My Last Duchess is a poem written in a dramatic monologue form by Robert Browning in 1842 This poem tells the story of Duke Alfonso II of Ferrara, who is speaking to a servant of his prospective new wife’s father. Through the recounting of a portrait of his late wife, the Duke reveals his overly possessive, dominating and obsessive nature.
The poem starts out with the Duke revealing his pride in the portrait of “My Last Duchess” that hangs in his palace. He recounts her beauty and her lack of affections, indicating what he believes to be a lack of respect from her towards him specifically. In this, he reveals his control issues and a desire to keep her within his own grasp.
The poem moves along as the Duke continues to explain his duchess’s every action and how he wanted more from her, even expecting her to be unable to look away when his own glance was cast upon her. His anger towards her free will and other companions is revealed. He speaks of her as though she was a pet, something that he could control or keep a leash on.
The Duke’s possessive and controlling nature is further revealed as the poem progresses. As he explains the gifts he had given to the duchess, it is made clear that he expected a show of gratitude and obedience in return, and was angered by her failure to meet this expectation. In this, it is clear that he thought of her as an object, rather than a person, with greater value in the things he could offer her, rather than anything she offered him.
Here are five interesting essay topics about My Last Duchess:
1. Discuss how Robert Browning uses this poem to explore the toxic power dynamics in relationships.
2. Analyse how the Duke’s possessiveness and control are revealed through the poem.
3. Compare the Duke’s views of love and marriage to a Victorian ideal.
4. The role of the first person in this poem and its effect on the overall theme.
5. How the poem can be used to explore the role of authority within relationships.