Analysis of 'My Last Duchess' by Robert Browning

Summary

In this analysis of Robert Browning's *My Last Duchess*, the speaker (the Duke) reveals his possessive and controlling nature, using his deceased wife as an object of art. Through the Duke’s monologue, we explore themes of power, jealousy, and gender roles, with the Duke critiquing his wife for being too kind and appreciative of others, especially men. His jealousy and insecurity become apparent as he blames his wife for traits like equality and kindness, ultimately hinting at her possible death. Browning’s use of dramatic monologue and iambic pentameter conveys the Duke's self-centeredness and chilling detachment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Duke's possessiveness over his wife is evident from the title, 'My Last Duchess,' and his repeated use of possessive pronouns like 'my' and 'that.'
• 😀 The ambiguity in the title reflects the Duke's complex relationship with his wife, suggesting both control and loss, but also hinting at her death.
• 😀 Robert Browning's *My Last Duchess* critiques the treatment of women through the character of the Duke, who objects to his wife's independent actions and natural joy.
• 😀 The Duke views his wife as an object to be admired, using terms like 'that' and 'piece of art' to distance himself from any genuine human connection.
• 😀 The Duke’s jealousy is highlighted by his frustration that his wife smiles at others with the same warmth she gives him, revealing his insecurity and need for control.
• 😀 The repetition of 'spot of joy' reveals the Duke’s annoyance with his wife's genuine emotions and appreciation for life, which he finds unworthy of his aristocratic status.
• 😀 The Duke’s rant about his wife's 'flaws' (like her kindness to others and her inability to appreciate his superiority) ironically portrays her as a compassionate, admirable figure.
• 😀 The Duke’s control extends beyond life into death, as he keeps his wife’s portrait hidden behind curtains, showing his desire to maintain dominion over her even after her passing.
• 😀 The Duke's mention of giving 'commands' and the sudden cessation of the Duchess's smiles strongly suggests that he may have had her killed, though the exact cause remains ambiguous.
• 😀 The Duke’s conversation about a potential new marriage and dowry highlights his transactional view of relationships, treating women as possessions to be exchanged for status and wealth.

Q & A

What is the significance of the title 'My Last Duchess'?

The title 'My Last Duchess' is ambiguous. It could suggest either that the Duke's most recent wife is his last or that she has died, making her his 'last' Duchess. The title sets the tone for the Duke's possessiveness and his objectification of his wife.

How does the use of the possessive pronoun 'my' reflect the Duke's character?

The Duke's use of 'my' to refer to his wife highlights his possessive nature. It suggests that he sees his wife not as a person but as an object to be owned, reinforcing the theme of control in the poem.

Why does Browning choose to reference the Italian city Ferrara in the poem?

The mention of Ferrara alludes to historical figures like Alfonso II, the Duke of Ferrara, whose second wife died under mysterious circumstances. This reference serves to deepen the ambiguity around the Duke's role in his wife's death.

What role does the painting of the Duchess play in the poem?

The painting of the Duchess symbolizes the Duke's control over her even after her death. He hides the painting behind a curtain, controlling who sees it, which reflects his desire to control her image and, by extension, her life.

How does the Duke describe the Duchess’s behavior toward others?

The Duke criticizes the Duchess for being too kind and egalitarian, noting that she smiled at everyone and treated people equally. His frustration stems from the fact that she did not elevate him above others, which he sees as a lack of respect.

What is the Duke’s reaction to the Duchess's ability to appreciate simple things?

The Duke is annoyed by the Duchess's joy in simple pleasures, such as the sunset, cherries from the orchard, and riding a mule. He sees these things as trivial and resents her ability to find happiness in them.

What does the Duke mean by 'a spot of joy' in reference to his wife?

The Duke uses the phrase 'a spot of joy' to describe the Duchess’s blush, which he views as an imperfection rather than something endearing. It reflects his critical and negative view of her natural expressions of happiness.

What is implied when the Duke says, 'I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together'?

This line implies that the Duke gave a command that resulted in the Duchess's death, though he doesn't explicitly state it. The abruptness of the change in tone suggests that he may have had her killed to stop her behavior that displeased him.

How does the Duke’s attitude toward women and power reflect the themes of the poem?

The Duke's attitude reveals his belief in the power dynamics between men and women. He views women as objects to be controlled and resents any behavior that challenges his authority, illustrating themes of power, control, and gender roles.

What does the Duke’s reference to 'Neptune taming a seahorse' symbolize?

The reference to Neptune taming a seahorse symbolizes the Duke's desire to control and dominate. By comparing himself to Neptune, he portrays his treatment of women, including his late wife, as a form of conquest and control.