An Analysis Essay on Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess"

Introduction

Robert Browning's poem "My Last Duchess" is one of the most well-known examples of dramatic monologues within English literature. Ferrara, the duke of Ferrara, wrote this dramatic monologue in 1842 for an envoy from Count of Tyrol. The poem depicts the duke talking to the envoy and trying to persuade him to arrange a marriage between his daughter and the Count. The rhyme scheme of the poem is abba.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Analyzing the Duke's Idealization and Dark Portrayal of the Duchess

The poem begins with the duke introducing himself, and discussing the portrait of his last duchess. He emphasizes her beauty and charm, and describes her in a very idealized way. He then moves on to discuss her character, and it is here where the poem takes a darker turn. The duke reveals that he was displeased with the duchess, as she had "too much" will. He implies that she was too independent and unwilling to submit to his wishes and commands. He then reveals that he has had her removed from the scene, implying that he had her killed.

Gender Power Dynamics in 'My Last Duchess': Women's Autonomy in the Victorian Era

The poem can be seen as an exploration of the power dynamics between men and women in the Victorian era, and how women were expected to be subservient to their husbands. The duke's attitude towards his last duchess and his controlling behavior suggest that he believes that women should not have any autonomy and should obey their husbands. This is further emphasized in the poem by the duke's possessive attitude towards the duchess and his insistence on having the portrait of her, which he can control and look at whenever he pleases.

Victorian Marriage Ideals: Control and Ownership in the Poem

The poem also contains a commentary on Victorian attitudes towards marriage. It was a way for husbands and wives to control each other. His attitude towards the duchess and insistence on controlling her suggests that he feels marriage should be a way for him to control his wife. He also believes that his desire to have her taken from the scene shows that he thinks she should be free to live her own life.

Conclusion

Robert Browning's poem, "My Last Duchess", is a great example of dramatic monologue. It also explores the power dynamics of men and women during the Victorian era. This poem is a commentary about attitudes towards marriage. The duke's controlling and possessive attitude towards the duchess mirrors the attitudes of the times.