In his poem “My Last Duchess,” Robert Browning tells the story of a Duke who is showing a portrait of his late wife to a visitor. The Duke’s words reveal a lot about his character, his relationship with his wife, and the society in which they lived. This article will provide a summary of the poem and explore some of its themes and interpretations.
Background Information
Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue that was first published in 1842. The poem is based on the life of Alfonso II, the Duke of Ferrara, who lived in the 16th century. The Duke was notorious for his cruelty and his treatment of his wives, and it is believed that Browning drew inspiration from this historical figure to create the character of the Duke in his poem. “My Last Duchess” is considered one of Browning’s most famous works and is often studied in literature classes around the world. The poem explores themes of power, jealousy, and control, and is a haunting portrayal of a man who is consumed by his own ego and desire for dominance.
The Story of “My Last Duchess”
Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a Duke who is showing a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, to a visitor. As the Duke describes the portrait, he reveals his true feelings about his wife and the circumstances surrounding her death. The poem is a chilling exploration of power, jealousy, and control, and it raises important questions about the nature of love and marriage. Despite its enigmatic nature, “My Last Duchess” remains one of Browning’s most popular and enduring works, and it continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.
The Speaker’s Personality
The speaker in Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a complex character with a distinct personality. He is arrogant, controlling, and possessive, as evidenced by his treatment of his late wife and his desire to have complete control over her image. He is also manipulative, using his words to subtly threaten the envoy and assert his dominance. However, he is also a skilled storyteller, able to weave a tale that captivates his audience and reveals his true nature. Overall, the speaker’s personality is enigmatic and leaves the reader questioning his motives and true intentions.
The Duchess’s Personality
The Duchess in “My Last Duchess” is a complex character, and her personality is a subject of much debate among literary scholars. Some argue that she is a victim of her husband’s jealousy and possessiveness, while others see her as a manipulative and flirtatious woman who brought her fate upon herself.
One thing that is clear about the Duchess is that she is a woman of great beauty and charm. The speaker describes her as having a “spot of joy” on her cheek, and her smile is said to be “too easily impressed.” She is also described as being “too easily pleased,” which suggests that she is a woman who enjoys the finer things in life and is easily swayed by flattery.
However, the Duchess’s beauty and charm are also her downfall. Her husband, the Duke, is jealous of her and feels that she is too flirtatious with other men. He is particularly upset by the fact that she seems to be equally friendly with everyone, regardless of their social status. This suggests that the Duchess is a woman who is not bound by social conventions and is comfortable interacting with people from all walks of life.
Despite her charm and beauty, the Duchess is ultimately a tragic figure. She is killed by her husband, who sees her as nothing more than a possession to be controlled and disposed of when she no longer serves his purposes. In the end, the Duchess’s personality is overshadowed by the Duke’s jealousy and possessiveness, and she becomes little more than a footnote in his story.
The Theme of Power and Control
The theme of power and control is a prominent one in Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess.” The Duke, the speaker of the poem, is a man who is obsessed with maintaining his power and control over his wife, even after her death. He speaks of her as if she were a possession, something that he owned and could do with as he pleased. This is evident in lines such as “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together” (lines 45-46), which suggest that the Duke had his wife killed because she did not behave as he wanted her to. The Duke’s desire for power and control is also evident in his interactions with the envoy, whom he tries to impress with his wealth and status. Overall, the theme of power and control in “My Last Duchess” highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ways in which it can lead to tragedy.
The Use of Dramatic Monologue
The use of dramatic monologue is a literary technique that has been employed by many writers throughout history. It involves a speaker who reveals his or her thoughts and feelings to an audience, often in a dramatic or emotional way. Robert Browning was a master of this technique, and his poem “My Last Duchess” is a prime example of how effective it can be. Through the voice of the Duke, Browning creates a character who is both fascinating and disturbing, and who reveals much about the society in which he lives. The use of dramatic monologue allows Browning to explore complex themes such as power, jealousy, and control, and to create a character who is both sympathetic and terrifying. Overall, the use of dramatic monologue is a powerful tool for writers, and one that can be used to great effect in exploring the human condition.
The Setting and Symbolism
The setting of “My Last Duchess” is a grand palace in Renaissance Italy, where the Duke of Ferrara is showing a visitor his art collection. The symbolism in the poem is rich and complex, with the painting of the Duchess serving as a powerful symbol of her beauty and the Duke’s possessiveness. The Duke’s use of language and his controlling behavior towards the Duchess also symbolize the power dynamics of the time period. The setting and symbolism work together to create a haunting and enigmatic tale that leaves readers questioning the true nature of the Duke’s character and his relationship with the Duchess.
The Role of Art in the Poem
The role of art in “My Last Duchess” is central to the poem’s meaning. The Duke’s obsession with his late wife’s portrait reveals his desire to control not only her physical appearance but also her memory. The painting becomes a symbol of the Duke’s power and his ability to manipulate the narrative of his relationship with his wife. Through the use of art, Browning highlights the theme of control and the dangers of possessiveness in relationships. The Duke’s fixation on the painting ultimately leads to the demise of his marriage and the tragic ending of the poem.
The Historical Context
The historical context of Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is crucial to understanding the poem’s themes and underlying messages. The poem was written during the Victorian era, a time of great social and cultural change in England. The Victorian era was marked by a strict adherence to social norms and conventions, particularly in regards to gender roles and class distinctions. Women were expected to be submissive and obedient to their husbands, while men were expected to be the dominant figures in their households and in society at large.
Browning’s poem reflects these societal expectations, as the Duke in the poem is portrayed as a powerful and controlling figure who expects complete obedience from his wife. The poem also touches on themes of art and aesthetics, as the Duke’s obsession with his late wife’s portrait highlights the importance of appearances and social status during the Victorian era.
Furthermore, the historical context of the poem is also important in understanding the political climate of the time. The Victorian era was marked by a growing sense of nationalism and imperialism, as England expanded its colonial empire and asserted its dominance on the world stage. This sense of national pride and superiority is reflected in the Duke’s character, as he sees himself as a powerful and important figure who deserves respect and admiration.
Overall, the historical context of “My Last Duchess” provides important insights into the themes and messages of the poem, and helps to contextualize the societal and political forces that shaped Browning’s writing during the Victorian era.
The Reception of the Poem
The reception of “My Last Duchess” has been mixed since its publication in 1842. Some critics have praised the poem for its masterful use of dramatic monologue and its exploration of the themes of power, jealousy, and control. Others have criticized it for its portrayal of women as objects to be possessed and controlled by men. Despite the controversy surrounding the poem, it has remained a popular and influential work in the canon of English literature. Its enigmatic nature continues to intrigue readers and scholars alike, and its themes and motifs have been explored in countless academic papers and literary analyses.
The Legacy of “My Last Duchess”
The legacy of Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is one that has endured for over a century. The poem, which was first published in 1842, has been the subject of countless literary analyses and has been studied by students and scholars alike. Its enigmatic tale of a Duke who has his wife murdered has captivated readers for generations, and its themes of power, jealousy, and control continue to resonate with audiences today. Despite its age, “My Last Duchess” remains a relevant and thought-provoking work of literature, and its legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.