a tone of expectation and tension. As readers, we are prepared to experience some kind of event that will follow through on this premise.
