My Last Duchessby Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue... Show more
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Jan 22, 2023
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My Last Duchess Full Poem and In-Depth Annotations PDF
Page 2 Summary
The second page continues the duke's monologue, further revealing his jealous and controlling nature. He expresses frustration that his wife treated his "gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name" with the same appreciation as any other kindness shown to her.
The duke admits his lack of communication skills, stating he could not bring himself to correct his wife's behavior directly. He viewed such communication as beneath him, saying "I choose / Never to stoop." This reveals his arrogance and inability to engage in healthy marital communication.
Quote: "Even had you skill / In speech - - to make your will / Quite clear to such an one, and say, 'Just this / Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, / Or there exceed the mark'"
The poem takes a dark turn as the duke implies he had his wife killed, stating "I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together." This chilling line is delivered matter-of-factly, highlighting the duke's lack of remorse.
Highlight: The duke's casual mention of ending his wife's life reveals the extreme consequences of his jealousy and need for control.
The monologue concludes with the duke returning to the business at hand - negotiating a new marriage. He assures the listener that his "object" is the Count's daughter, not just her dowry. This swift transition from discussing his murdered wife to arranging a new marriage underscores his cold, calculating nature.
Example: The duke's comparison of himself to Neptune "taming a sea-horse" in the final lines serves as a metaphor for how he views relationships - the man must dominate and control the woman.
The poem ends with the duke pointing out a bronze statue, once again asserting his wealth and power. This final display of pride and materialism reinforces the duke's character as a man obsessed with control, ownership, and status.
Page 1 Summary
The opening of "My Last Duchess" introduces the dramatic monologue format and provides context for the poem. The duke is speaking to a visitor, showing off a portrait of his late wife and revealing his possessive attitude towards her.
The duke begins by pointing out the lifelike portrait of his "last Duchess" painted by Fra Pandolf. His use of possessive language like "That's my last Duchess" immediately suggests his view of his wife as a possession. He invites the visitor to sit and examine the painting, noting how the artist captured the Duchess's lively expression.
Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."
The duke's commentary reveals his resentment of his wife's warm and friendly nature. He is bothered that she blushed at Fra Pandolf's compliments and seemed to enjoy attention from others besides himself.
Highlight: The duke's jealousy and need for control are evident as he criticizes his wife for being "too easily impressed" and claims "her looks went everywhere."
Browning uses rhyming couplets and iambic pentameter to give the duke's speech a controlled, measured quality that contrasts with the disturbing content of his words. This formal structure emphasizes the duke's attempt to maintain a polite, aristocratic facade while exposing his true nature.
Vocabulary: Dramatic monologue - A type of poem in which a character speaks to a silent listener, revealing aspects of their personality.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
My Last Duchess Full Poem and In-Depth Annotations PDF
My Last Duchessby Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue that explores themes of power, control, and jealousy through the voice of a Renaissance duke. The poem provides insight into the duke's possessive and controlling nature as he discusses his... Show more
Page 2 Summary
The second page continues the duke's monologue, further revealing his jealous and controlling nature. He expresses frustration that his wife treated his "gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name" with the same appreciation as any other kindness shown to her.
The duke admits his lack of communication skills, stating he could not bring himself to correct his wife's behavior directly. He viewed such communication as beneath him, saying "I choose / Never to stoop." This reveals his arrogance and inability to engage in healthy marital communication.
Quote: "Even had you skill / In speech - - to make your will / Quite clear to such an one, and say, 'Just this / Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, / Or there exceed the mark'"
The poem takes a dark turn as the duke implies he had his wife killed, stating "I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together." This chilling line is delivered matter-of-factly, highlighting the duke's lack of remorse.
Highlight: The duke's casual mention of ending his wife's life reveals the extreme consequences of his jealousy and need for control.
The monologue concludes with the duke returning to the business at hand - negotiating a new marriage. He assures the listener that his "object" is the Count's daughter, not just her dowry. This swift transition from discussing his murdered wife to arranging a new marriage underscores his cold, calculating nature.
Example: The duke's comparison of himself to Neptune "taming a sea-horse" in the final lines serves as a metaphor for how he views relationships - the man must dominate and control the woman.
The poem ends with the duke pointing out a bronze statue, once again asserting his wealth and power. This final display of pride and materialism reinforces the duke's character as a man obsessed with control, ownership, and status.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1 Summary
The opening of "My Last Duchess" introduces the dramatic monologue format and provides context for the poem. The duke is speaking to a visitor, showing off a portrait of his late wife and revealing his possessive attitude towards her.
The duke begins by pointing out the lifelike portrait of his "last Duchess" painted by Fra Pandolf. His use of possessive language like "That's my last Duchess" immediately suggests his view of his wife as a possession. He invites the visitor to sit and examine the painting, noting how the artist captured the Duchess's lively expression.
Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."
The duke's commentary reveals his resentment of his wife's warm and friendly nature. He is bothered that she blushed at Fra Pandolf's compliments and seemed to enjoy attention from others besides himself.
Highlight: The duke's jealousy and need for control are evident as he criticizes his wife for being "too easily impressed" and claims "her looks went everywhere."
Browning uses rhyming couplets and iambic pentameter to give the duke's speech a controlled, measured quality that contrasts with the disturbing content of his words. This formal structure emphasizes the duke's attempt to maintain a polite, aristocratic facade while exposing his true nature.
Vocabulary: Dramatic monologue - A type of poem in which a character speaks to a silent listener, revealing aspects of their personality.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user