How Does Browning Reflect the Renaissance Spirit in His Poems? 

Answer

How does Browning reflect the Renaissance temper in his poems? Discuss. 

The Renaissance was a time of great change in Europe. It started in the 14th century and continued into the 17th century. The Renaissance focused on art, beauty, learning, and the value of human life. It celebrated individual talent, earthly joys, and the balance between body and soul. Robert Browning (1812-1889), though a Victorian poet, often shows Renaissance ideas in his poems. His characters, their love for art, passion, ambition, and deep thoughts show us the Renaissance spirit or temper.

Celebration of Human Potential: Renaissance thinkers believed that human beings are capable of great things. In Browning’s poems, the speakers talk about their dreams, ambition, and failures. In “Andrea del Sarto,” the speaker is a real-life painter. He feels he could have done better in life. He blames his own weakness and his wife, Lucrezia. He says people should try to do more than what they can easily reach.

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,

Or what’s a heaven for?”

This line shows a Renaissance belief—that a person should always try for more, even if he fails. Andrea dreams of perfect art, just like Renaissance artists Raphael and Michelangelo.

Love for Art and Beauty: The Renaissance was famous for beautiful paintings, sculptures, and poems. Art was very important. In Browning’s poem “Fra Lippo Lippi,” the speaker is also a real-life painter. He wants to paint real human bodies like the Prior’s mistress or the men in the neighbourhood. But the Church wants him to paint only holy things. So, he says:

“Can’t I take breath and try to add life’s flash.”

Fra Lippo wants to combine flesh and soul in art. This shows the Renaissance love for art and the beauty of real life. Moreover, in “My Last Duchess,” the Duke owns wonderful pieces of art, like the painting of his last Duchess and