Assignment Question
“My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning
Assignment Answer
A Critical Review of “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning
Introduction
Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a remarkable dramatic monologue that offers readers a glimpse into the mind of a 16th-century Italian Duke as he discusses his former wife, the eponymous “last Duchess.” This poem is renowned for its exploration of themes like power, jealousy, art, and the role of women in society. Written in 1842, Browning’s poem remains a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike. In this essay, we will provide a comprehensive review of “My Last Duchess,” analyzing its themes, literary devices, and cultural context while also examining its enduring relevance in contemporary society.
I. Literary Analysis
A. Structure and Form
“My Last Duchess” is structured as a dramatic monologue, a form Browning often employed in his poetry. This form allows the speaker, in this case, the Duke of Ferrara, to reveal his inner thoughts and emotions directly to the reader. The poem consists of 56 lines divided into rhymed couplets, which adds to the lyrical quality of the piece. The use of iambic pentameter throughout the poem gives it a rhythmic and measured pace, enhancing the Duke’s sense of control and decorum. The poem’s structure not only serves to engage the reader but also mirrors the Duke’s own desire for control and precision.
B. Themes
- Power and Control
One of the central themes of “My Last Duchess” is the Duke’s obsession with power and control. Through his monologue, he reveals himself as a domineering and possessive figure who expects complete obedience from his wife. The Duke’s possessiveness over the portrait of his late wife and his ability to have it hidden from public view symbolize his desire to control not only his wife but also the narrative surrounding her. He refers to her as “MY Last Duchess,” emphasizing his ownership of her.
The Duke’s obsession with control is further evident when he mentions that his wife’s smiles were for him alone and that he “gave commands” that led to her death. This suggests that he saw himself as the ultimate authority in her life, with the power to determine her fate. The poem serves as a commentary on the abuse of power and the consequences it can have on individuals, particularly women, who are subjected to such control.
- Jealousy
Jealousy is another prominent theme in the poem. The Duke’s jealousy is revealed when he mentions that the Duchess “ranked/ My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift.” He resents the fact that she treated his noble name as equal to or less than the attention she gave to other gifts and gestures. This jealousy ultimately leads to her downfall, as he “gave commands” that silenced her forever.
The Duke’s jealousy is also evident in his desire to possess the portrait of his wife. He describes it as “a wonder, now” and expresses a desire to keep it hidden away from public view. This suggests that he cannot bear the thought of others admiring his wife’s beauty, even after her death. His jealousy becomes a driving force in the poem, highlighting the destructive nature of this emotion.
- Art and Aesthetics
Browning explores the theme of art and aesthetics through the Duke’s appreciation for the portrait of his late wife. He describes the painting as a masterpiece, praising the artist’s skill in capturing the Duchess’s beauty and personality. The Duke’s fixation on the portrait reflects his shallow view of art as a status symbol and a means of controlling how others perceive his wife’s beauty. He values the painting not for its artistic merit but for its ability to preserve an image of his wife that he can possess and control.
The poem also raises questions about the role of art in representing reality. The portrait presents a static and idealized version of the Duchess, frozen in time. This contrasts with the Duke’s desire for control and his inability to accept the living, breathing woman with her own thoughts and feelings. The tension between art and reality is a recurring theme in Browning’s poetry, and it is skillfully explored in “My Last Duchess.”
C. Literary Devices
- Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a key literary device employed in “My Last Duchess.” Throughout the poem, the reader is aware of the Duke’s true nature and the events that led to the Duchess’s demise. However, the envoy to whom the Duke is speaking remains unaware of these details. This creates a sense of tension and unease as the reader observes the Duke’s manipulation of the envoy’s perception. The dramatic irony underscores the Duke’s duplicity and his ability to maintain a facade of civility while hiding his darker motives.
- Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in the poem, particularly in the portrait of the Duchess. The painting serves as a symbol of the Duke’s control and possessiveness. It represents his desire to freeze and own the image of his wife, preventing her from ever being admired by others. Additionally, the white mule mentioned in the poem symbolizes the Duchess’s innocence and purity, which the Duke viewed as a threat to his status and control.
- Enjambment
Browning employs enjambment in “My Last Duchess” to create a sense of continuous flow and control in the Duke’s speech. The lines often run into each other without pause, mirroring the Duke’s attempt to maintain complete control over the conversation and narrative. The lack of pauses also adds to the sense of tension and unease in the poem, as it feels as though the Duke is speaking without restraint.
II. Cultural and Historical Context
“My Last Duchess” is set in Renaissance Italy, a period marked by a hierarchical social structure and rigid gender roles. In this context, the Duke’s desire for control and his jealousy over his wife’s perceived immodesty align with the societal norms of the time. Women were expected to be obedient to their husbands, and any perceived deviation from this expectation could result in dire consequences.
The poem also reflects the Italian Renaissance’s emphasis on art and aesthetics. The Duke’s appreciation for the portrait of his wife reflects the Renaissance fascination with portraiture and the idea of capturing the idealized beauty of the subject. The Renaissance was a time of great artistic innovation and patronage, and the Duke’s obsession with the portrait aligns with the era’s values.
III. Contemporary Relevance
While “My Last Duchess” is firmly rooted in its historical and cultural context, its themes and messages remain relevant in contemporary society. The themes of power, control, jealousy, and the objectification of women are issues that continue to be explored and debated in the modern world.
- Abuse of Power
The Duke’s abuse of power and control over his wife serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority. In contemporary society, discussions about abusive relationships, both within marriages and in other contexts, continue to be important. The poem prompts us to reflect on the consequences of power imbalances and the need for accountability and support for victims of abuse.
- Gender Roles and Objectification
The poem also raises questions about traditional gender roles and the objectification of women. The Duchess is reduced to a possession, a beautiful object to be controlled and displayed. This mirrors the objectification of women that persists in various forms today, from media representation to workplace dynamics. “My Last Duchess” encourages us to examine how society still grapples with issues of gender equality and women’s autonomy.
- Jealousy and Insecurity
Jealousy, a central theme in the poem, remains a potent and destructive force in contemporary relationships. The Duke’s jealousy and insecurity lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the need for healthy communication and emotional intelligence in modern partnerships. The poem serves as a reminder of the harm that jealousy can cause and the importance of addressing it constructively.
- Art and Representation
In an age of digital media and image manipulation, questions about the authenticity of representations and the role of art in shaping perceptions are more relevant than ever. The tension between art and reality, as explored in the poem, invites us to consider how images and narratives are constructed and manipulated in the digital age.
Conclusion
Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike. Through its exploration of power, control, jealousy, and the objectification of women, the poem offers profound insights into the human condition. Its use of literary devices, such as dramatic irony and symbolism, enhances its impact and leaves readers with much to contemplate.
While firmly rooted in its historical and cultural context, “My Last Duchess” remains relevant in contemporary society, prompting discussions about abuse of power, gender roles, jealousy, and the role of art in shaping perceptions. As we engage with this poem, we are encouraged to reflect on the enduring issues it raises and consider how they manifest in our own lives and society today. Ultimately, “My Last Duchess” stands as a testament to Browning’s skill as a poet and his ability to craft a work of art that continues to captivate and provoke thought over a century and a half after its composition.
References
- Browning, R. (1842). My Last Duchess. In The Complete Poems of Robert Browning (pp. 230-231). Penguin.
- Abrams, M. H., & Harpham, G. G. (2015). A Glossary of Literary Terms (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Gilbert, S. M., & Gubar, S. (2007). The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women: The Traditions in English (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
- Helsinger, E., Robinson, F., & Winter, J. (1997). The Poems of Browning: Volume Two (Vol. 2). Pearson.
- Kreisman, L. (2008). Browning and the Dramatic Monologue. In The Cambridge Companion to Victorian Poetry (pp. 88-106). Cambridge University Press.
- LaPorte, C. (2005). Browning’s My Last Duchess: Paragon and Parergon. ELH, 72(2), 425-448.
- O’Sullivan, M. (2016). Browning, Robert. In The Routledge Encyclopedia of Victorian Literature (pp. 89-96). Routledge.
- Pearsall, C. (2017). Robert Browning: Overview. In The Victorian Age: An Anthology of Sources and Documents (pp. 270-272). Routledge.
