English Notes: Browning Summaries

I did some of these 'summaries' earlier for Tennyson, and (while I personally think Browning is less interesting than Tennyson) I figured I ought to do some for Browning too. Personally, there's very little chance I'll do Browning for Section A, but just in case hell freezes over, I've gone and done these (and besides, it's good to bare this shit in mind for Section B). As usual, don't trust what I'm saying (I'm just a kid, and you probably have better ideas, etc) in fact, I'm fully aware that these are generally quite shite - but I promised I'd put them up so whatever.

Porphyria's Lover:
In 'Porphyria's Lover' Browning examines unorthodox love, through the story of Pophyria; a woman strangled with her own hair, by her obsessive, delusional, and potentially psychotic lover. Through this poem Browning challenges traditional ideas of love, death, and morality - perhaps criticising society's demonisation of those suffering from mental illness, whose actions, in fact, stem from vulnerability rather than malice?

The Patriot:
In 'The Patriot' Browning depicts the fall from grace of a man, once a hero, now turned upon by the same public who used to worship the ground he walked on, and put to death. Through this poem Browning explores the fickle nature and mob mentality of society, and the dangers of investing in fleeting public approval, as adoration can turn only too quickly to contempt.

My Last Duchess:
In 'My Last Duchess' Browning examines the story of the prideful Duke of Ferrara, who boasts of putting his 'last duchess' to death, whilst arranging his next marriage, and next potential victim. Through this poem Browning explores the power play of relationships and the objectification of women in society, perhaps also offering a criticism of the way those in high status can freely manipulate their power, and how wealth and perceived entitlement can blur the lines of morality.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin:
In 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin', Browning examines the story of the Pied Piper, who takes vengeance on the town of Hamelin, after ridding the town of its rat infestation and being denied payment by the selfish mayor. Behind the guise of an innocent child's tale, Browning explores how the dangers of corruption, greed, and lies, like a plague of rats, can tear apart a society, and delivers a moral message that we must always keep our word.

The Laboratory:
In 'The Laboratory' Browning examines the jealousy and bitterness of a vengeful woman, immersed in the arousal of a cathartic ritual as she plans to poison her lover's new mistress. Through this, Browning explores the wrath and rivalry of 'poisonous' women; deadliness concealed beneath a sweet exterior, perhaps highlighting the saying that 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned'

Fra Lippo Lippi: 
In 'Fra Lippo Lippi' Browning explores a philosophical debate about abstract ideas of morality, art and religion, criticising over-sensitivity and the censorship of perceived taboos, and ironically presenting a seemingly elevated, coherent argument from the mouth of a drunken, promiscuous monk/artist who has been caught out in the middle of the night, by guards.