My Last Duchess | Crime Poetry Flashcards
What is it based on?
MLD
Duke Alfonso II - married a young woman in 1558, she mysteriously died in 1561 at age 17
What is the form of the poem?
Dramatic Monologue - exerts the Dukes power and since it is in 1st person it could be considered as a confession
Who wrote it?
Robert Browning
What is one feature of the structure?
The iambic Pentameter - creates a dramatic set-up while keeping a conversational tone. Also mirrors how the Duke needs control as without it he becomes irrational
Crime Elements present
Lack of Justice - confession with ambiguous tones, Duchess has no justice she is just objectified with no true identity
Lack of Punishment - Duke faces no punishment while his wife faces the ultimate punishment, this enables him to continue his immoral behaviour
The Dukes Criminal Psyche
Likes control, without it he is irrational and consumed with anger
Arrogance and Pride due to his reputation
Doesn’t fear or expect punishment
No remorse/guilt for his victim
Language Techniques
Possessive Lang - shows his power over her and how she is his possession.
Metaphors/Symbolism - the Duke’s power to ‘tame’ those below him, especially women. Also shows his arrogance
Blunt Tone - no remorse/guilt and is ready to move on
Since none puts by/
the curtain I have drawn for you, but I
L9-10
She thanked men-good! But thanked/
somehow - I know not how
L31-32
She ranked/my gift of a …
nine hundred years old name/ with everybody’s gift
L32-33
I gave commands:/
then all smiles stopped together
L45-46
is my…
object
L53
Notice Neptune, though,/ Taming a seahorse, …
through a rarity,/Which claws of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!
L55-56
