My Last Duchess Flashcards
Structure and form
Iambic Pentameter
Browning uses iambic pentameter, a traditional rhythm in English poetry. This reflects the Duke’s old-fashioned, conservative views on women, especially given the poem is set in the past.
-The tight control of rhythm and rhyme also highlights the Duke’s pride and superiority. Shakespeare used iambic pentameter for noble characters, making it seem natural for speech but still dramatic, balancing conversation with importance.
Single Verse / No Stanzas
The poem is written in a single verse without stanzas, making it feel overwhelming and continuous. This structure reflects the Duke’s overwhelming power, as he dominates both the room and the poem. It shows that he feels no need to hide his mistreatment of his wife, as his power shields him from consequences. His dominance is emphasized by the fact that the poem only shows his perspective, with no voice given to the woman. The lack of stanzas also mirrors a stream of consciousness, revealing the Duke’s uncontrolled thoughts and emotions, which suggests he lacks self-control even as he exerts power over others.
Enjambment and Punctuation
Browning’s use of enjambment, where sentences flow past the line breaks, makes the poem feel like a natural conversation. It also shows the Duke’s weakness and lack of balance as he rambles on. The punctuation, such as parentheses and dashes (”- how shall I say? -”), adds to the conversational tone and reveals his lack of control over speech. This lack of control could point to his emotional instability, showing that while he has power over others, he struggles to control himself.
“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.”
- “My”: This possessive pronoun establishes ownership and control. It suggests that the Duke views the Duchess not as an equal partner but as an object that belongs to him.
- “Last”: This word carries a sense of finality. It implies that there have been previous Duchesses, hinting at a pattern of disposability in his relationships. It also foreshadows the tragic fate of the Duchess.
- “Painted”: The use of “painted” emphasizes the idea of artifice. The Duke prefers the static, controlled representation of the Duchess over her dynamic, living self, showcasing his desire to control her image.
- “Alive”: The juxtaposition with “painted” highlights the irony. While the painting may look lifelike, it can never capture the true essence of the Duchess, underscoring the theme of objectification.
“She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad.”
- “Heart”: This word symbolizes emotion and humanity. The Duke’s reference to her heart suggests that he recognizes her capacity for joy, but he perceives it as a flaw, indicating his inability to appreciate genuine feelings.
- “Too soon”: This phrase implies impatience and suggests that the Duchess’s happiness was unwarranted or undeserved in the Duke’s eyes. It reflects his possessive jealousy, as he believes her joy should be reserved for him alone.
- “Made glad”: The passive construction here indicates that the Duchess’s happiness is dependent on external factors. It shows the Duke’s frustration that she finds joy outside of his control, which contributes to his jealousy.
“I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.”
- “I gave commands”: The use of the first-person pronoun “I” emphasizes the Duke’s authority and control. It portrays him as a figure of power who can dictate the fate of others, reinforcing his tyrannical nature.
- “Commands”: This word connotes military or authoritative power. It suggests that the Duke views his relationship with the Duchess as one of dominance, where he expects obedience rather than mutual affection.
- “All smiles stopped together”: The phrase “all smiles” indicates the complete eradication of joy, while “stopped together” suggests an abruptness. This chilling finality reflects the Duke’s coldness and the devastating impact of his jealousy, as he sees her death as a mere consequence of his will.
Context
Historical Context:
The poem is set in the 16th century during the Renaissance. The Duke in the poem is based on a real historical figure, the Duke of Ferrara, who was married to a young woman named Lucrezia de’ Medici. Lucrezia died young, and there were rumors that her death was suspicious, possibly because of her husband’s actions. In the poem, the Duke is speaking to a visitor about his late wife.
Social Context:
At the time, society was very patriarchal, meaning men had most of the power, and women were often treated as possessions. The Duke’s attitude toward his wife shows how women were expected to be obedient and controlled. His jealousy and possessiveness reflect the way women were treated as objects by men in that time.
Poets message
The poet’s message in My Last Duchess is about the dangerous effects of power, control, and jealousy. Through the Duke’s speech, Robert Browning shows how the Duke sees women as possessions to be controlled and manipulated. The Duke’s possessiveness and jealousy led to the death of his wife, revealing the dark side of his character. The poem also highlights how people in power, like the Duke, can be cold and ruthless, using their authority to control others. Ultimately, Browning warns about the dangers of excessive control and the objectification of people, especially women.
