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Dramatic Monologue Analysis of My Last Duchess for Kids - Line by Line Fun!

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Grace

2/16/2023

English Literature

My Last Dutchess annotations

Dramatic Monologue Analysis of My Last Duchess for Kids - Line by Line Fun!

Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" is a chilling dramatic monologue analysis of My Last Duchess that explores themes of power, jealousy, and control through the voice of a possessive Duke. The poem reveals:

  • The Duke's obsession with controlling his late wife's image and memory
  • His disturbingly casual attitude towards her death
  • Themes of possession, jealousy and male dominance in aristocratic society
  • Browning's critique of abuse of power among the nobility
  • Use of dramatic monologue to expose the Duke's sinister character
...

2/16/2023

504

-possesive
My Last Duchess
Italy.
Ferrara
dead?
1
(
Sinister
5
repeats
na me
drop
Robert
Browning
(1812-1889)
of using
men.
That's my last D

View

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 - whichIhavenotwhich 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.

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English Literature

504

Feb 16, 2023

2 pages

Dramatic Monologue Analysis of My Last Duchess for Kids - Line by Line Fun!

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Grace

@gracehatesyouu

Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" is a chilling dramatic monologue analysis of My Last Duchess that explores themes of power, jealousy, and control through the voice of a possessive Duke. The poem reveals:

  • The Duke's obsession with controlling his late... Show more

-possesive
My Last Duchess
Italy.
Ferrara
dead?
1
(
Sinister
5
repeats
na me
drop
Robert
Browning
(1812-1889)
of using
men.
That's my last D

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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 - whichIhavenotwhich 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.

-possesive
My Last Duchess
Italy.
Ferrara
dead?
1
(
Sinister
5
repeats
na me
drop
Robert
Browning
(1812-1889)
of using
men.
That's my last D

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: 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Elisha

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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