How does Browning Treat Love in “Fra Lippo Lippi?”

Answer

How does Browning treat love in “Fra Lippo Lippi”?

In Robert Browning’s (1812-1889) poem “Fra Lippo Lippi” (1855), love is shown as a natural and joyful part of human life. In this dramatic monologue, Lippo, the speaker, argues that love and human feelings are connected to art, beauty, and real life.

Human Love and Joy: Fra Lippo Lippi is a painter and a monk, but he loves to enjoy life. He talks about “sportive ladies,” fun songs, and lively streets. He meets with ladies in secret. He admits that he is made of “flesh and blood,” which means he has natural human desires and feelings. For him, love is not a sin, but something joyful and full of life. He thinks people should not feel guilty for loving or enjoying beauty.

Love and Real Life in Painting: Lippo Lippi believes that love should be shown in painting, too. He paints real people, their emotions, and even their beauty. For example, Lippo’s paintings of saints look like the Prior’s mistress and the men of the neighborhood. But the Church does not like Lippo’s way of painting. The monks want him to paint only holy things, the human soul, and ignore the human body. They say:

“Your business is to paint the souls of men…”

So, Lippo asks why he cannot make his paintings look real and full of life. He wants to show both the body and the soul. He argues that even God made the world beautiful, full of love, colours, and shapes. He believes that when art shows real feelings, it becomes more beautiful and meaningful.

In short, Browning shows love in this poem as something real, full of life, and deeply human. Love should not be hidden or feared. It should be accepted and celebrated, even in art and religion.