My Last Duchess Video Summary

GradeSaver

29 Dec 202103:02

Summary

TLDRRobert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess,' written in 1842, is a dramatic monologue featuring the Duke of Ferrara as he addresses an envoy about marrying his daughter. The Duke reveals a painting of his late wife, admiring the artist's portrayal of her gaze, which he believes was too freely shared. This jealousy leads to a chilling confession of her murder, illustrating his need for control. The poem critiques the objectification of women in the context of aristocracy, highlighting the Duke's coldness as he shifts focus to another art piece, ultimately depicting the tragic consequences of passion and power.

Takeaways

😀 'My Last Duchess' is a dramatic monologue written by Robert Browning in 1842.
😀 The poem is narrated by the Duke of Ferrara, who addresses an envoy about marrying his daughter.
😀 It is loosely inspired by real events from Renaissance Italy.
😀 The poem critiques the view of women as property during the Victorian era.
😀 The Duke reveals a painting of his late wife, highlighting her captivating gaze.
😀 He implies that his wife's affections were not exclusive to him, suggesting jealousy.
😀 The Duke considers her admiration for beauty an unforgivable offense.
😀 He reveals that he ordered her death due to his need for control.
😀 The Duke's behavior reflects the intrinsic qualities of European aristocracy.
😀 In the end, he directs attention to another piece of art, showing his coldness toward his late wife.

Q & A

Who is the author of 'My Last Duchess'?
-The poem is written by Robert Browning.
In what year was 'My Last Duchess' published?
-The poem was published in 1842.
What form does the poem take?
-It is a dramatic monologue.
Who is the narrator of the poem?
-The narrator is the Duke of Ferrara.
Who is the Duke addressing in the poem?
-He addresses the envoy of an Italian nobleman.
What is the Duke's intention regarding the nobleman's daughter?
-He intends to marry the nobleman's daughter.
How does the Duke view his last duchess?
-He views her as an object of possession, akin to a work of art.
What critical theme is suggested in the poem?
-The poem critiques the objectification of women in the Victorian era.
What does the Duke imply about his wife's behavior?
-He implies that her gaze and appreciation for life led to her death.
What action did the Duke take against his duchess?
-He gave commands for her to be killed due to his jealousy.