6.1.1

Summary

Test yourself

Summary of My Last Duchess

Robert Browning wrote My Last Duchess in 1845, but the poem was set in the 16th century. In the poem, the Duke of Ferrara speaks to a messenger sent by a ruler from a foreign land to secure marriage for his daughter.

Illustrative background for SummaryIllustrative background for Summary ?? "content

Summary

  • The Duke of Ferrara speaks to an emissary (messenger) sent by a ruler from a foreign land to secure marriage for his daughter.
  • The Duke boasts about his art and a portrait of his former wife (covered up by a curtain).
  • It becomes clear that the Duke was controlling and possessive.
  • It is strongly hinted that he arranged for his ‘last Duchess’ to be killed.
Illustrative background for Protagonist (main character)Illustrative background for Protagonist (main character) ?? "content

Protagonist (main character)

  • The poem is based on a real person – Alfonso II, Duke of Modena and Ferrara in Italy.
Illustrative background for Main ideasIllustrative background for Main ideas ?? "content

Main ideas

  • The poem explores male power and dominance.

Key Ideas in My Last Duchess

Although the subject of the poem is the “Last Duchess”, we actually learn a lot more about the Duke and his personality. The Duke is presented as arrogant and proud. His characterisation allows Browning to explore other themes, like the oppression of women and irony.

Illustrative background for Arrogance, pride and powerIllustrative background for Arrogance, pride and power ?? "content

Arrogance, pride and power

  • The Duke is characterised as arrogant, entitled and obsessed with pursuing control.
  • He wants to dominate all aspects of his wife’s life. This is the primary way we see his obsession with power in the poem.
  • The way he speaks to the messenger, and the fact that his speech is written in controlled iambic pentameter, also points to this.
Illustrative background for IronyIllustrative background for Irony ?? "content

Irony

  • There is some irony in the poem.
  • Although the Duke is trying to impress the messenger and give the impression that he has ultimate power, the way he speaks about his wife shows him to be jealous and insecure.
  • Reputation and honour were of huge importance to the Duke. This is very ironic, as the poem seems to mock him and his pompousness (too serious and full of importance).
  • The poem points to the fact that wealth and status do not equate to good morals.
Illustrative background for Oppression of womenIllustrative background for Oppression of women ?? "content

Oppression of women

  • The poem highlights the oppression and objectification of women in the 16th Century.
    • Even in death, the Duke has authority over the Duchess as he decides who looks at her.
  • The curtain becomes a powerful symbol of masculine dominance. It's also a reminder that the Duke was unable to control his wife fully when she was alive.

Jump to other topics

1Ozymandias - Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)

2London - William Blake (1757-1827)

3Storm on the Island - Seamus Heaney (1939-2013)

4Exposure - Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)

5War Photographer - Carol Ann Duffy (born 1955)

6My Last Duchess - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

7The Prelude - William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

8Charge of the Light Brigade - Alfred Tennyson

9Bayonet Charge - Ted Hughes (1930-1998)

10Poppies - Jane Weir (Born 1963)

11Tissue - Imtiaz Dharker (Born 1954)

12The Emigree - Carol Rumens (Born 1944)

13Kamikaze - Beatrice Garland (Born 1938)

14Checking Out Me History - John Agard (Born 1949)

15Remains - Simon Armitage (Born 1963)

16Grade 9 - Themes & Comparisons

16.1Grade 9 - Themes & Comparisons

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson