Fra Lippo Lippi
Robert Browning’s dramatic monologue, “Fra Lippo Lippi,” remains a compelling exploration of artistic expression and the constraints imposed by societal expectations. First published in 1855 as part of his collection, Men and Women, the poem presents a vibrant, self justifying defense of art that celebrates life in all its messy, imperfect glory. The poem’s lasting power stems from its portrayal of an artist struggling to reconcile his creative vision with the demands of a restrictive religious institution.
Summary of Fra Lippo Lippi
The poem unfolds as a spontaneous, late night discourse delivered by Fra Lippo Lippi, a Carmelite friar and painter, to two city watchmen. Arrested and initially mistaken for a drunkard, Lippo quickly establishes his identity and launches into a passionate defense of his life and art. He recounts his difficult upbringing as an orphan, raised within the confines of the church, and details the sacrifices he has made to hone his skills as a painter. Lippo emphasizes that his art isn’t merely pious decoration; it is an observation of life—its beauty, its frailty, and its inherent humanity. He laments the Church’s insistence on depicting only idealized saints and calls for an art that reflects the reality of human experience. He envisions a grand altarpiece that will not only honor God but also showcase the full spectrum of human life, even including a self portrait as a humble observer.
Major Themes in “Fra Lippo Lippi”
Several key themes weave through “Fra Lippo Lippi,” creating a rich tapestry of meaning.
- Artistic Freedom vs. Religious Constraint: This is the central conflict of the poem. Lippo argues that true artistry demands freedom—freedom to observe, to interpret, and to depict life as it truly is, rather than adhering to rigid, predetermined ideals. He clashes with the Church’s preference for stylized depictions of holiness, believing that art should celebrate the beauty and complexity of the human form, flaws and all.
- The Value of Observation: Lippo is, at heart, an empiricist. He believes that genuine understanding comes from careful observation of the world around us. He notes, “I paint what I see,” emphasizing his commitment to capturing the nuances of human emotion and physicality.
- Self-Justification and Pride: While Lippo champions artistic freedom, his monologue is also deeply self serving. He repeatedly emphasizes his talent, his dedication, and the importance of his work, occasionally bordering on arrogance. This blend of artistic passion and personal pride adds complexity to his character.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Fra Lippo Lippi”
Browning skillfully employs a range of literary devices to bring “Fra Lippo Lippi” to life.
- Imagery: Browning uses vivid imagery to create a compelling sensory experience for the reader. For example, Lippo’s descriptions of colors, textures, and light are particularly striking. Consider the lines describing his vision for the altarpiece, full of “lilies and vestments and white faces.”
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds adds musicality and emphasis to the poem. Notice the alliteration in phrases like “pale and particular,” or “frame to? What’s it all about.”
- Enjambment: Browning frequently uses enjambment— the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—to create a sense of momentum and natural speech. This technique mimics the way Lippo would speak in a spontaneous, conversational manner.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Fra Lippo Lippi”
Beyond literary devices, Browning utilizes several poetic techniques to enhance the poem’s effect.
- Blank Verse: The poem is written in blank verse and unrhymed iambic pentameter. This gives the poem a natural, conversational rhythm while maintaining a degree of formality.
- Dramatic Monologue: The poem is a prime example of a dramatic monologue. Browning allows Lippo to reveal his character, motivations, and worldview through his own uninterrupted speech. This technique allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about Lippo’s character.
Quotes to Consider
The following lines encapsulate central themes of the poem:
“Much more the figures of man, woman, child,
These are the frame to? What’s it all about.”
This quote highlights Lippo’s belief that art should reflect the totality of human experience, not just idealized representations of holiness. It underscores his desire to paint the world as he sees it, with all its imperfections and complexities.
“I paint what I see… and what I see is what I paint.”
This simple yet powerful statement underscores Lippo’s commitment to realism and his rejection of artistic convention.
In conclusion, “Fra Lippo Lippi” is a complex and rewarding poem that explores the tension between artistic freedom and societal constraints. Through the voice of a passionate and self assured artist, Browning challenges us to reconsider the purpose and value of art.