My Last Duchess

Poetry | Robert Browning

How is the Duke presented in “My Last Duchess”? 

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What kind of man was the Duke in the poem My Last Duchess Or How is the Duke presented in My Last Duchess Or Write a note on the character of the Duke In Browning s - dramatic monologue My Last Duchess the Duke of Ferrara is speaking to a man who has come to arrange his new marriage While talking he shows a painting of his last Duchess his dead wife From his words we understand that the Duke is an arrogant jealous and controlling man and a cruel murderer Proud and Arrogant The Duke is a very proud ruler He is arrogant He takes mighty pride in his family name and status We learn this when he says his name is a nine-hundred-years-old name The Duke repeatedly draws the guest s attention to his wealth and power He also hints threat about what happens to those who do

not respect him Moreover he talks with the guest about the beautiful painting of his dead wife He seems to value the painting more than his wife Jealous and Controlling The Duke cannot accept that the Duchess was kind to everyone She smiled at many people and enjoyed simple things He wanted her to smile only for him He did not like her innocent happiness The Duke s words reveal that he is a jealous man He saw her as an unfaithful wife We realize that he actually gave commands to kill his last Duchess As he says I gave commands Then all smiles stopped together This proves that the Duke is a cruel murderer He thinks women are objects to possess and dominate In short the Duke is a proud jealous and cruel murderer He wants complete control over others especially his wife He cannot accept smiles kindness or joy unless it is only for him Browning shows how dangerous pride and power can be in such a person

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