Explore an in-depth analysis of ‘My Last Duchess By Robert Browning’ including the text, Analysis, explanation, paraphrase, and summary. Dive into critical appreciation, scholars’ comments, and FAQs to comprehensively understand this classic poem.”
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Text, Analysis, Notes, Explanation, Summary, Paraphrase, Appreciation, FAQS
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My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Text
My Last Duchess
By Robert Browning
”That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,
Looking as if she were alive. I call
That piece a wonder, now: Frà Pandolf’s hands
Worked busily a day, and there she stands.
Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said
“Frà Pandolf” by design, for never read
Strangers like you that pictured countenance,
The depth and passion of its earnest glance,
But to myself they turned (since none puts by
The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)
And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,
How such a glance came there; so, not the first
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
Frà Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps
Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint
Must never hope to reproduce the faint
Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff
Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough
For calling up that spot of joy. She had
A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad,
Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er
She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.
Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast,
The dropping of the daylight in the West,
The bough of cherries some officious fool
Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule
She rode with round the terrace—all and each
Would draw from her alike the approving speech,
Or blush, at least. She thanked men,—good! but thanked
Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked
My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name
With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame
This sort of trifling? Even had you skill
In speech—which I have not—to make your will
Quite clear to such an one, and say, “Just this
Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss,
Or there exceed the mark”—and if she let
Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set
Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse,—
E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose
Never to stoop. Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt,
Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without
Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands
As if alive. Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet
The company below, then. I repeat,
The Count your master’s known munificence
Is ample warrant that no just pretence
Of mine for dowry will be disallowed;
Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed
At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go
Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though,
Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,
Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!” 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Analysis
Introduction
‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning, written in 1842, is one of the poet’s most famous dramatic monologues. The poem is set during the Italian Renaissance and is narrated by a Duke, who speaks to a servant or emissary about a portrait of his deceased wife, the Duchess. Through the Duke’s narrative, Browning unveils his complex character—proud, jealous, and controlling—while offering a glimpse into the fate of his wife. The poem explores themes of power, control, art, and the objectification of women.
Thematic Analysis
The central theme of ‘My Last Duchess’ is ‘power and control’. The Duke’s attitude towards the Duchess reflects his obsession with dominance. He could not tolerate her friendly, kind nature and the fact that she valued simple joys. To him, her smiles and gratitude towards others diluted the value of his aristocratic status. This theme of control is vividly expressed when the Duke reveals that he “gave commands; then all smiles stopped together,” implying that he may have had her killed to assert his authority.
Another important theme is the ‘objectification of women’. The Duchess is reduced to a mere painting, hanging on the wall, only seen by others when the Duke allows it. This reflects how he saw her in life—as something to possess and display rather than a person with her own thoughts and feelings.
‘Jealousy and pride’ also play key roles in the poem. The Duke’s jealousy arises from his wife’s innocence and warmth, qualities that should be praised, but in his view, they tarnish his pride. He considers his “nine-hundred-years-old name” far more valuable than the Duchess’s personal charm and is outraged that she does not seem to share this belief.
Stylistic Analysis
The poem is written in the form of a ‘dramatic monologue’, a style for which Browning is well known. In this form, a single character speaks to a silent listener, revealing their inner thoughts and emotions through their speech. This style is particularly effective in ‘My Last Duchess,’ as it allows readers to infer the Duke’s personality and the circumstances surrounding the Duchess’s death through his words alone.
Browning uses ‘rhymed couplets’ in iambic pentameter, which creates a steady, conversational flow. Despite the strict rhyme scheme, the Duke’s speech feels natural, and Browning cleverly avoids making it sound sing-songy. The Duke’s casual, matter-of-fact tone is chilling in contrast to the dark subject matter he discusses.
‘Enjambment’, the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, adds to the natural speech flow. This technique allows Browning to maintain a conversational tone, while simultaneously giving readers insight into the Duke’s manipulative nature. His thoughts and justifications spill out rapidly, and the enjambment mimics the way his mind works—rationalizing cruelty without pause.
Literary Device Analysis
- Irony: The most prominent device in ‘My Last Duchess’ is irony. The Duke believes he is portraying himself as a man of great stature and taste, yet what he reveals is his cruelty and ego. He speaks of his dead wife with disdain, and through this, Browning allows the reader to see the Duke’s own flaws, even though the Duke remains oblivious to them.
- Symbolism: The portrait of the Duchess symbolizes how the Duke sees her—not as a person but as an object to be controlled. Her painting, kept hidden behind a curtain, represents the Duke’s possessive nature. The act of revealing her only when he chooses underscores his desire for control over her even in death.
- Metaphor: Browning uses subtle metaphors to emphasize the Duke’s attitudes. For example, the comparison of the Duchess to a piece of art reflects how the Duke values appearance and surface beauty more than the Duchess’s inner qualities.
- Allusion: The mention of ‘Frà Pandolf,’ the fictional artist who painted the portrait, and ‘Claus of Innsbruck,’ who crafted a bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse, alludes to the Duke’s wealth and connections in the art world. These references highlight his materialism and pride in his possessions.
- Tone: The tone of the Duke’s narration is calm, composed, and even proud. However, the content of his speech reveals a dark and sinister personality. The juxtaposition of tone and content creates an unsettling effect, drawing readers into the underlying tension of the monologue.
Conclusion
‘My Last Duchess’ is a masterful exploration of power, control, and the complexities of human nature. Through the Duke’s monologue, Browning unveils the darker aspects of aristocratic life—jealousy, pride, and the objectification of others, particularly women. The poem’s dramatic style, combined with its use of irony, symbolism, and other literary devices, makes it a compelling psychological study of a man obsessed with authority and possession. Browning’s skillful use of language and structure ensures that the Duke’s words, while polished and poised, reveal far more than he intends, making ‘My Last Duchess’ a timeless piece of dramatic poetry. 0 0 0
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My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Word Notes
Here are the word notes for Robert Browning’s poem ‘My Last Duchess’, explaining some of the key terms and references:
Duchess: Refers to the Duke’s wife, who is now deceased. In the poem, the Duke is talking about her portrait and her behavior during her lifetime.
Frà Pandolf: A fictional artist mentioned by the Duke. He is credited with painting the Duchess’s portrait. This name adds to the aristocratic setting of the poem, suggesting the Duke could afford renowned artists. The Duke emphasizes Frà Pandolf to stress the portrait’s prestige.
Countenance: Refers to the Duchess’s facial expression in the portrait. It symbolizes her gentle and joyful nature, which, ironically, displeases the Duke.
Curtain: The Duke mentions that he controls who sees the portrait of his late wife by drawing the curtain. This symbolizes his control over her image, even after her death, reflecting his possessive nature.
Mantle: A cloak or garment worn over the shoulders. The Duke mentions Frà Pandolf might have complimented the way the Duchess’s mantle lay on her wrist, which may have brought a smile to her face.
Half-flush: A slight blush or reddening of the skin, usually indicating modesty, warmth, or embarrassment. The Duke is suspicious of her reacting warmly to compliments, interpreting it as flirtatious.
Bough of cherries: This phrase refers to a simple gift that someone gave the Duchess, likely a common person, which she appreciated. The Duke is angered by her joy in receiving such small tokens from others, as he believes her gratitude should be reserved for him.
White mule: The animal the Duchess is described as riding. It represents her simple pleasures, which irritated the Duke. He finds her joy in ordinary activities beneath her status as his wife.
Favour: This refers to the Duke’s “gift” to the Duchess, which is his prestigious family name—something he values highly. He feels insulted that she did not seem to appreciate it as much as he thought she should.
Nine-hundred-years-old name: Refers to the Duke’s noble heritage and long-standing family lineage. He takes pride in his aristocratic family and believes that marrying into his family is the highest honor.
Officious fool: A person who acted too familiarly or overly friendly with the Duchess, giving her a bough of cherries. The Duke considers such people below his status, and he is offended that the Duchess found joy in their gestures.
Stooping: The Duke uses this term to describe lowering oneself or compromising one’s dignity. He refuses to “stoop” by explaining to the Duchess why her behavior displeased him. This reflects his arrogance and superiority complex.
I gave commands: The Duke chillingly implies that he ordered the death of the Duchess. This phrase is one of the most significant in the poem, as it reveals his extreme actions to control her and end her behavior.
Claus of Innsbruck: Another fictional artist mentioned at the end of the poem. He created a bronze sculpture of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, taming a sea-horse. This sculpture symbolizes the Duke’s desire for control and dominance, just as Neptune tames the sea.
Neptune: The Roman god of the sea, mentioned as part of a statue owned by the Duke. Neptune taming a sea-horse is symbolic of the Duke’s nature—he wishes to tame and dominate everything, just as he did with his Duchess.
These notes clarify Browning’s intricate use of language, as well as the Duke’s personality, which is revealed through his descriptions and references. 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Explanation of Challenging Lines
Here’s an analysis of some of the more challenging and significant lines from ‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning. These lines reveal key insights into the Duke’s character, his relationship with the Duchess, and the thematic depth of the poem.
1. “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.”
Analysis: These opening lines set the stage for the poem. The Duke is speaking to a visitor, showing off the portrait of his deceased wife. The phrase “as if she were alive” is particularly chilling, as it hints at the Duchess’s absence and suggests that the Duke now has full control over her image, something he may not have had when she was alive. The word “my” also reflects his possessiveness, as he still claims ownership over her in death.
2. “Frà Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”
Analysis: Here, the Duke mentions the fictional artist Frà Pandolf who painted the portrait. By naming the artist, he emphasizes the value and prestige of the artwork. The phrase “there she stands” is a subtle indication of how the Duchess has been reduced to a mere object, confined to a painting, stripped of her individuality. The fact that the Duke controls who sees the painting also underscores his dominance and possessiveness.
3. “Sir, ’twas not / Her husband’s presence only, called that spot / Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek.”
Analysis: This line reveals the Duke’s growing jealousy. He cannot tolerate the fact that the Duchess found joy and pleasure in things other than his presence. The “spot of joy” refers to her smile or blush, which, in his mind, should have been reserved exclusively for him. This line highlights the Duke’s inability to accept the Duchess’s warmth and kindness toward others.
4. “She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, / Too easily impressed.”
Analysis: The Duke criticizes the Duchess for her generous, innocent nature. The phrase “too soon made glad” implies that she found happiness too easily in simple things, which the Duke sees as a flaw. He felt that she should reserve her joy only for him, as he sees his aristocratic status as more valuable than everyday pleasures. This line also conveys the Duke’s controlling attitude, as he wants to regulate her emotions and reactions.
5. “My favour at her breast, / The dropping of the daylight in the West, / The bough of cherries some officious fool / Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule / She rode with round the terrace—all and each / Would draw from her alike the approving speech, / Or blush, at least.”
Analysis: Here, the Duke lists various things that made the Duchess happy. The phrase “my favour at her breast” refers to a gift or mark of honor from the Duke, which she treated no differently from simple pleasures like a sunset or a gift of cherries. He mentions the “officious fool” who broke cherries for her, indicating his disdain for people of lower status, and the “white mule” she rode, showing how even modest pleasures brought her joy. The Duke’s resentment is evident because she did not prioritize his gifts or his presence over these small joys. This demonstrates his deep insecurity and possessiveness.
6. “Who’d stoop to blame / This sort of trifling? Even had you skill / In speech—which I have not—to make your will / Quite clear to such an one, and say, ‘Just this / Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, / Or there exceed the mark’—and if she let / Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set / Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse— / E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose / Never to stoop.”
Analysis: These lines reveal the Duke’s refusal to communicate with his wife about his dissatisfaction. He dismisses the idea of stooping or lowering himself by explaining what bothered him about her behavior. The Duke sees himself as superior and is too proud to express his feelings directly. His use of the phrase “I choose never to stoop” encapsulates his arrogance and sense of entitlement. His disdain for open communication is a reflection of his tyrannical nature. The lines suggest that instead of addressing his concerns with her, he resorted to more drastic measures, which ultimately led to her death.
7. “Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, / Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without / Much the same smile?”
Analysis: The Duke here laments that the Duchess’s smile was not reserved solely for him. He feels that her friendly and warm demeanor should have been exclusive to him, rather than shared with everyone. This illustrates his jealousy and insecurity. The smile, an innocent gesture, becomes a source of conflict for the Duke because he interprets it as a sign that she did not value him above all others.
8. “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands / As if alive.”
Analysis: These lines are perhaps the most chilling in the poem. The Duke coldly reveals that he “gave commands,” which led to the Duchess’s death, implying he ordered her execution. The phrase “all smiles stopped together” is a subtle yet powerful euphemism for her death. It shows the extent of the Duke’s control and cruelty. He could not tolerate her independent spirit, and by ending her life, he finally gained complete control over her. The reference to her portrait again—”There she stands / As if alive”—highlights the irony that while she is now only a painting, he can control her in death in a way he could not during her life.
9. “The Count your master’s known munificence / Is ample warrant that no just pretence / Of mine for dowry will be disallowed; / Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed / At starting, is my object.”
Analysis: This passage reveals the Duke’s intention to remarry. He is negotiating a new marriage, and while discussing dowry (the financial arrangement), he claims that the Count’s generosity will ensure that his demands are met. However, he notes that his primary “object” is the Count’s daughter herself. The use of the word “object” subtly reveals the Duke’s view of women as possessions or acquisitions, rather than as individuals with their own autonomy.
10. “Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, / Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”
Analysis: In these final lines, the Duke directs the listener’s attention to a statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse. This sculpture is a metaphor for the Duke’s desire to tame and control. Neptune, the god of the sea, symbolizes power, and the act of taming the sea-horse reflects the Duke’s belief in his ability to dominate those around him, just as he dominated the Duchess. The mention of the statue at the end of the poem serves as a final reminder of the Duke’s obsession with control and his pride in his possessions, including his wives.
The challenging lines of ‘My Last Duchess’ shed light on the Duke’s deep-seated arrogance, jealousy, and obsession with control. Browning’s clever use of subtle language and euphemism invites readers to delve into the Duke’s psyche, revealing the true extent of his cruelty and his twisted view of love and power. Each line gradually unravels the dark nature of the Duke’s character, making the poem a powerful study in human psychology and moral corruption. 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Prose Paraphrase
That is the portrait of my late wife, the Duchess, painted on the wall. She looks as though she’s still alive. I find this painting quite impressive now. It was made by the hands of the artist Frà Pandolf, who worked hard on it for a whole day. And now, there she stands forever. Would you like to sit and look at her?
I mention Frà Pandolf on purpose, because strangers like you who see her expression and the passionate look in her eyes always seem to ask me—though they don’t dare to say it directly—about what caused that particular expression. They wonder how such a look came to be captured in the painting. You aren’t the first to ask.
Well, sir, it wasn’t just my presence that brought that joyful expression to her face. Perhaps Frà Pandolf made a casual remark, like, “Her shawl covers too much of her wrist,” or “No painter could ever truly capture that gentle blush along her neck.” Such comments were merely polite, but she would take them to heart, considering them enough reason to light up with joy.
She had a kind nature—how can I put it? She was too easily pleased, too quick to smile at anything she liked. She enjoyed whatever she looked at, and her eyes seemed to look everywhere. To her, everything was equally worthy of her appreciation.
To me, it made no difference. Whether it was my special favor to her—like the family name I gave her, which is nine hundred years old—or something as simple as the setting sun, a branch of cherries someone picked for her, or the mule she rode, everything drew from her the same response. She would express her gratitude with equal warmth, regardless of what it was.
She smiled at everyone in the same way, and that smile annoyed me. I felt it lessened the value of my unique status. She thanked people for the smallest gestures as though they were as important as my grand heritage. Who could blame her for such trivial behavior? Even if I had the ability to explain to her clearly how this bothered me—which I lack—I would never “stoop” to that level. I wouldn’t lower myself to point out how she was either doing too much or too little to meet my standards.
If she had accepted being corrected without putting up a defense, even then, it would feel like I was lowering myself. And I refuse to do that. She smiled at me, no doubt, but she also smiled at everyone else. That bothered me more and more.
Finally, I gave orders, and her smiles stopped forever. Now, here she is—immortalized in the painting, as though still alive. Would you like to rise and go downstairs? The company is waiting for us.
Let me assure you, the Count, your master, is very generous, and there’s no doubt that he will provide a fair dowry for my next marriage. But the main reason I’m interested in marrying his daughter is her, not her wealth.
By the way, before we go, notice that bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse. It was made for me by Claus of Innsbruck, a true rarity! 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Summary
‘My Last Duchess’ is a dramatic monologue in which the Duke of Ferrara speaks to a visitor, likely a representative arranging his next marriage. The Duke shows the visitor a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, hanging on the wall. As he describes the painting, the Duke gradually reveals details about his former wife’s personality and his own character.
The Duchess, as described by the Duke, was a kind and joyful woman who found pleasure in simple things and treated everyone with warmth. She smiled at everyone equally and was easily pleased, whether by a gift of cherries, a sunset, or her husband’s prestigious family name. However, the Duke was deeply offended by her behavior, feeling that her joy and appreciation should have been reserved for him alone. He was jealous and resentful that she did not place him above everything else.
The Duke hints that he dealt with his frustration by giving orders that led to the Duchess’s death: “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.” He does not express any remorse for her death and speaks of it casually, indicating his cold and controlling nature. Even after her death, he controls who can see her portrait by keeping it behind a curtain, revealing her image only when he chooses.
At the end of the poem, the Duke moves on from talking about his late wife and mentions his new engagement. He hints that he is more interested in controlling his future wife, the daughter of a wealthy Count, than in the dowry she will bring. The poem concludes with the Duke drawing attention to a bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse, symbolizing his desire to dominate and control, just as he did with his former Duchess.
Key Themes:
- Power and control
- Jealousy and possessiveness
- Objectification of women
- The contrast between appearance and reality 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Critical Appreciation
‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning is a powerful dramatic monologue that showcases the poet’s mastery of language, psychological depth, and thematic complexity. The poem explores themes of power, control, jealousy, and possessiveness, all conveyed through the voice of the Duke of Ferrara, who speaks in an arrogant and controlling tone about his deceased wife, the Duchess.
Psychological Depth and Characterization
One of the poem’s greatest strengths is Browning’s portrayal of the Duke’s character. Through his seemingly calm and polite speech, the Duke inadvertently reveals his cold, calculating, and cruel nature. His obsession with power is evident not only in his control over the Duchess’s portrait, which he keeps hidden behind a curtain, but also in his chilling admission that he “gave commands” to stop her smiles forever—hinting at her murder. The Duke’s casual reference to the Duchess’s death, as though it were a minor inconvenience, highlights his egotistical, tyrannical personality.
What makes the poem particularly engaging is that the Duke’s faults are not explicitly stated; rather, they are gradually unveiled through his own words. Browning masterfully uses the Duke’s monologue to allow readers to see beyond his outward demeanor, revealing his insecurities and his need to dominate others. The Duchess, in contrast, is portrayed as a lively, innocent woman who found joy in everyday things, which only intensifies the tragedy of her fate.
Themes of Power and Control
Browning explores the theme of power in several ways. The Duke’s desire for absolute control over his wife is a central element of the poem. He resents the fact that the Duchess smiled and expressed gratitude to others for small gestures, feeling that her affections should have been reserved exclusively for him. The portrait serves as a symbol of this control—now that she is dead, the Duke can display her beauty and charm whenever he pleases, without the risk of her displeasing him again. This control extends beyond her life into her death, emphasizing the Duke’s dominance.
The theme of power is also evident in the Duke’s discussions about his noble heritage and his negotiations for a new marriage. He takes pride in his “nine-hundred-years-old name” and uses his status to manipulate others, including his future bride and her family. His relationship with women is reduced to one of ownership and dominance, which is symbolized further in the final lines, where he shows off a statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse—a metaphor for his need to “tame” those around him.
Stylistic Features and Literary Devices
Browning employs several literary techniques that make ‘My Last Duchess’ a remarkable poem. The use of the dramatic monologue allows for a deeply personal, yet subtly revealing narrative, where the Duke, speaking to an unnamed listener, unknowingly exposes his own character flaws. This technique creates a sense of immediacy, as though we are eavesdropping on an intimate conversation.
The poem is written in rhymed couplets (heroic couplets) in iambic pentameter, giving it a rhythmic, controlled flow that mirrors the Duke’s composed, measured tone. However, the enjambment (continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line) gives the poem a conversational feel, as the Duke speaks in long, uninterrupted sentences. This structure mirrors his desire to dominate the conversation and maintain control over his narrative.
Browning’s use of irony is another notable feature of the poem. While the Duke speaks with pride about his power and status, readers can see the darker truth behind his words—his insecurities, his cruelty, and his inability to connect with his wife on an emotional level. The contrast between what the Duke says and what we, as readers, understand is the key to the poem’s psychological depth.
Conclusion
In ‘My Last Duchess’, Browning presents a vivid and chilling portrait of a powerful man who hides his cruelty behind a facade of politeness and refinement. Through the Duke’s monologue, Browning explores complex themes of control, power, and the dehumanization of women. The poem’s subtle use of irony, combined with its rich characterization and thematic complexity, makes it one of Browning’s most celebrated works, offering readers a profound insight into the darker aspects of human nature. 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: Critics’ and Scholars’ Comments and Views
Here are some notable critics’ and scholars’ comments and views on *’My Last Duchess’* by Robert Browning:
Harold Bloom
Renowned literary critic Harold Bloom comments on Browning’s ability to reveal the Duke’s character indirectly. He notes that ‘My Last Duchess’ is a brilliant example of how Browning “masterfully combines psychological insight with dramatic form.” According to Bloom, Browning’s monologues “invite readers to engage with the speaker’s self-revelation, where the true nature of the Duke becomes clear not through his admissions, but through his attempts to hide his own cruelty.”
Robert Langbaum
In his book ‘The Poetry of Experience’, critic Robert Langbaum highlights how Browning’s use of the dramatic monologue allows readers to experience the psychological complexity of the Duke. Langbaum observes that “the speaker is simultaneously villainous and fascinating,” as Browning encourages readers to both judge and sympathize with the Duke’s complex personality. Langbaum also emphasizes the poem’s ability to make readers question the morality of power and control in human relationships.
Isobel Armstrong
Victorian poetry scholar Isobel Armstrong has pointed out that ‘My Last Duchess’ is an exemplary critique of the Victorian era’s gender norms and patriarchal attitudes. She argues that Browning uses the Duke’s character to explore the objectification of women and the “possessive nature of Victorian masculinity.” Armstrong sees the poem as a subtle criticism of the way men exerted control over women’s lives, both physically and emotionally.
W.E. Aytoun
19th-century critic W.E. Aytoun praised Browning for his skill in revealing human character through dramatic monologue. In ‘My Last Duchess’, Aytoun saw “a remarkable study of aristocratic pride,” commenting that Browning uses the Duke to represent “a tragic combination of personal insecurity and overwhelming vanity.” Aytoun notes how Browning’s portrayal of the Duke’s jealousy and possessiveness makes the poem “a vivid psychological portrait.”
Richard D. Altick
In his analysis of Victorian poetry, Richard D. Altick views ‘My Last Duchess’ as a masterpiece of subtle psychological horror. He suggests that Browning’s portrayal of the Duke “provides a dark commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and ego.” Altick also notes the chilling understatement in the Duke’s words, particularly his casual remark about the Duchess’s death, which “underscores the cold-blooded nature of his personality.”
Christopher Ricks
Literary critic Christopher Ricks explores the tension between art and life in ‘My Last Duchess’. He observes that the Duke’s obsession with control over the Duchess’s image—now confined to a painting—is symbolic of his desire to control her in life. Ricks points out that “the Duke’s inability to appreciate the Duchess as a living, breathing person” speaks to the central theme of art’s role in shaping, and even distorting, human relationships.
John Maynard
In his study of Browning’s dramatic monologues, John Maynard identifies the poem as a “critique of possessive love.” He argues that the Duke’s treatment of the Duchess reveals a broader commentary on the nature of love as ownership and domination, common in patriarchal societies. According to Maynard, the poem illustrates how “the desire for control and the inability to tolerate another’s freedom can lead to destructive outcomes.”
P.L. Nunes
Scholar P.L. Nunes notes that ‘My Last Duchess‘ is remarkable for its exploration of psychological depth through the technique of unreliable narration. Nunes points out that Browning’s Duke “presents himself as a noble and reasonable figure,” but his words betray “a deeply disturbed and tyrannical personality.” The tension between what the Duke says and what he reveals unintentionally is what makes the poem a “masterpiece of dramatic irony.”
These critical views emphasize the complexity of Browning’s poem, focusing on its psychological insights, themes of power and control, and its commentary on Victorian social norms, especially regarding gender and relationships. 0 0 0
My Last Duchess By Robert Browning: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about ”My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning:
1. What is the main theme of ‘My Last Duchess’?
The primary theme of ‘My Last Duchess’ is power and control. The Duke’s monologue reveals his obsession with possessing and controlling the Duchess, both in life and death. Other key themes include jealousy, the objectification of women, and the contrast between appearance and reality.
2. What is a dramatic monologue, and how is it used in ‘My Last Duchess’?
A dramatic monologue is a poem in which a single speaker addresses an unseen listener, revealing aspects of their personality, motives, or circumstances. In ‘My Last Duchess’, Browning uses this form to allow the Duke to reveal his character through his own words, exposing his arrogance, cruelty, and possessiveness.
3. Why is the Duke angry with the Duchess?
The Duke is angry with the Duchess because he feels that she did not value his prestigious name and status enough. She was kind and smiled at everyone, showing appreciation for small gestures and simple pleasures. The Duke resented this, believing that her attention and gratitude should have been reserved exclusively for him.
4. What does the line “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together” imply?
This line implies that the Duke ordered the death of the Duchess. It suggests that he found her behavior intolerable and, rather than confronting her or correcting her, he had her killed to stop her from smiling at others.
5. Who is the Duke speaking to in the poem?
The Duke is speaking to an emissary or representative of the family of his next bride. The conversation takes place as part of a negotiation for a new marriage, and the Duke is attempting to impress the listener with his power, wealth, and status.
6. Why does the Duke keep the Duchess’s portrait behind a curtain?
The Duke keeps the portrait of the Duchess behind a curtain so that he can control who sees it. This mirrors his desire to control her when she was alive. Now, he has total control over her image and can display it only when it pleases him.
7. What is the significance of the bronze statue of Neptune at the end of the poem?
The bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse symbolizes the Duke’s desire to dominate and control others, just as Neptune tames the wild creature. It serves as a metaphor for the Duke’s relationships with those around him, particularly his wife.
8. What role does irony play in ‘My Last Duchess’?
Irony is central to the poem, as the Duke presents himself as a refined, cultured man, but his words reveal his true nature as a cruel, controlling tyrant. The contrast between how he perceives himself and how the reader understands him creates dramatic irony throughout the poem.
9. What literary devices are used in ‘My Last Duchess’?
Browning employs several literary devices in the poem ‘My Last Duchess’, including dramatic irony, symbolism (the portrait and the statue), enjambment (the continuation of thoughts between lines), and rhymed couplets. These elements help to build the Duke’s character and enhance the poem’s thematic depth.
10. How does Browning portray the Duchess?
The Duchess is portrayed through the Duke’s perspective as a joyful, kind, and innocent woman who appreciated life’s simple pleasures. However, the Duke resents her for being too friendly and accessible to everyone, which ultimately leads to her demise.
11. What does the poem suggest about the role of women in Victorian society?
The poem ‘My Last Duchess’ reflects Victorian attitudes towards women, particularly in how the Duke views the Duchess as an object to be controlled and possessed. The Duke’s actions suggest a patriarchal society where women’s behavior is tightly regulated, and their worth is tied to their submission to male authority.
12. How does the structure of the poem contribute to its meaning?
The poem’s structure, written in rhymed couplets and iambic pentameter, gives it a formal, controlled rhythm, mirroring the Duke’s desire for order and control. The use of enjambment adds to the conversational tone, allowing the Duke to reveal more about himself unintentionally. 0 0 0
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