My Last Duchess
That’s my last Duchess, I will show you. The portrait that I gave you was a thing of beauty, but she had a joy in her look that was too much for me. I have a piece of a man in her eyes, and that is a sign of her being a woman who is more independent than I wish. She was too lively to be controlled and she was too quick to make her own decisions.
Summary of My Last Duchess
“My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue by Robert Browning, first published in 1842 as part of his Dramatic Lyrics. The poem is narrated by an Italian duke who shows an ambassador the portrait of his late wife. Through the duke’s remarks he reveals his possessive and controlling nature, and the narrator hints that he was responsible for the Duchess’s death. The poem ends with the duke arranging a new marriage, underscoring his sense of power and entitlement.
The central theme is the duke’s obsession with control and the objectification of his wife. His monologue is less an expression of grief and more a demonstration of dominance. He views his wife as property and his inability to accept her autonomy leads to a tragic conclusion.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “My Last Duchess”
Dramatic Monologue
The poem’s form is essential to its impact. Browning’s use of the dramatic monologue lets us understand the duke’s character solely through his words. This creates an unreliable narrator; readers must read between the lines to uncover the full story. For example, the duke’s repetition of his “nine‑hundred‑year‑old name” and the count’s “munificence” reveals his preoccupation with status.
Imagery and Symbolism
Browning uses vivid imagery and symbolism throughout the poem. The portrait itself is a powerful symbol of the duke’s control and possessiveness. He literally “owns” her image, freezing her in time and silencing her voice. The details in the portrait – the spot of joy and the faint half‑flush – illustrate the duke’s perception of her flirtatiousness. The image of Neptune taming a sea‑horse at the poem’s end parallels the duke’s attempt to control and subdue his wife.
Irony
There is a strong irony in the duke’s portrayal of his late wife. He criticizes her for being too easily pleased, yet it is his own rigid expectations and controlling behavior that ultimately lead to her demise. He presents himself as a wronged husband, while the reader understands that he was the oppressor. His discussion of past deeds with a potential father‑in‑law, without recognizing the impropriety, adds to the irony.
Enjambment
The use of enjambment – the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause – adds a conversational and unsettling tone to the poem. It mirrors the duke’s rambling and revealing monologue. For example:
The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her…
This creates momentum and reveals the duke’s thoughts as they unfold.
Allusion
The reference to Claus of Innsbruck, the artist who created the bronze statue of Neptune, is a subtle allusion that showcases the duke’s wealth and artistic taste. It also serves to establish his social status and reinforce his sense of superiority.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “My Last Duchess”
Rhyme Scheme
The poem is written in rhyming couplets (AABB), a formal structure that mirrors the duke’s rigid personality. This consistent rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musicality and enhances its dramatic effect.
Meter
The poem is primarily written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of five iambic feet per line. This meter gives the poem a natural, conversational flow while maintaining a degree of formality. Browning occasionally deviates from the strict meter, creating subtle variations that emphasize certain words or phrases.
Repetition
The duke frequently repeats certain phrases or ideas, such as his emphasis on his wife’s cheerful demeanor and his unwillingness to “stoop.” This repetition reinforces his obsessive nature and highlights the key themes of the poem.
Tone and Voice
The tone of the poem is cold, arrogant, and unsettling. The duke’s voice is controlled and calculating, revealing a deep‑seated sense of entitlement and a lack of empathy. He speaks as if he is appraising an object rather than reflecting on a lost love. The reader is left with a chilling impression of his character and a sense of unease about the fate of his wife.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines provide insight into the duke’s character and can be used for analysis or discussion:
That’s my last Duchess, I will show you. The portrait that I gave you was a thing of beauty, but she had a joy in her look that was too much for me.
This opening passage establishes the central image of the poem and reveals the duke’s possessive attitude toward his wife.
She had a heart – how shall I say? – too soon made glad, Too easily impressed.
These lines reveal the duke’s criticism of his wife’s cheerful demeanor and his inability to appreciate her kindness.
I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together.
This chilling couplet subtly hints at the duke’s controlling behavior and the tragic fate of his wife.
“My Last Duchess” is a powerful and disturbing poem that continues to resonate with readers today. By exploring its themes, literary devices, and poetic techniques, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the dangers of unchecked power and control.