My Last Duchess is a poem written by Robert Browning. It is about a Duke who is showing a visitor a painting of his wife who has passed away. The Duke talks about his wife’s behavior and how he was unhappy with her because she smiled at everyone and treated everyone kindly.
He wanted to control her and didn’t like her friendly nature. This poem gives us a look into the Duke’s mind and shows how some people want to have power over others. The poem also teaches us about how unfair it is to treat someone like an object instead of a person.
Though My Last Duchess was written in 1842, it takes place in the 16th century. The poem also helps us learn about how women were treated during Robert Browning’s time. By giving voice to bad characters like the Duke, Browning showed how unfairly some people were treated, especially women, and how wrong it was to be so controlling.
An in-depth ‘My Last Duchess’: Critical Analysis of Power & Tragedy reveals the intricate portrayal of authority and the tragic consequences of the Duke’s actions.
Table of Contents
About the poet: Robert Browning
Robert Browning wrote many poems that tell stories through the voices of different characters. His poems often feature dramatic monologues, where a single character reveals their personal feelings and secrets to the reader. This way of writing helps us understand the character’s emotions and thoughts in a deep and interesting way. Browning’s works include poems about historical figures, imaginary characters, and real-life people. He used his poetry to explore themes like love, power, and human nature, making his poems both exciting and thought-provoking.
Robert Browning was a famous poet who liked to write poems where characters spoke directly to the reader, revealing their hidden feelings and thoughts. In his poem “My Last Duchess,” Browning introduces us to the Duke of Ferrara, a wealthy man from Italy.
The Duke is showing off a portrait of his deceased wife and talking about her as if she were still alive. Through the Duke’s words, we learn that he was very jealous and controlling. He didn’t like that his wife was friendly and happy with others, and this jealousy led to his cruelty. Browning uses the Duke’s story to show how people can hide their true selves behind a mask of civility and sophistication.
Setting:
In the poem “My Last Duchess,” the story is set in the grand home of the Duke of Ferrara in Italy during the 16th century. Even though we don’t get a lot of details about the house itself, we know it is very big and impressive. This is because the Duke talks a lot about his fancy art collection. He mentions a special painting of his wife, who has passed away, and a beautiful statue of the god Neptune taming a sea-horse. These artworks are from famous (but fictional) artists, showing how wealthy and important the Duke is.
The main action of the poem happens in front of this painting of the Duke’s late wife. The painting is displayed in a special way, with curtains around it and a chair set up for people to sit and look at it. This setup allows the Duke to show off the painting and talk about it, making sure his guests pay attention to his stories and views. This setting helps the Duke control the conversation and highlight his wealth and power.
Literary Context:
Robert Browning was a famous poet during the Victorian era, along with Alfred Tennyson and Augusta Webster. They were known for creating a special type of poem called a dramatic monologue. In these poems, one character talks a lot, and through their words, we learn a lot about their true self, even if they don’t realize it. For example, in the poem “My Last Duchess,” the Duke talks about his former wife, but instead of just describing her, he reveals his own bad qualities.
Browning often used this style to explore the minds of his characters, whether they were troubled or creative. “My Last Duchess” was first published in a book called Dramatic Lyrics in 1842. This was the first book of Browning’s poems written as dramatic monologues. Many of his poems are set in Renaissance Italy, a time when art and culture were very important. In this poem, the Duke is not an artist himself but loves to collect art.
When it was first published, “My Last Duchess” did not become famous right away, but now it is widely read and included in many poetry collections. It is often used as an example of a dramatic monologue and has influenced other works, such as stories and poems by different authors.
Historical Context:
Robert Browning wrote “My Last Duchess” during the Victorian Era, which was the time when Queen Victoria ruled England, from the middle to the end of the 19th century. People in Victorian times were very interested in the Italian Renaissance, which was a period in Italy from the 14th to the early 17th century. This was a time when there was a big focus on art, science, and human achievements, and the Victorians admired these things a lot because they were also making their own discoveries and creating new art.
During the Renaissance, rich and powerful families often supported artists to show off their wealth and influence. In the poem, Browning hints that some of these rich patrons cared more about their own social status than about the art itself. They just wanted to look important by being connected to famous artists.
The Duke in the poem is based on a real historical figure, Alfonso II d’Este, who was the Duke of Ferrara in Italy in the late 1500s. Like the Duke in the poem, Alfonso II had several wives, and his first wife died young after only a short time of marriage.
Line by line analysis:
Line 1: “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,”
Word meaning:
Duchess: A wife of a Duke.
Painted: Shown in a picture.
Explanation:
The Duke is pointing to a painting of his wife, the Duchess, on the wall. He is showing it to someone.
Line 2: “Looking as if she were alive. I call”
Word meaning:
Alive: Living, not dead.
Explanation:
The Duke says the painting of his wife looks so realistic that it almost seems like she is still alive.
Line 3: “That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands”
Word meaning:
Piece: The painting.
Wonder: Something amazing or great.
Fra Pandolf: The name of the artist who painted the picture.
Explanation:
The Duke says that the painting is a masterpiece. It was painted by an artist named Fra Pandolf.
Line 4: “Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”
Word meaning:
Worked busily: The artist worked hard.
There she stands: The picture shows the Duchess standing.
Explanation:
The artist worked hard on the painting for a day, and now the painting of the Duchess stands on the wall, looking lifelike.
Line 5: “Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said”
Word meaning:
Will’t: Will you?
Please: Kindly.
Sit: To take a seat.
Explanation:
The Duke asks his visitor if he would like to sit and admire the painting of his late wife.
Line 6: “‘Fra Pandolf’ by design, for never read”
Word meaning:
By design: On purpose, intentionally.
Never read: People don’t see or understand.
Explanation:
The Duke mentions the name “Fra Pandolf” deliberately, knowing that people who see the painting don’t understand its deeper meaning right away.
Line 7: “Strangers like you that pictured countenance,”
Word meaning:
Strangers: Visitors, people who don’t know the Duke well.
Pictured countenance: The face in the painting.
Explanation:
The Duke says that visitors like his guest often don’t understand the look on the Duchess’s face in the painting.
Line 8: “The depth and passion of its earnest glance,”
Word meaning:
Depth: Intensity or strong feeling.
Passion: Strong emotion.
Earnest glance: Sincere look.
Explanation:
He talks about the deep and passionate look on the Duchess’s face in the painting.
Line 9: “But to myself they turned (since none puts by”
Word meaning:
Turned: People look to the Duke.
None puts by: No one moves the curtain without his permission.
Explanation:
Only the Duke shows the painting because he is the one who controls the curtain that covers it. He decides who gets to see the painting.
Line 10: “The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)”
Word meaning:
Curtain: A cloth that covers the painting.
Drawn: Pulled back.
Explanation:
The Duke is the only one who can pull the curtain and reveal the painting of his wife.
Line 11: “And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,”
Word meaning:
Seemed: Appeared.
Ask me: Visitors want to ask the Duke something.
Durst: Dared, had the courage to.
Explanation:
The Duke says that visitors seem like they want to ask him something about the painting but are too afraid to.
Line 12: “How such a glance came there; so, not the first”
Word meaning:
Glance: The look or expression on the Duchess’s face.
Came there: How the look appeared on her face.
Explanation:
People wonder how the Duchess got that special look on her face in the painting, but they don’t ask.
Line 13: “Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not”
Word meaning:
Turn and ask: The visitor is about to ask the Duke.
’Twas not: It was not.
Explanation:
The Duke says that the current visitor is not the first person to want to ask about the look on his wife’s face.
Line 14: “Her husband’s presence only, called that spot”
Word meaning:
Husband: The Duke himself.
Presence: Being there.
Spot: A blush or red mark on her cheek.
Explanation:
The Duke believes that his wife didn’t only blush because of him, her husband, but also for other reasons.
Line 15: “Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps”
Word meaning:
Joy: Happiness.
Cheek: The side of the face.
Explanation:
The Duke noticed that his wife would get happy and blush, not just because of him, but maybe for other reasons too.
Line 16: “Fra Pandolf chanced to say, ‘Her mantle laps’”
Word meaning:
Fra Pandolf: The artist.
Chanced: Happened.
Mantle: Her cloak or dress.
Laps: Covers.
Explanation:
The Duke thinks that even small comments from the artist, Fra Pandolf, about her dress might have made his wife blush.
Line 17: “Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint”
Word meaning:
Lady: The Duchess, the Duke’s wife.
Wrist: The part between the hand and arm.
Explanation:
The Duke remembers how the artist might have commented on the Duchess’s dress covering too much of her wrist.
Line 18: “Must never hope to reproduce the faint”
Word meaning:
Paint: The artist’s paint.
Reproduce: Copy exactly.
Faint: Slight or light.
Explanation:
The artist says that his paint can never perfectly capture the light blush on the Duchess’s throat.
Line 19: “Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff”
Word meaning:
Half-flush: A small blush.
Dies: Fades away.
Throat: The front part of the neck.
Explanation:
The artist comments on the soft blush on the Duchess’s neck that fades away quickly.
Line 20: “Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough”
Word meaning:
Courtesy: Politeness or kindness.
Cause enough: A good reason.
Explanation:
The Duchess thought that these small compliments from the artist were just polite and kind, and they were enough to make her smile or blush.
Line 21: “For calling up that spot of joy. She had”
Word meaning:
Calling up: Bringing out.
Spot of joy: A blush of happiness.
Explanation:
The Duchess would blush with joy because she appreciated the polite comments.
Line 22: “A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made glad,”
Word meaning:
Heart: Her feelings or emotions.
Too soon made glad: She became happy too easily.
Explanation:
The Duke criticizes his wife, saying she was too easily made happy by simple things.
Line 23: “Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er”
Word meaning:
Too easily impressed: She admired things too quickly.
Whate’er: Whatever.
Explanation:
He says she was too easily impressed by everything around her and found joy in simple things.
Line 24: “She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.”
Word meaning:
Looked on: Saw or noticed.
Went everywhere: Her admiration was given to many things.
Explanation:
The Duke complains that the Duchess admired everything she saw and gave her attention to everything equally.
Line 25: “Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast,”
Word meaning:
’Twas all one: It was all the same to her.
Favour: A special token or gift.
Breast: Chest or heart.
Explanation:
The Duke is frustrated because, to the Duchess, his special gifts or tokens were treated the same as any other small thing that made her happy.
Line 26: “The dropping of the daylight in the West,”
Word meaning:
Dropping: Fading away.
Daylight in the West: The setting sun.
Explanation:
He gives an example, saying that she admired his gifts just like she admired the sunset, with no special preference.
Line 27: “The bough of cherries some officious fool”
Word meaning:
Bough: A branch.
Officious fool: Someone who eagerly tries to help but isn’t smart.
Explanation:
The Duke mentions a simple person who picked cherries for her, and even that small act made her just as happy as his grand gifts.
Line 28: “Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule”
Word meaning:
Broke: Took or snapped off.
Orchard: A garden where fruits are grown.
White mule: The animal she rode.
Explanation:
The Duke says that even a branch of cherries from a garden or riding her white mule made her as happy as anything else.
Line 29: “She rode with round the terrace—all and each”
Word meaning:
Rode: Traveled on the mule.
Terrace: An open, paved area near the house.
All and each: Everything and everyone.
Explanation:
He says that the Duchess found joy in everything she did, even in the simple act of riding her mule around the house.
Line 30: “Would draw from her alike the approving speech,”
Word meaning:
Draw: Get or receive.
Alike: In the same way.
Approving speech: Kind or happy words.
Explanation:
Everything, no matter how big or small, made her say nice or happy things.
Line 31: “Or blush, at least. She thanked men—good! but thanked”
Word meaning:
Blush: Turn red with happiness or embarrassment.
Thanked: Said thank you.
Men: Other people, not just the Duke.
Explanation:
The Duchess would either blush or say thank you to anyone who did something nice for her, not just the Duke.
Line 32: “Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked”
Word meaning:
Somehow: In some way.
I know not how: The Duke doesn’t understand why.
Ranked: Judged or compared.
Explanation:
The Duke felt that the Duchess treated his special gifts as if they were no more important than anyone else’s actions, which upset him.
Line 33: “My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name”
Word meaning:
Gift: Something given to her.
Nine-hundred-years-old name: The Duke’s ancient and noble family name.
Explanation:
He gave her the honor of his family’s long and respected name, but he felt she didn’t appreciate it enough.
Line 34: “With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame”
Word meaning:
Anybody: Any other person.
Stoop: Lower oneself or tolerate.
Explanation:
The Duke couldn’t lower himself to scold or correct her, even though he felt her behavior was wrong.
Line 35: “This sort of trifling? Even had you skill”
Word meaning:
Trifling: Treating something important as if it were unimportant.
Skill: The ability to do something well.
Explanation:
The Duke considered her happiness over small things as something unimportant and didn’t have the skill to confront her about it.
Line 36: “In speech—which I have not—to make your will”
Word meaning:
In speech: Through talking.
Will: Desire or command.
Explanation:
The Duke admits that he’s not good at speaking, so he never told her what he really wanted from her.
Line 37: “Quite clear to such an one, and say, ‘Just this”
Word meaning:
Quite clear: Make something very obvious.
Such an one: A person like the Duchess.
Just this: Only this.
Explanation:
He didn’t tell her exactly what bothered him because he didn’t think it would work or be worth the effort.
Line 38: “Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss,”
Word meaning:
Disgusts: Strongly displeases.
Miss: Fail or make a mistake.
Explanation:
The Duke never told his wife what specifically upset him about her behavior or what she did wrong.
Line 39: “Or there exceed the mark’—and if she let”
Word meaning:
Exceed the mark: Go too far or act beyond what’s acceptable.
Let: Allowed.
Explanation:
Even if the Duchess did something beyond what was acceptable, the Duke never told her directly.
Line 40: “Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set”
Word meaning:
Be lessoned: Be taught or corrected.
Plainly set: Clearly say or argue.
Explanation:
He never gave her clear lessons or corrections, nor did she try to argue or explain her side.
Line 41: “Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse—”
Word meaning:
Wits: Intelligence or reasoning.
Forsooth: Truly or indeed (an old-fashioned word).
Made excuse: Give reasons or defend herself.
Explanation:
The Duke says that even if she tried to argue or defend herself, it would still not matter to him.
Line 42: “E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose”
Word meaning:
E’en: Even.
Stooping: Lowering oneself.
Explanation:
The Duke says that even if he tried to correct her, it would mean he was lowering himself, which he refused to do.
Line 43: “Never to stoop. Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt,”
Word meaning:
Never to stoop: He chose never to lower himself.
Smiled: Showed happiness.
Explanation:
The Duke firmly says he would never lower himself to correct her behavior. He admits she smiled at him, but he didn’t appreciate it.
Line 44: “Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without”
Word meaning:
Whene’er: Whenever.
Passed: Walked by.
Without: Without also getting a smile.
Explanation:
The Duke says that she smiled at him whenever he walked by, but he felt that she smiled at everyone in the same way.
Line 45: “Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands;”
Word meaning:
Much the same: Almost identical.
This grew: Her behavior continued.
Gave commands: Ordered something to happen.
Explanation:
He noticed that she smiled the same at everyone, not just him, and it bothered him more over time. Eventually, he gave orders to stop this behavior.
Line 46: “Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands”
Word meaning:
All smiles stopped: She stopped smiling completely.
There she stands: Referring to the painting.
Explanation:
After he gave his commands, she stopped smiling forever, which hints that she might have been killed. Now she’s only seen in the painting, as if alive.
Line 47: “As if alive. Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet”
Word meaning:
As if alive: The painting looks lifelike.
Will’t please you rise?: Will you please stand up?
Explanation:
The Duke points out how lifelike the painting is, but then changes the subject and asks the listener to stand up so they can leave.
Line 48: “The company below, then. I repeat,”
Word meaning:
Company below: The people waiting downstairs.
I repeat: The Duke says something again.
Explanation:
The Duke reminds the listener that they will go meet the others downstairs and repeats what he has said to emphasize his point.
Line 49: “The Count your master’s known munificence”
Word meaning:
Count: The father of the woman the Duke wants to marry.
Munificence: Generosity or wealth.
Explanation:
The Duke refers to the father of the woman he wants to marry and compliments his generosity, implying that he expects a large dowry.
Line 50: “Is ample warrant that no just pretense”
Word meaning:
Ample warrant: Enough reason or proof.
Just pretense: Any reasonable excuse or claim.
Explanation:
The Duke says that the father’s generosity is enough reason to believe that the dowry will be large and fair.
Line 51: “Of mine for dowry will be disallowed;”
Word meaning:
Dowry: The money or property a bride brings to her husband.
Disallowed: Refused or not accepted.
Explanation:
The Duke says that he is confident the dowry he expects will not be denied or refused.
Line 52: “Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed”
Word meaning:
Fair daughter: The Count’s beautiful daughter.
Avowed: Stated or declared.
Explanation:
The Duke reminds the listener that, while the dowry is important, he is really interested in marrying the Count’s beautiful daughter.
Line 53: “At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go”
Word meaning:
At starting: From the beginning.
Object: His goal or desire.
Nay: No or let’s not.
Explanation:
The Duke repeats that his main goal is to marry the daughter. Then he suggests they leave together.
Line 54: “Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though,”
Word meaning:
Together down: Go downstairs together.
Neptune: The Roman god of the sea.
Explanation:
As they leave, the Duke asks the listener to notice a statue of Neptune, which shows his interest in art and wealth.
Line 55: “Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,”
Word meaning:
Taming: Controlling or subduing.
Sea-horse: A mythical creature that lives in the sea.
Rarity: Something unique or rare.
Explanation:
The Duke proudly points out a rare statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse, showing his taste for expensive and unique art.
Line 56: “Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”
Word meaning:
Claus of Innsbruck: A famous sculptor.
Cast in bronze: Made a sculpture using bronze.
Explanation:
The Duke finishes by mentioning that this impressive statue was made by a famous artist just for him, further showing his wealth and pride.
Summary of the poem:
In the poem My Last Duchess, the speaker is a Duke who is talking to a visitor. He shows the visitor a painting of his last wife, the Duchess, which is hanging on the wall. The Duke proudly says that the painting looks very real, almost like she is still alive. He also mentions the artist, Fra Pandolf, who worked hard to make the painting. The Duke explains that he is the only one who can pull back the curtain to show the painting, so everyone has to ask him about it.
The Duke talks about how his last Duchess was friendly and kind to everyone, and this made him jealous. He didn’t like that she smiled at others the same way she smiled at him. He gives examples, like how she would smile when someone gave her a branch of cherries or when she rode a white mule.
The Duke says that she did not appreciate his gift of a special family name that was 900 years old as much as she should have. He didn’t think it was worth talking to her about this because it would have been lowering himself, and he didn’t want to do that.
The Duke finally tells the visitor that he ordered something to stop the Duchess’s smiles forever, which hints that he had her killed. Now, she only smiles in the painting.
At the end, the Duke asks the visitor to come with him to meet the other people downstairs. He also points out a statue of Neptune, the sea god, taming a sea horse, which was made just for him by a famous artist. This shows the Duke’s love for beautiful and rare things.
This summary explains the poem in a simple way, showing how the Duke was jealous and controlling, and how he cared more about his pride and possessions than his wife.
Themes:
The Objectification of Women:
In the poem My Last Duchess, the Duke of Ferrara talks to a man who has come to arrange his new marriage. While they are talking, the Duke shows the man a painting of his last wife, called the Duchess. The Duke tells the story of his wife using the painting as a way to talk about her. He says that she was unfaithful, too happy, and didn’t listen to him. But instead of being sad that she is gone, he seems to prefer her as a painting, where she can’t do anything he doesn’t like. The Duke treats women like objects that he can control, keep, or throw away when he feels like it.
In this way, the Duke’s actions show how women were sometimes treated in the time when the poet, Robert Browning, lived. Back then, women were often seen as objects that men could own, rather than as real people with their own thoughts and feelings. Browning shows us that this attitude is wrong, because it takes away the dignity and independence of women.
The way the Duke talks about the painting shows how he thinks of women as things to own. He calls the painting a “piece” and a “wonder,” meaning he treats it like an art object that shows off how rich and important he is. He keeps repeating the name of the painter, Fra Pandolf, showing that he cares more about the famous artist who made the painting than about his wife, the woman in the painting. The Duke likes to show this painting to visitors, telling them to sit and look at her, as if she were just another beautiful object in his home.
When talking about his next wife, the Duke calls the new bride his “object,” showing he plans to treat her the same way, as something he can own and display. The Duke believes that women are like decorations for men to control, not real people who have their own lives and feelings.
The Duke seems upset with his last Duchess because she was independent and had her own happiness. She smiled too easily, was kind to everyone, and didn’t seem to value the Duke’s important family name more than anyone else’s gifts. She did not allow the Duke to control her feelings or behavior, and this made him angry.
The poem hints that the Duke was so unhappy with the Duchess being her own person that he ordered her to be killed. Although it is never said directly, it is clear that the Duchess is no longer alive, and the Duke now keeps her only in the painting, where she can no longer upset him.
By the end of the poem, it’s clear that the Duke sees women as things he can control. He doesn’t want them to have their own voices or lives. Browning uses this story to show how treating women like objects is wrong because it takes away their freedom and ability to speak for themselves.
An in-depth ‘My Last Duchess’: Critical Analysis of Power & Tragedy reveals the intricate portrayal of authority and the tragic consequences of the Duke’s actions.
Social Status, Art, and Elitism:
In My Last Duchess, the poem shows the Duke as a powerful and wealthy man, but it also suggests that he is not a good person. Even though the poem doesn’t openly criticize him, it makes us think that his high social status doesn’t make him morally better than anyone else.
The Duke keeps talking about his wealth, family name, and fancy art, using these things to show off and make people respect him. He believes that being rich and coming from a well-known family means he deserves to be treated as someone important. Through this, the poem subtly criticizes how the upper class uses their money and status to dominate others.
Throughout the poem, the Duke tries to remind his guest how powerful he is. He talks about the famous artists like Fra Pandolf and Claus of Innsbruck, who made art just for him. He also mentions his “nine-hundred-years-old name,” meaning his family is very old and respected. This is the Duke’s way of showing off that his family is important.
However, he also suggests that he had his last wife killed because she didn’t value his high status enough. He says she treated his family name just like anyone else’s gifts, which made him so upset that he “gave commands” and stopped her “smiles.”
At the same time, the Duke is about to talk to the family of his new bride about how much money they will give him for marrying their daughter. He expects them to pay a lot because he believes his family name is worth it. When he says that the Count’s generosity is “ample warrant,” it’s a hint that the Count will need to give him a big dowry. The Duke is not just talking about money, though. He’s warning the family that if they want their daughter to be safe, they need to show how much they respect his name by paying him well.
Before this negotiation, the Duke directs the guest’s attention to a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, taming a sea-horse. This statue is rare and was made by a famous sculptor just for him, so the Duke uses it to show off again. However, this statue is not only about art.
It has a deeper meaning. Neptune is shown forcefully controlling the sea-horse, just like the Duke controlled his last wife and plans to control the Count and his new bride. The Duke is comparing himself to Neptune, implying that he can dominate others with his power and status, just as Neptune does with the sea-horse.
In the end, the Duke’s grand manners and rich surroundings don’t hide the fact that he is not a kind or decent person. The poem shows that having money, fancy art, or a famous family name doesn’t make someone good or deserving of respect. For men like the Duke, beauty and art are not things to be loved and appreciated—they are just more ways to control and dominate others. Through this portrayal of the Duke, the poem quietly criticizes elitism and the upper class, suggesting that wealth and power don’t always come with kindness or goodness.
Control and Manipulation:
In the poem My Last Duchess, the Duke of Ferrara is not just a rich and powerful man; he also loves to control and manipulate others. He uses his high status and fancy art to make people feel small and to get what he wants. But his control is not just about showing off his wealth. He also uses subtle tricks to manipulate people, making his control even more dangerous because it’s not always obvious.
The Duke shows off his status by talking about his old family name and expensive artwork. He wants his guest to feel impressed and intimidated by how important he is. He also uses a painting of his former wife to control the situation. The painting is behind a curtain that only he can open, so he decides who gets to see it. He even puts a chair in front of the painting so that visitors have to sit down and listen to him talk about it. This way, he makes sure he’s always in charge of the conversation.
Throughout their chat, the Duke is the one who does all the talking. He doesn’t let the messenger say much. He pretends that the messenger has asked questions about the painting, even though the messenger hasn’t said anything. This way, the Duke makes it seem like the messenger is part of the conversation, but he really controls everything that happens.
Interestingly, the Duke’s speech seems well-rehearsed, even when he stumbles over his words. He talks as if he’s unsure about what to say, but it’s likely that he’s given this speech many times before. His pauses and self-doubt might just be an act to make him seem more genuine and less like he’s trying to control the situation. In reality, he’s so good at controlling others that he even practices how he appears to be uncertain or unskilled at talking.
By speaking directly to the messenger and addressing him as “you,” the Duke’s manipulation feels more personal and direct. This makes readers think about how they would react if they were in the messenger’s place. Would they notice how the Duke is trying to control them, or would they be convinced by his smooth talk and fancy ways?
The poem shows how powerful people can use their status and subtle tricks to control and manipulate others. It reminds us that even when someone seems to be just talking, they might be using their words and actions to get what they want.
Women in Victorian England:
The poem My Last Duchess is set in a time when women had very few rights and were often treated badly. Although the story takes place in an earlier time, the poem is more about how women were treated in the Victorian Age, which was the 1800s.
During the Victorian Age, people thought women should be delicate and depend on men for everything. A “good” woman was expected to be kind, selfless, and pure. The Duchess in the poem seems to fit these ideas because she was supposed to be a good wife. But the poem shows how unfair this was because it also reflects the problems with how women were treated.
Victorian men often wanted their wives to be innocent and pure, but they also wanted to control them completely. If a man was unhappy with his wife, he might not go as far as the Duke in the poem, who is suspected of having her killed. Instead, he might visit a prostitute, which would ruin the idea of a pure marriage and put his wife in danger.
The poem highlights how the Duke’s actions and views reflect the larger problems of Victorian society. It shows that even though the Duchess was supposed to be the perfect wife, she was still controlled and treated unfairly. This makes us think about how women’s lives were often controlled by the men around them and how this was a big problem in the Victorian Age.
Multiple Perspectives:
In his poems, Robert Browning often uses a special style called a “dramatic monologue,” where a character speaks directly to the reader. This style helps Browning show different sides of a story by using multiple characters to tell the same event from their own viewpoints.
One of Browning’s famous works, The Ring and the Book, tells a story about a murder through the voices of several characters. Each person gives their own version of what happened. By hearing from different characters, we understand that everyone sees events in their own way. This helps us see that there isn’t just one “truth” but many different truths depending on who is telling the story.
For example, Browning wrote poems called Fra Lippo Lippi and Andrea del Sarto. Even though these poems are about different characters, they both show how people react differently to similar situations. They help us understand that two people might go through the same event but have very different feelings and thoughts about it.
By showing multiple perspectives, Browning teaches us that everyone’s view of a situation can be different. No one person sees the whole picture perfectly, and each person’s view can help us understand more about what really happened.
The Purposes of Art:
In his poems, Robert Browning often delves into the world of art and the role it plays in our lives. Browning’s exploration of art includes examining how it can enhance our ability to observe and appreciate the world around us. For instance, in the poem “Fra Lippo Lippi,” Browning’s character argues that art helps us notice and value the beauty in our everyday experiences, like the smile of a loved one. This idea highlights how art can take the beauty of real life and make it more vivid and meaningful.
Art also serves to memorialize important people and events. Browning’s poems, such as “The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed’s Church,” illustrate how sculptures and monuments can honor and remember significant individuals. Through art, we can celebrate and preserve the legacies of those who have made an impact on society.
Furthermore, art has a practical purpose as well. Many artists create works not only to express their creativity but also to earn a living. Browning’s poem “Andrea del Sarto” reflects on the financial aspect of art, showing that for many artists, creating art is also a way to support themselves financially.
Overall, Browning’s exploration of art reveals its multifaceted nature. Art enriches our perception of the world, honors important figures, and provides a livelihood for its creators. Through his poems, Browning invites readers to consider these diverse purposes and appreciate the complex role art plays in our lives.
The Relationship between Art and Morality:
In his poems, Robert Browning often explored the relationship between art and morality, trying to understand if artists have a duty to be moral and whether they should judge their own characters and creations. Browning wrote about a lot of bad people who do terrible things like commit crimes and hurt others. Instead of showing his own opinions directly, Browning used a special way of writing called a dramatic monologue. This method lets him use different characters to tell their own stories and show their actions without showing his own beliefs.
For example, in the poem “My Last Duchess,” Browning creates a character, the Duke, who talks about his former wife and how he had her killed. The Duke doesn’t get judged or criticized by anyone in the poem, so Browning can explore dark and troubling topics through him.
Instead of Browning himself judging the Duke, the job of deciding whether the Duke is a bad person is left up to the readers. Through the Duke’s story, readers can see how cruel and unpleasant he is, even as he proudly shows off his art collection. This way, Browning allows readers to think about morality and art while keeping his own views separate from his characters.
Jealousy:
In the poem “My Last Duchess,” jealousy is a big theme. The Duke is very jealous because the Duchess used to smile at everyone, not just him. He wanted her to show special attention only to him, but she was friendly and kind to everyone she met. This made the Duke feel upset and envious. He even talks about how the Duchess’s smile in her portrait is something he doesn’t like.
He explains that the blush on her face in the painting was not just because he was there, but possibly because someone else, like the painter Fra Pandolf, had said something nice to her. The Duke is angry because he thinks that the Duchess’s smile was not only for him but for anyone who spoke to her nicely. This jealousy is one of the reasons why the Duke treated the Duchess poorly and why he ended up having her killed. So, jealousy plays a major role in showing how the Duke’s need for control and attention led to his cruel actions.
Dramatic Monologue:
A dramatic monologue is a special kind of poem where one character speaks to someone else. In the poem “My Last Duchess,” the Duke is the speaker, talking to a visitor who is interested in marrying the Duke’s daughter. This type of poem is different from others because the speaker, in this case, the Duke, is not the poet himself. Instead, the Duke is telling his own story to someone else.
In this poem, the Duke shows the visitor a painting of his late wife, the Duchess. The visitor has already seen many artworks in the Duke’s palace, and now the Duke invites him to look at the painting of the Duchess. He says, “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive. I call / That piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.” The Duke is proud of the painting and the artist, Fra Pandolf, who was a monk and painter.
The Duke acts politely and wants his guest to admire the painting, but as the monologue goes on, we learn more about the Duke’s feelings and how he controlled his wife. This type of poem lets us see the Duke’s character through what he says and how he acts, making the story more dramatic and interesting.
Motifs:
Abnormal Psychology:
In the poem “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning, we see an example of abnormal psychology through the Duke’s behavior and thoughts. The Duke’s actions and the way he talks about his late wife reveal several signs of abnormal psychology, including extreme possessiveness and a lack of empathy.
The Duke’s extreme jealousy is evident when he discusses his late wife’s smile. He is troubled that she smiled at everyone, not just him, and this causes him to feel deeply envious. He even goes so far as to say that her smile was not just for him, but because the artist Fra Pandolf said something to her. This shows how the Duke’s jealousy is irrational and controlling.
Moreover, the Duke’s reaction to his wife’s behavior is very extreme. Instead of addressing his feelings or discussing them, he had her killed. This act of violence highlights his abnormal psychological state. His lack of remorse or guilt further emphasizes his detachment from normal emotional responses.
The Duke’s behavior throughout the poem—his control over the painting, his desire to dominate, and his violent reaction—demonstrates aspects of abnormal psychology. He exhibits traits of a disturbed personality, including an obsessive need for control and an inability to empathize with others, making the poem a powerful exploration of psychological abnormalities.
John Keats: Negative Capability
Even though Browning wrote about this mean Duke, he wasn’t like that himself. In fact, he loved his wife, Elizabeth, very much and wrote sweet love poems for her. In My Last Duchess, Browning pretends to be the Duke and uses his imagination to tell the story. This skill of putting himself in another character’s shoes was something that a famous poet named John Keats called “negative capability.” It means the poet can write about different characters without showing his own thoughts.
Medieval and Renaissance European Settings:
In Robert Browning’s poems, he often sets his stories in medieval and Renaissance Europe, especially in Italy. This time and place are from long ago and allow him to talk about important issues in a way that feels old-fashioned. For example, Browning uses his knowledge of art, history, and architecture to create stories about real events and people from the past.
In “The Ring and the Book,” Browning tells a suspenseful story about a murder that happened in the seventeenth century. He uses the setting to explore complex ideas without directly confronting modern issues. Similarly, in “Andrea del Sarto,” he writes about a Renaissance painter and uses this historical backdrop to discuss themes like artistic struggle and personal failure.
One of Browning’s poems, “The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed’s Church,” features an Italian bishop from the late Renaissance. The bishop talks about his desire for a grand tomb and says, “I have bought a corner in Saint Praxed’s Church,” showing his vanity. Through this character’s pompous thoughts, Browning indirectly critiques the Church of England, which was facing problems in Browning’s own time. This way, Browning could comment on contemporary issues without being too obvious or direct.
Symbols:
Taste:
In his poems, Robert Browning often explores how characters’ tastes in art and culture reveal who they are and what they value. For example, in “My Last Duchess,” the Duke shows off a statue of Neptune taming a sea monster. This statue is important to him because it reflects his desire to control and dominate everything, including his wife. Just like Neptune, the Duke wants to have power over all aspects of his life.
In another poem called “Andrea del Sarto,” Browning tells the story of a Renaissance artist named Andrea. Andrea describes his paintings using words like “gold” and “silver,” which shows how he has changed. He used to create art because he loved it, but now he makes paintings just to earn money. His choice of words reflects how his love for art has been replaced by a focus on money. Through these details, Browning helps us understand how characters’ tastes and choices can reveal their true selves.
The Curtain:
In “My Last Duchess,” the curtain is an important symbol. It hides the painting of the Duchess, and this curtain represents the duke’s control over who can see her portrait. By covering the painting with a curtain, the duke decides who gets to look at the Duchess’s image. This is like how he controlled her life when she was alive.
The curtain shows his desire to keep everything under his control and make sure that only certain people can see what he wants them to see. It also reflects how he wants to keep the Duchess’s image just for himself, showing off his power and dominance. When the duke reveals the painting, it’s like he’s showing off his authority and reminding everyone that he is in charge. So, the curtain symbolizes his need to control both the people around him and the memories of his former wife.
The Duchess’s Blush:
The Duchess’s blush is a small but powerful symbol in the poem. When the duke talks about her blush, he’s referring to how she would show her feelings openly. Her blush represents her natural, innocent reactions to things around her. It’s a sign of her genuine emotions and her ability to be herself. The duke’s annoyance with her blush shows that he didn’t like how she expressed her feelings so freely.
He wanted her to behave in a way that pleased him, and her natural blush was something he couldn’t control. This symbol helps us understand how the Duchess was expected to hide her true feelings and conform to what the duke wanted. Her blush, therefore, becomes a symbol of her struggle to maintain her true self while being controlled by someone who demanded her compliance.
The Duke’s Portrait:
In the poem, the duke indirectly mentions his own portrait, and this is an important symbol. His portrait represents his vanity and self-importance. Just as he has the Duchess’s portrait painted to show her off, he likely has his own portrait done to display his own status and power.
This symbol shows how much the duke values himself and his image. He is very proud of his position and wants others to see how important he is. The duke’s focus on portraits reflects his obsession with appearances and how he uses them to reinforce his authority. By highlighting his own portrait, the duke is not just showing off his wealth and power but also reminding everyone of his dominance and superiority. This symbol helps us understand how the duke sees himself and how he wants others to see him.
The “Gift” of the Duchess:
In the poem, the duke refers to the Duchess as a “gift,” and this is a powerful symbol. When he calls her a gift, he is treating her like an object or possession rather than a person. This term shows how he sees his wife as something he owns and controls. Just like a gift that can be given or taken away, the duke views the Duchess as something he can show off or dismiss as he pleases.
This symbol highlights his lack of respect for her as an individual and his focus on his own power and control. By referring to her as a “gift,” the duke emphasizes his view that she is simply another part of his collection, meant to impress others and reinforce his status. This term helps us understand how the duke objectifies his wife and how he uses her image to display his own importance and authority.
Evil and Violence:
In Robert Browning’s poems, there are many examples of evil and violence. In “Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister,” the speaker talks about his strong dislike for a fellow friar and uses scary images like pirates and people being sent to hell to show his bad feelings. These images help us understand how mean and angry the speaker really is.
In another poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came,” Browning describes a creepy world with dead horses and destroyed landscapes. This setting helps create a sense of fear and darkness. Similarly, in “Porphyria’s Lover,” the speaker tells about how he killed his lover, Porphyria, by strangling her with her own hair. He even sits beside her dead body without feeling regret.
Through these images and symbols of evil and violence, Browning explores the darker side of human nature. He uses these strong and unsettling details to show the complex and often hidden parts of people’s minds.
Painting:
In the poem, the painting of the former duchess is more than just a beautiful artwork. At first, it seems like it’s just there to show off the duke’s wealth and status, like a fancy piece in a gallery. He talks a lot about how famous and talented the artist, Fra Pandolf, is and even put a chair in front of the painting so people can sit and look at it.
But as the duke talks more about his former wife, we see that the painting represents something deeper. He didn’t like his wife because she smiled too much at other people, but he loves the painting of her. The painting is something he can control, unlike his wife. He even put a curtain in front of it so he can decide who gets to see it and a chair so he can control how people view it. So, the painting ends up being a symbol of how the duke views women as objects that he can control and show off, rather than as real people with their own feelings and worth.
The “Last” Duchess:
The term “Last” in the title “My Last Duchess” is a significant symbol. It refers to the Duke’s former wife, who is now deceased. By calling her the “Last” Duchess, the duke indicates that she is no longer alive, and this reflects his total control over her life and death. It also suggests that there might be more duchesses in the future, showing that he will continue to exert control over his wives.
The word “Last” symbolizes the finality of her fate and how the duke views her as just another part of his collection, rather than as a person with her own life. This term highlights his objectification of her and his complete dominance over her. It helps us understand the duke’s cold and controlling nature, as he treats his wife’s memory as something that he can use to show off his power and status.
The Statue of Neptune:
At the end of the poem, the duke shows his guest a bronze statue of Neptune, created by the famous artist Claus of Innsbruck. Neptune is the Roman god of the sea, and the statue shows him controlling a sea-horse. This statue represents power and dominance, and it matches how the duke sees himself. He thinks of himself as a powerful figure who can control everyone and everything around him, whether it’s his former wife or his future in-laws.
The duke talks about the statue in a way that shows his desire to control the people around him. He tells the emissary to wait and go downstairs with him, which shows he wants to dictate how people behave. When he says, “Notice Neptune,” he is making sure that everyone pays attention to his power, and he uses strong words to make sure no one can refuse his command.
The description of the statue has some special word choices and patterns that reflect the duke’s desire for control. For example, the word “taming” is used in a way that breaks the poem’s usual rhythm, just as Neptune dominates the sea-horse. The pause in the line “Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity” is like how the duke wants to break the will of his in-laws. This way, the statue isn’t just a piece of art but a symbol of the duke’s wish to control everyone around him.
Duchess’s smile:
The Duchess’s smile in the poem “My Last Duchess” is more than just a happy expression. It can mean many things. Her smile might show that she was happy, polite, or trying to fit in with what society expected of her. Even if she was feeling sad or trapped inside, she had to keep smiling to follow the rules of her time.
This smile is important because it shows how women in history often had to hide their true feelings. They had to pretend everything was fine, even if they were struggling inside. The Duchess’s smile helps us understand how people sometimes put on a happy face to meet social expectations, a theme that has been relevant in many cultures and times.
Character Analysis:
Duchess:
In Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess,” the Duchess’s character is portrayed through the Duke’s description of her and the painting of her. The painting captures a smile that seems to be only a small part of the Duchess’s true joy. The Duke mentions that the Duchess had a “spot of joy” on her cheek, but he doesn’t like that she shared this happiness with everyone and not just with him. The Duke says, “That spot / Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek” (lines 15-16), showing his displeasure that she didn’t reserve her joy exclusively for him.
The Duchess enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like nature, kindness, and animals, which made the Duke feel uncomfortable. He thought that she did not value his high social status enough, saying that she “ranked / [his] gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift” (lines 32-34). To the Duke, this meant she didn’t appreciate the importance of his noble family.
The Duke reveals his anger indirectly. He mentions that discussing his feelings with his wife would have been too low for him: “E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose / Never to stoop” (lines 42-43). Instead of talking to her, he chose to take drastic action. The poem hints that he ordered her death, as he coldly notes, “all smiles stopped together” (line 46), suggesting she no longer had the chance to smile at anyone.
At the end of the poem, the Duke proudly shows the courtier more of his art, further reflecting his control and need to impress. The final lines indicate that the Duke is more interested in the new lady’s wealth and status than in her as a person, which makes us question how reliable his account of the Duchess really is.
Duke:
In Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess,” the Duke is portrayed as a powerful but very controlling man. He is speaking to a visitor about a painting of his late wife, the Duchess. Through his words, we learn a lot about his character.
The Duke is very proud and wants everyone to admire him. He shows off a painting of his late wife and brags about the artist, saying, “That piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands” (lines 3-4). He is proud of the painting and wants the visitor to notice how special it is.
However, the Duke is also very jealous and controlling. He didn’t like that the Duchess shared her smiles and joy with other people. He felt that her happiness was meant only for him, saying that the Duchess had a “spot of joy” on her cheek, which he disliked because it seemed to be for others too (lines 15-16). He wanted her to show her joy only to him and not to anyone else.
The Duke is very cold-hearted and cruel. He doesn’t openly discuss his feelings with his wife. Instead, he chose to act in a very severe way, and the poem suggests that he had her killed, as he says “all smiles stopped together” (line 46). This means her smiles and joy came to an end abruptly.
Finally, the Duke shows off another piece of art at the end of the poem, indicating that he is more interested in showing his wealth and power than in caring about people’s feelings. The Duke’s character is complex; he is proud, jealous, and very controlling, and his actions reveal his harsh and selfish nature.
Literary Devices:
Enjambment:
Definition: Enjambment occurs when a sentence or phrase runs over from one line of a poem to the next without a pause.
Lines from the Poem:
“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive. I call / That piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”
Discussion: In these lines, the sentence flows from one line to the next without a pause. The enjambment helps create a smooth and continuous flow, mirroring the Duke’s ongoing pride and control over the painting and its depiction of his wife.
Caesura:
Definition: Caesura is a pause or break in a line of poetry, usually occurring in the middle of the line.
Lines from the Poem:
“She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad.”
Discussion: The dash in this line creates a pause, emphasizing the Duke’s frustration with his wife’s ability to find joy too easily. The caesura highlights the Duke’s irritation and gives the reader a moment to reflect on his dissatisfaction.
Sibilance:
Definition: Sibilance is the repetition of the “s” sound in words close to each other, creating a hissing effect.
Lines from the Poem:
“She liked whate’er / She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.”
Discussion: The repeated “s” sounds in “She,” “looked,” and “looks” create a soft, hissing effect that emphasizes the Duke’s irritation with his wife’s widespread attention and appreciation. It reflects his discomfort with her behavior.
Metaphor:
Definition: A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is said to be another, helping to make a comparison without using “like” or “as.”
Lines from the Poem:
“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.”
Discussion: The Duke refers to the painting as though it captures his wife “alive.” This metaphor suggests that the painting is a lifelike representation, enhancing the sense of control and possession the Duke has over his wife’s image.
Polyptoton:
Definition: Polyptoton involves the repetition of words derived from the same root but with different endings or forms.
Lines from the Poem:
“She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad.”
Discussion: The words “glad” and “heart” are related through their emotional connotations, and the repetition of ideas about her joy (“glad” and “joy”) emphasizes the Duke’s frustration with her seemingly unrestrained happiness.
Personification:
Definition: Personification gives human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas.
Lines from the Poem:
“The curtain I have drawn for you, but I / And seemed as if she were alive.”
Discussion: By describing the painting as if it were alive, the Duke personifies the image of his wife. This personification underscores the Duke’s control and his attempt to make the painting a living, responsive part of his art collection.
Alliteration:
Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words close together.
Lines from the Poem:
“Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity.”
Discussion: The repetition of the “t” sound in “Taming” and “thought” creates a rhythmic effect that draws attention to the Duke’s pride in his possessions. It emphasizes his view of himself as dominant and rare.
Assonance:
Definition: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
Lines from the Poem:
“She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad.”
Discussion: The repetition of the “a” sound in “had,” “heart,” and “glad” creates a musical quality that draws attention to the Duke’s displeasure with his wife’s ability to easily find joy.
Synecdoche:
Definition: Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part of something represents the whole, or the whole represents a part.
Lines from the Poem:
“The Duke of Ferrara, / Just about to join the new alliance.”
Discussion: Here, “The Duke” represents not just the individual but also his entire identity and power. The part (the Duke himself) represents his whole social position and control over others.
Hyperbole:
Definition: Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for effect.
Lines from the Poem:
“I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.”
Discussion: The Duke’s claim that he gave commands and instantly “all smiles stopped” is an exaggeration. It dramatically emphasizes his control and the drastic measures he took to handle his wife’s behavior.
Euphemism:
Definition: Euphemism is a mild or less direct word or phrase used to avoid saying something unpleasant.
Lines from the Poem:
“Then all smiles stopped together.”
Discussion: Instead of directly saying that his wife was killed, the Duke uses the euphemism “all smiles stopped” to gently hint at her death. This softens the impact of the harsh reality of his actions.
Irony:
Definition: Irony is when there is a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant.
Lines from the Poem:
“I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.”
Discussion: The Duke’s statement is ironic because he is presenting himself as a polite, cultured man while revealing his cruel actions. The contrast between his refined manner and his harsh actions creates a sense of irony.
Form:
Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess” is written as a dramatic monologue. This is a special type of poem where one person speaks to someone else, revealing their thoughts and feelings. In this case, the Duke is the one talking, and he’s telling his guest about a portrait of his late wife. Because we only hear from the Duke, we only get his side of the story, which might not be the full truth. He keeps saying his wife was disloyal, but really, she was just kind and smiled a lot. The Duke controls the story because he’s the only one speaking.
The poem doesn’t have separate sections or stanzas; instead, it flows continuously with pairs of lines called couplets. There are 28 of these couplets in the poem. The way it’s written reflects how much the Duke likes to talk and doesn’t want anyone else to interrupt him.
The poem uses two types of couplets. Open couplets are lines where the sentence continues to the next line without a pause, and closed couplets are lines that end with a full stop. Browning uses more open couplets, which might suggest that the Duke’s true nature and his cruelty are hidden, just like how the poem’s rhymes are subtle and not always obvious. This helps us see that there’s more to the Duke’s story than what he’s telling.
Meter:
Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess” uses a type of rhythm called iambic pentameter. This means each line of the poem usually has ten beats, with every second beat being stronger. It sounds a lot like regular speech, so it feels like the Duke is just having a casual chat with someone.
The poem’s final line is an easy example of this rhythm:
“Which Claus | of Inns- | bruck cast | in bronze | for me!”
Here, you can clearly hear the pattern of strong and weak beats. It sounds natural and conversational.
However, Browning mixes things up a bit to make it more interesting. For example, in the first two lines:
“That’s my | last Duch- | ess pain- | ted on | the wall, Looking | as if | she were | alive. | I call”
The word “Looking” has a different beat pattern called a trochee, which makes the rhythm feel less regular at the start of the second line. This small change makes the poem sound a bit more natural and less formal.
Sometimes, Browning uses this change in rhythm to match what’s happening in the poem. For instance:
“Never | to stoop. | Oh, sir, | she smiled, | no doubt,”
and
“Taming | a sea- | horse, thought | a rar | ity,”
In these lines, the rhythm changes to add emphasis. It mirrors the Duke’s strong feelings about control and dominance.
So, while the poem generally follows a smooth and natural rhythm, Browning uses these little changes to make the Duke’s emotions and intentions stand out.
Rhyming Scheme:
In Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess,” the lines follow a rhyme scheme called rhyming couplets. This means each pair of lines ends with words that rhyme, like “wall” and “call” or “spot” and “laps.” So, the pattern is AABBCCDD, and it stays the same throughout the entire poem.
Even though the rhymes are there, they can be a bit tricky to notice. This is because the lines flow into each other without clear breaks, a style called enjambment. For example, in these opening lines:
“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive. I call That piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands”
The rhyme between “wall” and “call” is present, but the sentence flows quickly from one line to the next. There’s no pause at the end of the line, so the rhyme can be easy to miss if you’re just listening.
The same thing happens in other parts of the poem. For instance, in these lines:
“Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps”
Here, “spot” and “laps” rhyme, but the lines blend together smoothly. The rhymes aren’t very noticeable because the poem’s sentences keep flowing, making it seem more like a natural conversation.
So, while the poem uses a regular rhyme pattern, the way Browning writes makes it feel more like normal speech. This helps the Duke’s words sound more convincing and natural, even though he’s carefully controlling the conversation.
Resources:
Books on Robert Browning and Victorian Poetry:
- “Robert Browning: A Collection of Critical Essays” edited by A. H. M. Kirk – A collection of essays offering various perspectives on Browning’s poetry.
- “The Victorian Age in Literature” by G.K. Chesterton – Provides context on Victorian literature, including Browning’s work.
- “Victorian Poetry: An Annotated Anthology” edited by L. J. Swingle – Contains annotated versions of Victorian poems, including works by Browning.
Academic Journals and Articles:
- JSTOR (www.jstor.org) – A digital library that archives academic journals. Search for articles analyzing Browning’s poetry and dramatic monologues.
- Project MUSE (muse.jhu.edu) – Another academic database for scholarly articles on literature and criticism.
Literary Criticism Websites:
- Literary Hub (lithub.com) – Features articles and essays on classic literature, including analyses of Browning’s poems.
- Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org) – Offers poems, biographies, and essays on poets, including Robert Browning.
University Course Materials:
- Open Yale Courses (oyc.yale.edu) – Free access to Yale University’s course materials on literature, which may include discussions on Victorian poets like Browning.
- MIT OpenCourseWare (ocw.mit.edu) – Provides free course materials from MIT, including literature courses that might cover Browning.
Books on Literary Theory and Criticism:
- “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” by Thomas C. Foster – Offers general literary analysis tools and approaches that can be applied to Browning’s poetry.
- “An Introduction to Literary Theory” by Terry Eagleton – Provides insights into different schools of literary criticism that can be applied to Browning’s work.
Poetry and Literature Encyclopedias:
- “The Oxford Companion to English Literature” edited by Dinah Birch – Provides comprehensive background on English literature and authors, including Robert Browning.
- “The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English” edited by Ian Ousby – Offers summaries and critical insights on English literature, including Browning’s contributions.
Critical analysis of the poem Dover Beach
Critical analysis of the poem Elegy written in a country churchyard
A critical exploration of ‘My Last Duchess’: Critical Analysis of Power & Tragedy shows how Robert Browning masterfully integrates themes of authority and tragedy in the poem.
