Page 2: Context and Background of My Last Duchess
This page provides essential context for understanding Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" and its historical inspiration.
The poem was written in 1842 but is set in 1561, drawing inspiration from the life of Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara. Alfonso's first wife died in 1561 after only three years of marriage, a fact that adds a chilling dimension to the poem's narrative.
Highlight: The poem's historical setting in Renaissance Italy allows Browning to explore themes of power, art, and the treatment of women in aristocratic society.
Robert Browning's background is also relevant to the poem's creation:
- He married Elizabeth Barrett, another poet, in secret
- As a child, he was heavily influenced by books and art
- At 14, he could speak Latin, Greek, and French
- He left university because it didn't suit him
Definition: Dramatic monologue - A poetic form in which a single character speaks to a silent listener, revealing their personality and perspective through their words.
The poem's structure and content are closely intertwined:
- The long verse paragraph reflects the Duke's tendency to speak at length without pause for reflection
- The painting of the Duchess is described as being behind a curtain, symbolizing the Duke's control over her image and memory
Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."
This opening line sets a sinister tone, immediately suggesting that the Duchess has been replaced and is now merely a possession to be displayed.
The Duke's controlling nature is evident throughout the poem, from his manipulation of the conversation to his treatment of the Duchess's memory. His inability to control his wife in life led to her death, revealing the dangerous extremes of his jealousy and need for power.
Example: The Duke's comment about Neptune "Taming a sea-horse" at the end of the poem suggests his belief that he should have been able to "tame" his wife, further emphasizing his disturbing attitude towards women and relationships.
