ommands;
Then all smiles stopped together.”
Now, he keeps her picture behind a curtain, and only he can show it to others. This reveals that the Duke sees women or anything around him as objects to own and control. To show his dominating nature, he tells the guest to notice the statue of Neptune, the sea god, taming a sea-horse. The Duke says this bronze statue was specially made for him by Claus of Innsbruck, a famous sculptor. He calls it a “rarity,” and it was made only “for me.” It is his way to show his pride, high status, and power.
Symbols: Robert Browning’s use of symbols in this poem is so fascinating. For example, the painting and the statue of Neptune are symbols. The painting of the Duke’s last Duchess is not just a piece of art. It shows how the Duke treats women like objects. He did not like the Duchess when she was alive because she smiled at everyone and enjoyed life. But now, he loves her painting—because he can control it. He keeps it behind a curtain, and only he decides who can see it. So, the painting becomes a symbol of power and control.
At the end of the poem, the Duke talks about a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. In the statue, Neptune is taming a sea-horse, which means controlling it. The Duke says:
“Notice Neptune, though,
Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,
Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”
This statue shows how the Duke sees himself—as a powerful man who must control others, like he controlled his last Duchess. The statue is also called a “rarity,” which means it is very special—just like the Duke thinks he is. So, the statue of Neptune becomes a symbol of the Duke’s pride, power, and need to dominate.
Form: Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a fine dramatic monologue. In this poem, only the Duke speaks. He talks to a silent listener (the guest), but the real audience is the reader. As the Duke speaks, he accidentally or intentionally reveals his own character. We learn that he is an arrogant, proud, jealous, and controlling man, and a cruel murderer.
Meter, Rhyme Scheme: The poem is written in rhymed iambic pentameter. It means each line has ten syllables, and every two lines rhyme. The rhyme scheme of the poem follows this pattern: AABBCCDD…
“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, (A)
Looking as if she were alive. I call” (A)
This gives the poem a smooth and controlled rhythm, just like the Duke’s personality.
Language: The language of the poem is formal but personal. The Duke uses polite words, but his real nature is hidden beneath his smooth speech. The words are chosen very carefully to show pride, art, and power.
In fine, “My Last Duchess” is a powerful poem that shows how power and pride can destroy love and life. Through the Duke’s own words, we see how he controlled and silenced his wife. Browning uses the dramatic monologue style to show the darkness inside the Duke. The poem is also a strong criticism of the way women were treated in society—as objects, not as human beings.
Continue Reading
Subscribe to access the full content
Upgrade to Premium