Short Answer Type
- What kind of writing style did Browning follow in “My Last Duchess”?
“My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue where the duke speaks to a silent listener, the envoy of a count, whose daughter he is going to marry. It is written in rhymed iambic pentameter.
2. What is the setting of the poem, in “My Last Duchess”? Or, what is the historical context/source of the poem?
The setting of the poem is Italy of the Renaissance period. Duke Alfanso II of Ferrara speaks to the envoy of a count, whose daughter he is going to marry, shortly after his last duchess had died under mysterious circumstances.
3. What are the circumstances under which the duke and the envoy meet?
The lately widowed Duke of Ferrara, Alfanso II, was going to marry the count’s daughter, and entertains the count’s envoy showing him the painting of his last duchess, but obliquely hinting about his expectations from the count’s daughter.
4, Who us the listener in “My Last Duchess”? What is the purpose of his coming?
The silent listener in “My Last Duchess” is the emissary of a count. He is helping to negotiate the marriage between the recently widowed duke and the count’s daughter.
5. Describe the significance of the title/phrase “My Last Duchess”?
The possessive pronoun, “my”, demonstrates the speaker’s possessiveness, that the Duchess is something to be owned or acquired. The inclusion of “last”, suggests that this Duchess was the Duke’s most recent Duchess, and that this cycle of male dominance will continue to reoccur in the future.
- Analyze ‘My Last Duchess’ as a dramatic monologue
A dramatic monologue is a poem of a particular narrative style in which a fictional speaker – while addressing a silent listener, usually not the reader – unwittingly reveals some hidden aspects of his true character while describing some series of events or some other characters.
Robert Browning’s poem ‘My Last Duchess’, is a perfect specimen of a dramatic monologue. Duke Alfanso II of Ferrara describes some series of events that took place with his former wife who is no more alive. We understand that he is a possessive husband, a cruel and proud aristocrat, a greedy bridegroom but a connoisseur of artworks. He also reveals that the Duchess was an innocent, easy-going lady.
The abrupt beginning of the poem: “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall” is itself much dramatic. Besides, there are so many dramatic turns in the development of the poem such as, “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.”
2. Analyse the character of Duke from the poem My Last Duchess.
Ans. The Duke in Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is based on the real life character of Duke Alfanso II of Ferrara. Controlling and proud, he liked things to be done his way. He expected his wife to be fully devoted to him. He was autocratic and did not tolerate any behavior that displeased him. The Duke was also very jealous. His jealousy grew when his wife, the Duchess, smiled at others and received gifts from them. The arrogant duke even considered “Correcting” her as stooping. So the Duke ordered her death sentence. Even when planning to marry again, the Duke told the envoy that there would be no change in the dowry terms. He expected complete loyalty from his next wife as well. However, he is a boastful connoisseur of art.
3. How does the Duke’s attitude toward the Duchess reflect societal norms of the time?
Ans: The Duke’s attitude toward the Duchess shows the patriarchal norms of the Renaissance era. During this time, men held power over women. The Duke sees the Duchess not as an equal partner but as a possession. He is possessive of her, wanting her joy to be directed only toward him. This reveals his lack of respect for her feelings and individuality. The Duke expects her to conform to his standards, highlighting how women were often objectified. Their worth was tied to their obedience. This oppressive mindset leads to tragedy in the poem, showing the harmful effects of such societal expectations. The Duke’s need for control ultimately results in a loss that emphasizes the destructive nature of these norms.
4. What role does art play in the poem “My Last Dutchess”?
Ans: Art plays a very important bur negative role in “My Last Duchess.” It symbolizes control, memory, and objectification. The Duke admires the portrait of the Duchess because it shows his desire to possess her beauty, even after her death. By commissioning the painting, he controls how she is remembered. He chooses to reveal the portrait to show his claim to her image. This control goes beyond art; it reflects his need to dominate those around him, especially women. The contrast between the Duchess’s lifelike portrait and her actual fate emphasizes her objectification. The Duke values her as a beautiful image rather than as a person with feelings. In the end, the painting serves as a chilling reminder of the Duke’s possessive nature.
5. What does the Statue of Neptune symbolize in the poem My Last Duchess?
Ans: In Robert Browning’s poem My Last Duchess, the duke is discussing with the emissary of a count an arranged marriage between the Duke and the Count’s daughter. The Duke refers to her as his “beautiful target,” highlighting his objectifying view of women.
As they walk downstairs, the Duke points out a bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea horse. Neptune, the god of the sea, symbolizes the Duke himself, while the sea horse represents any Duchess he may possess. This imagery reflects the Duke’s belief in his own power and superiority. He sees himself as a god, desiring to tame his wife and assert control over her behavior, just as Neptune dominates the sea horse. This symbolism reveals the Duke’s possessive nature and his need for dominance in his relationships.