ROBERT BROWNING
Michelle_Michy
20200611232926browning_my_last_duchess.ppt© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess”
Poetry
© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
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Robert Browning (1806–1861)
Browning married the already famous poetess Elizabeth Barrett, and they were considered one of the happiest couples of the century. Students may find it interesting that Mrs. Browning was significantly older than her husband, was partially invalid, and was sequestered from the outside world by an overly protective father (in fact, they eloped rather than had a traditional marriage). Browning had tried publishing standard love verse but his work fared poorly; today, his most popular poetry remains those works that we can categorize as dramatic monologues.
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
Questions for Discussion
- Describe the dramatic situation. Characterize the speaker in detail. How is each aspect of his character suggested? What do his descriptions of the painting and statue tell you about him?
- What does the poem suggest about the nature of men's and women's roles through its characterization of the duke and his characterization of his “last duchess”?
- What assumptions does the duke make about his former wife? What assumptions do you make?
- What role does remarriage play in the work?
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This poem contains no commentary and no obvious reflection; it is almost purely a straight dramatic situation. Because it is spoken by a single character, this kind of poem is often called a dramatic monologue. Characteristic of the dramatic monologue is a gradual revelation of the situation and the speaker's character. Was the Duke justified in his jealousy? Does a woman have any control over her blushing or other gestures if she is complimented?
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© 2013 W. W. Norton Co., Inc.
LITERATURE
THE NORTON INTRODUCTION TO
Kelly J. Mays
