My Last Duchess Flashcards
Context
This poem shares similarities with the historical figure, the Duke of Ferrara. Supposedly he was dissatisfied with his wife, so he killed her and remarried
Plot
The poem is about the Duke talking to a messenger who is there to arrange his next marriage. The Duke shows off his wealth and status by making reference to his paintings and reputation. He explains the problem he had with his disrespectful wife; who was very flirtatious. The patriarchal Duke is very controlling and so is the messenger and reader
Form
Dramatic monologue
Iambic pentameter
Caesura
Enjambment
Structure
One stanza
Rhyming couplets
Tone
Pride
Anger
Fear
Theme
Power of humans
Power of memory
Power of art
First person experience
Love and relationship
Key quote-“Looking as if she were alive”
Initially the reader may interpret this a a line of praise for the painter; however this description, repeated later at a crucial moment (cyclical structure), takes on progressively sinister overtones and foreshadows the Duchess’ death. It could suggest that he only cares about others’ perception and how a beautiful woman would benefit him rather than the bond he should have made with his wife. Alternatively, The lifelike qualities of the painting remind us of how skilled Fra Pandolf was, perhaps Browning is suggesting that the Duchess is literally looking at the envoy, conveying a cry for help. Refers to how the Duchess may have been crying for help when the Duke of Ferrara, allegedly, killed her.
Key quote-“She had A heart- how shall I say? - too soon made glad, Too easily impressed”
The Duke begins to explain why the Duchess angered him. He does not like the way she was nice attentive and possibly flirtatious which may refer to why the Duke of Ferrara was dissatisfied with her wife. He viewed her as lacking good taste and, because everything and everyone seemed to bring joy to her, the Duke felt as if he were not especially appreciated and loved. Alternatively, The hyphenation emphasises Browning use of euphemistic language; as if the misogynistic character is trying to converse with the reader, declaring his covetous nature over the Duchess. Its as if he is trying to portray the Duchess in a derogatory way without seeming overly critical towards her.
Key quote-“she smiled, no doubt, Whene’er I passed her, but who passed without much the same smile?”
The Duke mentions that the Duchess used to smile at him, however it was questionable whether she liked the Duke- more likely she was afraid of him and felt obliged to force a smile. However, he felt as the she shared the same smile and joy to any common man. Her smile was too easily given out. Alternatively, the pivotal verb “but” shows hiss annoyance as he thinks that its bad for her to show affection to anyone other than him. It shows connotations of being controlling and jealous as he feels as if his special “smile” is handed to any person when its meant for him- possessive and protective, the trait of men in that time period.
Can compare to..
Ozymandias-Two powerful rulers
London-Inequalities in power and victimising women
