"My Last Duchess," written by Robert Browning, is a dramatic monologue that tells the story of a Duke who is showing a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, to a servant of a potential marriage prospect. Through the Duke's words and actions, the reader is able to uncover his controlling and jealous nature, as well as the power dynamics at play in the relationship between the Duke and the Duchess.
As a dramatic monologue, the poem is narrated by a single character, the Duke, who is speaking to an audience, the servant. The Duke's speech reveals his thoughts, feelings, and motives, allowing the reader to understand his character and the events of the poem.
One of the main themes of the poem is the Duke's possessiveness and control over the Duchess. He speaks of her as if she is a possession, saying, "I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together." This suggests that the Duchess was not allowed to express her own emotions or thoughts, and that the Duke expected her to comply with his demands. The Duke's jealousy is also evident in his mention of the "nine hundred [countries] I have in every one, / And would full willingly forget" if it meant the Duchess would be faithful to him. This shows that the Duke is not only possessive, but also paranoid that the Duchess may not be fully devoted to him.
The power dynamic between the Duke and the Duchess is also a prominent aspect of the poem. The Duke holds a high social status and is able to command others, while the Duchess is essentially silenced and powerless. This is exemplified by the Duke's decision to have the Duchess' portrait painted, as it allows him to control how she is portrayed and remembered. The Duke also speaks of the Duchess as if she is no longer alive, saying, "Will't please you rise? We'll meet / The company below, then." This further reinforces the Duke's control over the Duchess and suggests that she is no longer able to make her own decisions.
In conclusion, "My Last Duchess" is a powerful dramatic monologue that uses the Duke's words and actions to reveal his possessive and controlling nature, as well as the power dynamics at play in his relationship with the Duchess. The poem serves as a commentary on the expectations and limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society.
