The Aspirations and Deceptions of Art in "Fra Lippo Lippi" Flynn O'Brien 12th Grade

What role does transcendentalism have in the world of art and artistic expression? Fixated on the reality and the truth, Fra Lippo Lippi is found in a compromising position “at an alley’s end” with “sportive ladies.” Not only does this expose the hypocrisy prevalent in religion but the conflicting notions of materialism, idealism and “the value and significance of flesh.” In a minute exploration of the restricted creativity of the monk Browning unveils the constrictions placed on the Florentine society and the expectations placed upon different societal echelons. Furthermore, Browning uses Fra Lippo - himself a creator - to draw parallels between God and artists, suggesting that Browning himself acts in an almost god-like manner through the creation of his opus and the conception of fictional societies. The juxtaposition of the art that Fra Lippo wants to create and the expectations of the monastery questions the true meaning of art and whether or not it is realistic or idealistic.

At the beginning of the dramatic monologue Lippo’s hedonism and lust is at direct odds with the teaching of the church which “renounce[s] the world, its pride and greed.” Thus, this consecrates the idea that physical desire must be renounced in the...