My Last Duchess Flashcards
Who wrote My Last Duchess?
Robert Browning
What perspective is this?
First person, present tense narrative which gives the speaker a great deal of power over the text as he could control what he tells the reader. Dramatic monologue (one person speaking)- this persepective shows the domineering presencd of the Duke, who dominates a conversation and won’t let anyone else talk because he tends to tske control of everything. Unreliable narrator- reader needs to decipher what is and isn’t true for themselves.
What is the structure?
Browning uses the traditional meter of Iambic Pentameter this reflects how the Dule holds traditional and conservative views of women. It also demonstrates the Duke’s sense of pride and superiority, because the meter has a very tight control of rhythm and rhyme.
How many stanzas are there?
The use of only one single verse to structure the poem makes it feel overwhelming and tiring.
This structure mirrors the Duke’s power, suggesting his presence is overwhelming as he dominates the room and the poem.The no-stanza structure of the piece also gives it a sense of being like a stream of consciousness of the Duke’s unadulterated thoughts and feelings. The stream of consciousness suggests the speaker lacks censorship, thus demonstrating a lack of control over himself.
Is there enjambment?
Browning’s use of enjambment allows the poem to flow and seem more like a natural conversation. This natural narration is reinforced by the fact that the rhyming couplets aren’t obvious. The enjambment also presents him as weak and unbalanced, as he is getting carried away and rambling.
Is there Caesura?
Browning’s use of caesura (A pause between words, for example across lines, with the use of a comma or full stop) shows his speech as poorly planned or formed as he keeps interrupting himself. The caesura makes the poem seem rambling and breaks up rhythm, so that it is not pleasant to listen to.
What type of pronoun is used?
The speaker makes use of possessive pronouns such as “my” to show that he has ownership of the Duchess, and shows that she is a possession not an individual. She has no autonomy and is just like all the other things he can buy, such as statues and art, simply existing for his enjoyment.
The speaker refers to her as “my duchess”, not “my wife”, which shows a lack of affection or emotion. This furthers the image that she is an accessory not a partner, as well as showing his complete power over her. It also shows his jealousy, and suggests he feels a wife should be seen and enjoyed only by her husband.
What is the first line.
That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall
What’s the last line?
Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in beonze for me!
