February 9, 2022

My Last Duchess
By: Robert Browning (1842)

Ferrara That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive. I call That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day, and there she stands. Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said 5 “Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read Strangers like you that pictured countenance, The depth and passion of its earnest glance, But to myself they turned (since none puts by The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) 10 And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, How such a glance came there; so, not the first Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps 15 Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint Must never hope to reproduce the faint Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough 20 For calling up that spot of joy. She had A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast, 25 The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule She rode with round the terrace—all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech, 30 Or blush, at least. She thanked men—good! but thanked Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame This sort of trifling? Even had you skill 35 In speech—which I have not—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”—and if she let Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set 40 Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse— E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop. Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; 45 Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive. Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet The company below, then. I repeat, The Count your master’s known munificence Is ample warrant that no just pretense 50 Of mine for dowry will be disallowed; Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, 55 Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!

Introduction

Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” first published in 1842 in his collection Dramatic Lyrics, is a dramatic monologue that showcases the poet’s mastery of psychological portraiture and narrative technique. The poem is set during the Italian Renaissance and is often considered a response to the fascination with historical and aristocratic themes typical of Victorian literature. The speaker, the Duke of Ferrara, reveals his character through his reflections on a portrait of his deceased wife, subtly exposing his authoritarian nature and his obsession with control and power.

The poem draws on literary and historical influences, including Renaissance culture and the classical tradition of dramatic monologue. Browning’s choice to focus on a historical figure allows him to explore themes of power, jealousy, and the objectification of women. The Duke’s narrative references the Renaissance practice of commissioning portraits, a custom that reflects the period’s emphasis on art as a status symbol. The Duke’s reference “Fra Pandolf,” the fictional artist who painted the Duchess, underscores the interplay between art and power, as well as the Duke’s manipulation of both to assert his dominance.

“My Last Duchess” is written in rhymed iambic pentameter, often referred to as heroic couplets, but Browning’s use of enjambment and the monologue form creates a natural, conversational rhythm. The poem is a single, continuous speech delivered by the Duke to an envoy, who has come to negotiate a new marriage on the Duke’s behalf. The Duke’s language is formal and controlled, but Browning uses subtle shifts in tone and diction to reveal the Duke’s underlying arrogance and cruelty. The Duke’s description of the Duchess’s blush—“A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad”—exposes his jealousy and his need to control her behavior, even in death.

Symbolism and imagery play crucial roles in the poem. The portrait of the Duchess is a central symbol, representing the Duke’s attempt to immortalize and control his wife’s image. The Duchess herself becomes a symbol of the power dynamics in their relationship; her perceived flirtations and inability to meet the Duke’s rigid expectations lead to her demise. The metaphor of the “curtain” that the Duke draws to reveal the portrait also functions as a symbol of the Duke’s authority, as he alone controls who may view her image, reflecting his possessive nature.

Browning’s innovations in the poem include his use of the dramatic monologue to explore the complexities of the human psyche, a technique that would influence later poets. The poem’s Victorian characteristics are evident in its exploration of power, gender roles, and the conflict between appearance and reality. It also reflects Victorian anxieties about social class and the role of women, themes that remain relevant in contemporary discussions of gender and power.

“My Last Duchess” can be read as a critique of patriarchal authority and the objectification of women, themes that continue to resonate today. The Duke’s manipulation of narrative and image to control his wife’s legacy invites reflection on how power dynamics are constructed and maintained in relationships and society. The poem’s exploration of these themes, coupled with Browning’s use of form and language, ensures its continued relevance in literary studies.

Questions for Consideration

1. How does the Duke reveal his character through his monologue? Consider his attitudes toward the Duchess, art, and his own social status. What do his words and tone suggest about his personality and values?
2. What does the Duke's reference to “Fra Pandolf” and “Claus of Innsbruck” reveal about his priorities? How do these references to art and artists contribute to our understanding of the Duke?
3. What can we infer about the Duchess’ personality and behavior from the Duke’s descriptions? How reliable is the Duke as a narrator, and what might his account leave out or distort?
4. The Duke criticizes the Duchess for “too soon made glad” and “too easily impressed.” What might these phrases suggest about the Duchess’s nature, and why do they bother the Duke so much?
5. How does the poem explore the theme of power and control? Consider how the Duke’s need for control extends to his relationships and his environment, including the artwork in his home.
6. What is the significance of the Duke’s command that “all smiles stopped together”? How does this line contribute to the poem’s overall tone and themes of power and authority?
7. How does Browning use the form of the dramatic monologue to enhance the poem’s themes? Consider how the structure of the Duke’s speech and the use of enjambment contribute to the poem’s meaning.
8. Why do you think Browning chose to reveal the story of the Duchess indirectly through the Duke’s perspective? What is the effect of hearing only the Duke’s side of the story?
9. Discuss the symbolism of the Duchess’ portrait. How does the portrait represent the Duke’s control over the Duchess, both in life and in death?
10. What is the significance of the statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse in the closing lines of the poem? How might this image relate to the Duke’s character and his view of relationships?
11. In what ways does the poem reflect Victorian concerns about social class, gender roles, and the institution of marriage? How does Browning critique or engage with these issues through the Duke’s monologue?
12. How might the historical setting of Renaissance Italy influence the themes and tone of the poem? Consider how the poem’s historical context affects its portrayal of power, art, and aristocracy.
13. To what extent can “My Last Duchess” be seen as a critique of patriarchal power? How does the Duke’s treatment of the Duchess reflect broader societal attitudes toward women?
14. Do you think the Duke is aware of how he comes across to others, including the envoy to whom he is speaking? How does this awareness (or lack thereof) affect the reader’s interpretation of the poem?

Notes & Commentary