Page 1: Introduction and Opening Lines

The poem "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning is set in Renaissance Italy, specifically in Ferrara. It is structured as a dramatic monologue, a long speech from one character's perspective, which allows readers to delve into the Duke's possessive and controlling mindset.

The Duke begins by showing a visitor a portrait of his late wife, referring to her as "my last Duchess." This immediately establishes his sense of ownership over her, even after her death. He praises the painting's lifelike quality and mentions the artist, Fra Pandolf, by name.

Highlight: The Duke's use of possessive language and his control over who sees the painting reveal his domineering nature.

The Duke describes how people react to the portrait, noting the "depth and passion of its earnest glance." He seems to take pride in his ability to control access to the painting, drawing back the curtain for his guest.

Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."

As the monologue progresses, the Duke's sinister undertones become more apparent. He reveals his displeasure at the Duchess's behavior, particularly her tendency to be "easily impressed" and her willingness to smile at everyone.

Vocabulary: Euphemism - A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

The Duke's jealousy and need for control are evident in his description of the Duchess's reactions to simple pleasures, such as sunset or cherries. His language suggests that he viewed her joy as a threat to his authority.

Example: The Duke's irritation at the Duchess's delight in a "bough of cherries" brought by an "officious fool" demonstrates his irrational jealousy.

Page 2: Escalation and Conclusion

As the dramatic monologue continues, the Duke's controlling nature and sinister intentions become increasingly clear. He expresses frustration with the Duchess's tendency to thank and smile at everyone equally, regardless of their status or the value of their gifts.

The Duke's pride in his "nine-hundred-years-old name" reveals his obsession with status and power. He sees his aristocratic lineage as his most valuable attribute and is offended that the Duchess doesn't seem to prioritize it above all else.

Quote: "Who'd stoop to blame / This sort of trifling? Even had you skill / In speech - (which I have not) - to make your will / Quite clear to such an one..."

The Duke's inability to communicate his displeasure to the Duchess is telling. He considers it beneath him to "stoop" to explaining his feelings or correcting her behavior. This reveals his expectation of complete obedience without the need for explanation.

Highlight: The line "I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together" is a chilling euphemism suggesting the Duchess's death, possibly at the Duke's order.

The poem concludes with the Duke smoothly transitioning to discuss dowry arrangements for his next marriage, indicating that he sees women as interchangeable possessions. He then points out a bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse, which serves as a metaphor for his desire to control and dominate.

Analysis: The dramatic monologue structure allows Browning to reveal the Duke's true nature through his own words, creating a powerful critique of power, class, and misogyny.

The poem's use of rhyming couplets and enjambment creates a conversational tone that belies the sinister content. This technique enhances the unsettling effect of the Duke's casual attitude towards his wife's fate.

Definition: Enjambment - The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause.

This line-by-line analysis of "My Last Duchess" reveals Browning's masterful use of dramatic monologue to explore themes of control, possession, and the abuse of power, making it a classic example of Victorian poetry's psychological depth.