“Browning’s poems are a psychological study of characters.” Discuss.

Answer

Comment on how Browning reveals a deep knowledge of the psychology of men and women. 

Or, “The poetry of Robert Browning reveals a deep knowledge of the psychology of men and women”. Discuss. 

Or, “Browning’s poems are a psychological study of characters.” Discuss.

Robert Browning (1812-1889) is a famous Victorian poet. He is best known for writing dramatic monologues. In these poems, a single speaker speaks and tells us about their thoughts and feelings. Through their words, Browning shows us how people think, feel, love, hate, and act. His poems are like a psychological study of real human beings. He deeply understands the minds of both men and women, and he shows this in his poetry.

Psychological Study of Characters

Browning does not describe what a person looks like. Instead, he gives us insight into their psychology (mind). In his poems, the speaker may say one thing, but we often understand something more. Browning uses simple talk to reveal hidden feelings like pride, fear, jealousy, regret, and love. The speakers often reveal their true nature without knowing it. 

“My Last Duchess” – A Study of Male Pride and Jealousy: In this poem, the Duke of Ferrara speaks to a visitor. While talking, he shows a painting of his last Duchess (his dead wife). He talks about her smiling too much at everyone. Slowly, we understand that the duke is proud, jealous, cruel, and controlling. He says:

“I gave commands;

Then all smiles stopped together.”

This means he may have killed his wife. The poem shows his controlling nature. The Duke thinks he is perfect, but we can see his cruel and selfish mind. Browning shows us the psychology of a man who wants total control.

“Fra Lippo Lippi” – A Study of Conflict Between Flesh and Soul: Fra Lippo is a painter and a monk. He talks to some nightguards and tells them about his life. He says he likes to enjoy life. He meets secretly with ladies. He wants to paint real human