Our interest's on the dangerous edge of things. the honest thief, the tender murderer, the superstitious atheist

Our interest's on the dangerous edge of things. the honest thief, the tender murderer, the superstitious atheist

Robert Browning, a renowned Victorian poet, was known for his exploration of the darker aspects of human nature in his works. The quote “Our interest's on the dangerous edge of things. the honest thief, the tender murderer, the superstitious atheist” perfectly encapsulates Browning’s fascination with the complexities of the human psyche and his ability to delve into the minds of characters who exist on the fringes of society.

Browning’s interest in characters who are morally ambiguous or exist in a gray area is evident in many of his poems. In works such as “My Last Duchess” and “Porphyria’s Lover,” Browning delves into the minds of narrators who commit heinous acts of violence, yet justify their actions in a twisted and disturbing way. These characters are not easily categorized as purely good or evil, but rather exist in a morally ambiguous space that challenges the reader’s perceptions of right and wrong.

The quote also speaks to Browning’s exploration of the theme of superstition and atheism in his works. Browning was known for his skepticism towards organized religion and his interest in exploring the complexities of faith and belief. In poems such as “Bishop Blougram’s Apology” and “Caliban upon Setebos,” Browning grapples with questions of faith, doubt, and the nature of God in a way that challenges traditional religious beliefs and explores the idea of superstition in a modern context.

Overall, the quote “Our interest's on the dangerous edge of things. the honest thief, the tender murderer, the superstitious atheist” perfectly encapsulates Browning’s fascination with characters who exist on the fringes of society and his exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. Through his works, Browning challenges readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions of morality, and invites them to explore the complexities of the human psyche in all its dark and twisted glory.