What is the central theme of ‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning?

The central theme of ‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning is the relationship between power, art, and morality. The poem explores the idea that art can be used as a form of power and control, and how this can have a destructive impact on human relationships.

What is the setting of ‘My Last Duchess’?

The setting of ‘My Last Duchess’ is a Renaissance palace in Italy, specifically the Duke's private art gallery.

Who is the speaker in ‘My Last Duchess’?

The speaker in ‘My Last Duchess’ is the Duke of Ferrara, who is describing a painting of his late wife, the ‘last duchess’ of the title.

What is the significance of the painting of the Duchess in the poem?

The painting of the Duchess in the poem is significant because it represents her as an object of the Duke’s possession and control. The Duke describes the painting as a work of art that he commissioned, and he takes pride in the fact that the painting captures the Duchess’s beauty and innocence. However, the painting also serves as a reminder of the Duke’s jealousy and possessiveness, and the fact that he had his wife murdered for perceived infidelity.

What is the meaning of the line ‘I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together’?

The line ‘I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together’ is a chilling reference to the Duke's decision to have his wife killed. The line implies that the Duke gave orders for the Duchess’s death, and that he took pleasure in the fact that her smile was forever silenced as a result of his actions.

What is the tone of ‘My Last Duchess’?

The tone of ‘My Last Duchess’ is arrogant, controlling, and menacing. The Duke’s voice is calm and controlled throughout the poem, but there is a sense of underlying violence and danger in his words.

What is the irony in ‘My Last Duchess’?

The irony in ‘My Last Duchess’ is that the Duke, who believes himself to be a sophisticated and cultured art connoisseur, is revealed to be a cold and ruthless murderer. The poem exposes the hypocrisy of the Duke's values and the hollowness of his artistic appreciation.

What is the significance of the title ‘My Last Duchess’?

The title ‘My Last Duchess’ is significant because it suggests that the Duke has had multiple wives or duchesses before the one depicted in the painting. The title also implies that the Duchess was the Duke's last wife because he has been widowed since her death.

What is the use of enjambment in ‘My Last Duchess’?

Enjambment is used in ‘My Last Duchess’ to create a sense of the Duke’s arrogance and control. The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the Duke speaking in long, uninterrupted lines. The use of enjambment, where one line runs into the next without a pause or punctuation, gives the impression that the Duke is in complete control of the conversation and that he is holding his listener captive.

What is the effect of the final couplet in ‘My Last Duchess’?

The final couplet in ‘My Last Duchess’ is a powerful and haunting conclusion to the poem. The Duke, having finished his description of the painting, turns his attention to his listener and invites him to walk away from the art gallery and join him for a glass of wine. The final couplet, which reads ‘Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, / Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!’ is a final, chilling reminder of the Duke’s power and control. The Duke’s gaze has shifted from the painting of his late wife to a statue of Neptune, the god of the sea, who is depicted taming a sea-horse. The statue is a metaphor for the Duke’s own power and control, and the fact that he has had a bronze cast made of it for his personal collection suggests that he sees himself as the equal of the gods. The effect of the final couplet is to leave the reader with a sense of unease and horror at the Duke's cold and calculating nature.

How does Robert Browning use language and form to convey the Duke’s character in ‘My Last Duchess’?

In ‘My Last Duchess,’ Robert Browning uses language and form to convey the Duke's character as arrogant, controlling, and violent. The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, which allows the Duke to speak directly to the reader and to present himself in a particular way. Browning uses a range of poetic devices, including enjambment, alliteration, and metaphor, to convey the Duke’s voice and his attitudes.

For example, the use of enjambment in the poem creates a sense of the Duke’s control and dominance. The Duke speaks in long, uninterrupted lines, which give the impression that he is in complete control of the conversation. This is reinforced by the use of alliteration, which creates a rhythmic and hypnotic effect. For example, in the line ‘Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,’ the repetition of the ‘n’ sound in ‘Notice Neptune’ and ‘Taming a sea-horse’ creates a sense of the Duke’s power and control.

Browning also uses metaphor to convey the Duke’s character. For example, the statue of Neptune in the final couplet is a metaphor for the Duke’s own power and control. The fact that the Duke has had a bronze cast made of the statue suggests that he sees himself as the equal of the gods. The use of metaphor in the poem is a powerful tool for conveying the Duke’s personality and for highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and control.

Browning's use of language and form in ‘My Last Duchess’ serves to create a chilling and unforgettable portrait of the Duke as a man consumed by his own sense of entitlement and control.

What is the significance of the Duchess's smile in ‘My Last Duchess’?

The Duchess's smile in ‘My Last Duchess’ is a powerful symbol of her innocence and vitality, and of the Duke’s jealousy and possessiveness. The Duke describes the painting of the Duchess as capturing her smile and her blush, which are both signs of her beauty and charm. However, the Duke’s reference to the Duchess's smile is also a reminder of his own jealousy and insecurity.

The fact that the Duke says ‘then all smiles stopped together’ suggests that the Duchess's smile was a source of contention between them. The Duke’s possessiveness and jealousy meant that he could not bear the thought of the Duchess smiling at anyone else, and so he had her killed. The reference to the Duchess’ smile is therefore a powerful symbol of the Duke’s destructive and violent behavior, and of the tragic consequences of his jealousy and possessiveness.

At the same time, the Duchess’ smile can also be seen as a symbol of hope and resilience. Despite the Duke’s attempts to control her and to snuff out her spirit, the Duchess’ smile remains a symbol of her inner strength and vitality. In this way, the Duchess’ smile becomes a powerful symbol of the human spirit and of the capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.

What is the role of art in ‘My Last Duchess’?

In ‘My Last Duchess,’ art plays a complex and ambiguous role, serving both as a symbol of the Duke’s power and control, and as a reminder of the destructive consequences of his actions. The painting of the Duchess is a work of art that the Duke takes great pride in, and he describes it in glowing terms as capturing the beauty and innocence of his late wife.

However, the painting is also a symbol of the Duke’s possessiveness and jealousy, and of the tragic consequences of his actions. The Duke’s reference to the Duchess’ smile

How does ‘My Last Duchess’ reflect gendered roles and male dominance in Victorian society?

‘My Last Duchess’ reflects gendered roles and male dominance in Victorian society by portraying the Duke as a powerful and controlling figure, and the Duchess as a passive and submissive one. The poem presents a stark contrast between the Duke’s dominance and the Duchess’ vulnerability, and suggests that the Duke’s violent behavior is a result of his need to assert his dominance and control over women.

The Duke’s language in the poem is particularly revealing of his attitudes towards women. He refers to the Duchess as ‘my object,’ suggesting that he sees her as a possession rather than a person. He also describes her behavior in terms of her obedience to him, saying that she ‘liked whate’er / She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.’ The use of the word ‘liked’ suggests that the Duchess’ behavior was something that pleased the Duke, rather than something that she chose to do for herself.

At the same time, the Duke’s treatment of the Duchess is also a reflection of the gendered roles that were prevalent in Victorian society. Women were expected to be obedient and submissive, and to conform to the expectations of men. The Duke’s violent behavior towards the Duchess can therefore be seen as a reflection of the ways in which men in Victorian society sought to control and dominate women.

‘My Last Duchess’ is a powerful indictment of the gendered roles and male dominance that were prevalent in Victorian society. The poem suggests that the violent and controlling behavior of men towards women is a result of a larger societal structure that values dominance and control over vulnerability and submission.

How does ‘My Last Duchess’ reflect the status of women in Victorian society?

‘My Last Duchess’ reflects the status of women in Victorian society by portraying the Duchess as a victim of the patriarchal system that prevailed during that time. Women in Victorian society were expected to be passive, submissive, and obedient, and to conform to the expectations of men. The Duchess’ behavior in the poem is a reflection of these expectations, as she is portrayed as obedient and subservient to the Duke’s wishes.

At the same time, the poem also suggests that women who failed to conform to these expectations were at risk of violence and abuse. The Duke’s violent behavior towards the Duchess is a reminder of the ways in which women who failed to conform to societal expectations were often punished and abused by men.

Moreover, the poem also highlights the ways in which women in Victorian society were objectified and commodified by men. The Duke refers to the Duchess as ‘my object’ and takes great pride in the painting of her that he has commissioned. This suggests that the Duke sees the Duchess as a possession rather than a person, and that her value is measured in terms of her physical beauty and her ability to please men.

‘My Last Duchess’ is a powerful commentary on the status of women in Victorian society. The poem highlights the ways in which women were expected to conform to male expectations and were at risk of violence and abuse if they failed to do so. It also underscores the objectification and commodification of women that was prevalent during that time, and the ways in which women's value was often measured in terms of their physical appearance and their ability to please men.

How does ‘My Last Duchess’ reflect social and political power dynamics in Victorian society?

‘My Last Duchess’ reflects the social and political power dynamics that existed in Victorian society by portraying the Duke as a powerful figure who is able to control not only his own household but also the political and social systems of his time. The Duke’s power is depicted as absolute and all-encompassing, and he is able to use this power to further his own interests and maintain his dominance over others.

The Duke’s control over his own household is perhaps the most obvious manifestation of his power. He is able to dictate the behavior of his wife and has complete control over her movements and actions. This reflects the ways in which men in Victorian society were expected to be the heads of their households and exercise complete control over their families.

At the same time, the Duke's control over his household is also a reflection of the wider social and political power dynamics of his time. Victorian society was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, in which those with wealth and status were able to exert a disproportionate amount of power and influence over others. The Duke’s wealth and status give him a position of privilege in society, which he is able to use to maintain his dominance over others.

Moreover, the Duke’s reference to the painting of his last Duchess as a ‘gift’ from a powerful figure suggests that he is also able to manipulate the political system of his time to further his own interests. This highlights the ways in which social and political power were closely intertwined in Victorian society, and how those with power were able to use it to their advantage.

‘My Last Duchess’ reflects the social and political power dynamics of Victorian society by portraying the Duke as a powerful figure who is able to control not only his own household but also the wider social and political systems of his time. The poem highlights the ways in which power was concentrated in the hands of the wealthy and privileged, and the ways in which this power was used to maintain dominance over others.

Give a character sketch of Duke.

The Duke, who is the narrator of ‘My Last Duchess,’ is a complex and multi-faceted character. On the one hand, he is portrayed as a wealthy and powerful aristocrat, who has complete control over his household and the people in his life. On the other hand, he is also shown to be a deeply flawed and morally ambiguous figure, whose actions are driven by a need for control and dominance over others.

The Duke is depicted as a man who is obsessed with his own power and status. He takes great pride in his wealth and the possessions that he owns, including the painting of his last Duchess, which he sees as a symbol of his own dominance over women. He is also shown to be deeply narcissistic and self-centered, as evidenced by the way in which he talks about himself and his own achievements.

At the same time, the Duke is also revealed to be a deeply insecure and paranoid figure. He is constantly worried about the possibility of losing control over his household and his wife, and is willing to resort to violence and abuse in order to maintain his dominance over them. This suggests that his need for control and dominance is driven by a deep-seated fear of losing his position of power.

Overall, the Duke can be seen as a complex and contradictory figure, who is both powerful and vulnerable, self-centered and paranoid, and obsessed with control and dominance over others. The poem presents a powerful critique of the ways in which men in Victorian society were able to exert their power over women, and the damaging consequences that this could have for both men and women alike.

Give a character sketch of duchess.

The Duchess is a complex character in ‘My Last Duchess,’ even though she is not given a voice in the poem. She is portrayed as a beautiful and charming woman who has caught the attention of many men, including the Duke. However, she is also shown to be a victim of the patriarchal system that prevailed during Victorian times.

The Duchess is depicted as a woman who is expected to be subservient and obedient to the men in her life. She is not given the freedom to express herself or to pursue her own interests, but is instead forced to conform to the expectations of men. Despite this, the Duchess is also shown to be a woman who is capable of exerting her own agency and power, albeit in a subtle and subversive way.

The Duchess’ subversive power is reflected in the way in which she interacts with the men in her life. She is shown to be charming and flirtatious, and is able to capture the attention of many men, including the Duke. This suggests that she is able to exert her own power and agency, even within the constraints of a patriarchal society.

At the same time, the Duchess is also revealed to be a victim of male violence and abuse. The Duke’s reference to her as ‘my last Duchess’ suggests that he has had her killed or imprisoned, and the hints of violence in his language suggest that he may have been physically abusive towards her. This highlights the ways in which women in Victorian society were at risk of violence and abuse if they failed to conform to societal expectations.

Overall, the Duchess is a complex and multi-faceted character who is both powerful and vulnerable, charming and subversive, and a victim of male violence and abuse. The poem is a powerful commentary on the ways in which women in Victorian society were expected to conform to male expectations and were at risk of violence and abuse if they failed to do so.

Comment on the themes of poem.

‘My Last Duchess’ by Robert Browning is a complex poem that explores a variety of themes, including power, gender roles, jealousy, art, and morality.

Power: One of the central themes of the poem is power. The Duke is a wealthy and powerful aristocrat who has complete control over his household and the people in his life. He sees his possessions, including the painting of his last Duchess, as symbols of his power and dominance over others. The poem critiques the ways in which men in Victorian society were able to exert their power over women, and the damaging consequences that this could have for both men and women alike.

Gender Roles: The poem also explores the rigid gender roles that prevailed during the Victorian era. The Duchess is depicted as a woman who is expected to be subservient and obedient to the men in her life, and who is not given the freedom to express herself or to pursue her own interests. The Duke’s obsession with controlling his wife reflects the ways in which women were often denied agency and autonomy in their own lives.

Jealousy: The Duke’s jealousy towards his wife is another key theme in the poem. He is threatened by her charm and flirtatiousness, which he sees as a challenge to his own power and authority. This jealousy ultimately leads him to have her killed or imprisoned, highlighting the destructive consequences of envy and possessiveness.

Art: The painting of the Duchess is also an important theme in the poem. The Duke sees the painting as a symbol of his power and control over his wife, and is obsessed with it as a work of art. The painting also represents the ways in which art can be used as a tool of oppression and control, as well as a means of expressing beauty and creativity.

Morality: Finally, the poem raises important questions about morality and ethics. The Duke’s actions in having his wife killed or imprisoned are clearly immoral, and the poem raises important questions about the relationship between power and morality. It also asks us to consider the role of art in ethical debates, and whether or not art can be used to justify or rationalize immoral behavior.

To sum up it can be said that  ‘My Last Duchess’ is a powerful and complex poem that explores a range of important themes, including power, gender roles, jealousy, art, and morality. The poem is a powerful critique of the ways in which men in Victorian society were able to exert their power over women, and the damaging consequences that this could have for both men and women alike.