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My Last Duchess

Robert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess' is a dramatic monologue that reveals the Duke's jealousy and possessiveness over his deceased wife through a conversation about her portrait. The poem explores themes of power, control, and irony, reflecting Victorian attitudes towards relationships. Browning's use of literary devices enhances the psychological depth of the Duke's character and the societal implications of his views.

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Kanishka
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27 views8 pages

My Last Duchess

Robert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess' is a dramatic monologue that reveals the Duke's jealousy and possessiveness over his deceased wife through a conversation about her portrait. The poem explores themes of power, control, and irony, reflecting Victorian attitudes towards relationships. Browning's use of literary devices enhances the psychological depth of the Duke's character and the societal implications of his views.

Uploaded by

Kanishka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MY LAST

DUCHESS
- Robert Browning

AN ANALYSIS OF A
‘DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE’
About the poeT
ROBERT BROWNING
• Born: May 7, 1812, in Camberwell, London, England.
• Died: December 12, 1889, in Venice, Italy.
• Known for dramatic monologues, exploring the
complexities of the human mind.
• Celebrated for psychological insight and mastery of poetic
form.
• Famous Poems:
“My Last Duchess” (1842)
“Porphyria's Lover” (1836)
and many more…
About the poem
STRUCTURE OF THE POEM:
• A dramatic monologue, published in 1842.
• Consists of 56 lines in rhymed couplets.
• Written in Iambic Pentameter.
NARRATIVE SUMMARY:
• The poem unfolds as a conversation where the Duke reveals
details about his Duchess, who is now deceased. The Duke’s
jealousy, possessiveness, and desire for control become
evident when he discusses the portrait of his former wife.
Characters
The Duke:
• Protagonist and narrator.
• Displays traits of pride, jealousy, and control.
• Represents the aristocratic class and its attitudes towards
power and possession.
The Emissary:
• Silent listener to the Duke’s monologue.
• Serves as a foil to the Duke, providing an external
perspective.
THEMES
1. Jealousy and Possession:
The Duke resents the Duchess’s quick happiness,
desiring to be her exclusive source, revealing possessiveness
and jealousy.
2. Irony:
The Duchess’s smiles ceased abruptly with the
Duke's commands, creating tragic irony.
3. Power and Control:
The Duke sees the marriage as a transaction,
emphasizing his view of women as possessions to be
controlled and displayed.
Literary Devices

1. Dramatic Monologue:
A form where a speaker addresses an audience.
2. Irony:
Contrast between what's said and meant.
3. Symbolism:
Use of symbols for added meaning.
Conclusion
• "My Last Duchess" explores feelings like jealousy, irony,
power, and control through a dramatic conversation.
• We learn a lot about the Duke's personality through clever
writing techniques.
• The poem shows how people in Victorian times thought about
relationships and power, giving us insights that still make
sense today.

Browning's beautiful words make you think about love, pride,


and control in a deep way.
Thank you

Submitted To: Dr. Astha Gupta

Submitted By: Kanishka


MA English (2nd Semester)
230222400022

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