Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" (1842)

Question 1

Form

Answer 1

Dramatic monologue form (interest in psychology).
Rhymed iambic pentameter: the rhymed couplets affirm the Duke’s power and authority & enjambments reveal his underlying lack of control.
The condensed, single stanza form also creates an intense, controlling tone which further highlights the Duke’s extreme patriarchal authority.
The speech examines/reveals the character’s psychological insight (e.g. thoughts, feelings, motivation) and history
Acts as a critique to societal flaws through the character’s extremist perspective.

Question 2

Socio-political context

Answer 2

Gender roles & patriarchal control:
Although Victorian society had entrenched gender roles, there was also the questioning of patriarchal power dynamics.
Browning critiques gender roles through his portrayal of extreme patriarchal control and oppression.

Question 3

Socio-political context
“That’s my last duchess painted on the wall, // Looking as if she were alive.”

Answer 3

The use of possessive pronouns establishes the speaker’s ownership of his wife and her reputation. She is also reduced to a painting, highlighting her objectification and the value placed on her beauty.

Question 4

Socio-political context
“(since none puts by // the curtain I have drawn for you, but I)”

Answer 4

The caesuras physically symbolise the speaker’s exclusive control and oppression of his wife’s painting.

Question 5

Personal context

Answer 5

Contextual & personal interest in human psychology (growth of science):
Used dramatic monologue form to explore the motives of disturbed characters by seeing the world through their perspectives.
Utilised the perspectives of unreliable (male) narrators who indirectly reveal their personalities and flaws to critique broader contextual themes.

Question 6

Personal context
“Fra Pandolf”

Answer 6

The repetition of “Fra Pandolf,” the painter, reveals the speaker’s underlying jealousy and obsession – he believes the painter paid too much attention to his wife, a breach of his control of her.

Question 7

Personal context
“I gave commands; // Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands // As if alive.”

Answer 7

The sibilance creates a sinister tone which reflects the speaker’s insanity.

The end stops and caesuras reinforce the finality of the duchess’ murder and the Duke’s eternal objectification and ownership of her through her painting.

Question 8

Personal context
“She had // A heart – how shall I say? – too soon made glad, too easily impressed;”

“She thanked men – good! but thanked // Somehow – I know not how –”

Answer 8

The increased use of caesuras and repetition highlights the speaker’s attempt to gain control, revealing his underlying uncertainty and insanity.