What Philosophy of Life Do You Find in “Andrea Del Sarto?” 

Answer

What philosophy of life do you find in “Andrea del Sarto”?

Robert Browning’s (1812-1889) “Andrea del Sarto” (1855) is about a talented by unsuccessful painter, Andrea. In this poem, Andrea talks to his wife, Lucrezia, and shares his sadness, regrets, and ideas about life. Through his words, we find a deep philosophy of life about success, failure, love, and human weakness. 

Talent Is Not Enough: Andrea is a talented painter. His works are smooth and perfect. But he feels something is missing in his art. His paintings have no soul or deep feeling. He says other artists like Rafael and Michelangelo make mistakes, but their work has more life. Andrea believes real greatness comes from deep feeling, not just skill.

Life Needs High Goals: Andrea thinks people should try to do more than what they can easily reach. Here, he says one of the most famous lines of this poem:

“A man’s reach should exceed his grasp,

Or what’s a heaven for?”

Here, Andrea means that people should always try for something higher, even if they cannot reach it. People should always try and never give up.

Weakness and Regret: Andrea is also full of regret and sadness. He feels that he gave up a life of great potential for love, for his Lucrezia. He even betrayed the king. Now, he blames himself, but also blames her. He says that he had the skill to do great things, but not the inspiration. He thinks some people can do great things but do not (like him), and others want to but cannot.

In conclusion, the poem teaches us that life is not only about talent. It is about desire, passion, and trying to reach higher goals. Andrea’s life shows the pain of lost chances.