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. 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.

Andrea is sad. He feels that he gave up a life of great potential for love, for his Lucrezia. 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. So, Browning is saying that life is not only about talent. It is about desire, passion, and trying to reach higher goals.

Art as Pride and Power: In “My Last Duchess” (1842), Browning shows the pride and cruelty of the Duke of Ferrara. In this poem, the beautiful painting of the duke’s late wife becomes a symbol of power and control. He proudly points to the portrait of his dead wife and says,

“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall.”

Only the Duke decides who will see the painting. The Duchess is no longer a living woman; she is only an object. Later, we understand that the Duke is a jealous murderer. He killed his wife because she was cheerful and smiled with everyone. He reveals,

“I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped together.”

For the Duke, art is a tool of pride and power. Browning clearly shows that such an attitude is cruel and dangerous.

Art Should Portray Real Life: In “Fra Lippo Lippi” (1855), Browning presents his most positive idea of art. Fra Lippo is a painter and a monk. Though he is a monk, he says he likes to enjoy life. He meets secretly with ladies. From his speech, we learn that the Church wants him to paint only religious pictures. But he wants to paint real people and real life. He says:

“Can't I take breath and try to add life's flash…?”

He believes that art should show real life, real people, and real emotions. He believes that God created the world beautifully, so painting life is not sinful. Browning suggests that art should come from living fully. Real experience makes art strong and meaningful.

In fine, Browning presents a clear philosophy about art and life in his famous poems. He dislikes art that is empty, proud, or separated from real life. He also dislikes a life without ambition. Browning believes that great art is possible only when life is lived deeply, with struggle, feeling, and courage.