My Last Duchess Analysis
That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,
Explanation: In the line “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,” the Duke of Ferrara is pointing out a portrait of his late wife (referred to as “Duchess”) to the person he’s speaking with, likely an emissary. The phrase “last Duchess” suggests that she is no longer alive and that the Duke may have had other wives before her. By saying she is “painted on the wall,” he is showing that she now exists only as an image in a painting, emphasizing that he has control over her memory, just as he had control over her in life.
This line also hints at the Duke’s possessiveness, as he refers to the Duchess as his, and now she is immortalized in a way that he alone can display or hide, reflecting his desire for total authority.
Looking as if she were alive. I call
That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands
Worked busily a day, and there she stands.
Explanation: The Duke is admiring the portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, noting how lifelike the painting is—so much so that she appears almost alive. He praises the skill of the artist, Fra Pandolf, who worked hard to create the painting in just one day. The phrase “there she stands” suggests that the painting captures her presence perfectly, as if she is still there before him.
This also reveals how the Duke views the Duchess more as an object or possession, appreciating her beauty in the form of art rather than as a person. The line subtly reflects the Duke’s sense of ownership and control over her, both in life and now in death, as she is forever frozen in the portrait under his watch.
Will’t please you sit and look at her
Explanation: The line “Will’t please you sit and look at her?” is the Duke’s invitation to the listener (likely an emissary) to sit and observe the portrait of his late wife, the Duchess. On the surface, it seems like a polite gesture, but it also reveals the Duke’s pride and satisfaction in showing off the painting, which he controls.
This line further emphasizes the Duke’s dominance over the situation. He not only controls who gets to see the portrait (since he alone draws the curtain) but also directs how others should view it. It reflects the Duke’s manipulative nature, as he subtly commands the attention of the emissary, focusing on the Duchess’s image, which represents her as an object rather than a person.
I said
“Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read
Strangers like you that pictured countenance,
The depth and passion of its earnest glance,
Explanation: The Duke is explaining that he deliberately mentions the name of the artist, Fra Pandolf, to the emissary. He does this “by design,” meaning he mentions the artist’s name intentionally because visitors, or “strangers” like the emissary, often ask about the Duchess’s expression in the painting, particularly the depth and passion in her glance.
The Duke anticipates that people are curious about how such emotion and vitality could be captured in her face and may wonder if the artist said or did something to evoke this response. This reveals the Duke’s awareness of how others perceive the Duchess’s liveliness in the portrait, and it hints at his insecurity and jealousy over the idea that she could be influenced by anyone other than himself. He subtly implies that such emotional depth in her expression might have come from interactions with others, which he resented during her life.
Poetic Devices
The poem is a dramatic monologue where the Duke speaks to an emissary. Through his words, the Duke reveals his character, thoughts, and emotions without direct interaction from others.
Example: The Duke narrates his thoughts about the Duchess, providing insight into his controlling nature.
Imagery:
Browning uses vivid imagery to create a mental picture of the Duchess’s portrait, giving the reader a sense of her lifelike beauty and expression.
Example: “Looking as if she were alive” and “The depth and passion of its earnest glance” paint a clear picture of the Duchess in the portrait.
Symbolism:
The portrait itself is symbolic of the Duke’s desire to control and possess the Duchess, even in death. The curtain he draws to reveal the portrait represents his power to control how others view her.
Example: The Duke controls access to the portrait just as he tried to control the Duchess in life.
Irony:
There is dramatic irony in the Duke’s speech. While he tries to present himself as rational and justified in his actions, his words reveal his cruelty and jealousy.
Example: He describes the Duchess’s joyful nature as a flaw, which shows his unreasonable expectations and controlling behavior.
Enjambment:
Browning uses enjambment, where lines flow into one another without pause, creating a natural and conversational tone while keeping the dramatic tension.
Example: “That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”
Allusion:
The name “Fra Pandolf” alludes to an imaginary painter, giving the Duke’s tale an air of authenticity. It also hints at the Duke’s insecurity, as he emphasizes the artist to justify his jealousy.
Example: The repeated reference to Fra Pandolf enhances the Duke’s obsession with appearances.
Metaphor:
The Duke subtly uses metaphorical language to emphasize control. The portrait metaphorically represents the Duchess as an object, frozen in time, no longer able to defy his will.
Example: The Duke’s control over the portrait signifies his control over her memory and reputation.
But to myself they turned (since none puts by
The curtain I have drawn for you, but I),
Explanation: The Duke explains that when strangers observe the Duchess’s portrait, they always look to him for an explanation, as no one else has access to the painting unless he chooses to reveal it. The portrait is covered by a curtain, and only the Duke has the authority to pull it aside, meaning he controls who gets to see the image of his late wife.
This detail highlights the Duke’s possessiveness and control, not just over the painting but also over the memory and legacy of the Duchess. By controlling access to the portrait, the Duke metaphorically controls how others view her, both literally and in terms of her character. It reinforces his authoritarian personality and his desire to dominate every aspect of her life, even after her death.
And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,
How such a glance came there;
Explanation: The Duke observes that people who see the Duchess’s portrait appear as though they want to ask him how the Duchess’s lively and passionate expression came to be. However, they do not dare (“if they durst”) to actually ask him directly, likely out of fear or respect for the Duke’s authority.
This implies that the Duchess’s glance is so expressive that it naturally raises curiosity, as people wonder what inspired such depth of emotion. It also hints at the Duke’s intimidating presence and the unspoken tension around the topic of the Duchess. The fact that others are afraid to ask reveals the Duke’s oppressive nature, suggesting there may be something sinister behind the Duchess’s smile—foreshadowing the revelation of his role in her death.
so, not the first
Are you to turn and ask thus.
Explanation: The Duke is telling the emissary that he is not the first person to look at the Duchess’s portrait and wonder about the expression on her face. Many others have also been curious about how her glance, full of emotion and depth, came to be in the painting.
This remark subtly reinforces the Duke’s sense of superiority, as he seems almost dismissive of the emissary’s curiosity, implying that he has faced similar questions before. It also adds to the tension in the poem, as the Duke hints at something unsaid about the Duchess’s behavior and his feelings toward her, which he will reveal later.
Sir, ’twas not
Her husband’s presence only, called that spot
Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek;
Explanation: The Duke is explaining that the Duchess’s cheerful and blushing expression in the portrait was not solely due to his presence. He is suggesting that her joy was not exclusive to moments when he was around.
This statement reveals the Duke’s dissatisfaction with the Duchess’s reactions. He implies that her happiness was easily triggered by many things, not just by him, and this somehow upset him. The Duke’s remark underscores his possessiveness and jealousy, as he wanted her to show joy only in relation to him and his presence, not in response to other people or things.
Poetic Devices
Dramatic Irony:
The Duke describes the Duchess’s blush (the “spot of joy”) as though her happiness or friendliness was an insult to his authority. The irony lies in the fact that what he sees as evidence of her disloyalty or disrespect is, in reality, her innocent and joyful nature.
Example: The Duke’s jealousy over the simple act of the Duchess blushing reveals his possessive nature.
Metaphor:
The “curtain” the Duke mentions symbolizes his control over how others perceive the Duchess, both literally (by revealing her portrait) and metaphorically (by controlling her image and legacy after death).
Example: “None puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I” implies that the Duke has total control over who sees the Duchess, reflecting his possessive tendencies.
Symbolism:
The “spot of joy” in the Duchess’s cheek symbolizes her warmth and pleasure in life, which the Duke interprets negatively. It also represents the Duke’s inability to control her natural reactions and emotions.
Example: The “spot of joy” that the Duke fixates on becomes a symbol of his jealousy and need for dominance.
perhaps
Fra Pandolf chanced to say, ‘Her mantle laps
Over my lady’s wrist too much,’ or ‘Paint
Must never hope to reproduce the faint
Half-flush that dies along her throat.
Explanation: The Duke speculates that the artist, Fra Pandolf, might have made remarks about the Duchess’s appearance that contributed to her expression of joy. He suggests that the artist could have commented on small details, such as how her mantle (a type of clothing) might have been slightly off or how the painting might not fully capture the subtle blush on her throat.
This speculation serves to highlight the Duke’s frustration with the Duchess’s apparently trivial sources of happiness. He implies that any attention from Fra Pandolf or any artistic criticism could have sparked her joyful response, which he found irritating. The Duke’s focus on these minute details further demonstrates his obsession with controlling how the Duchess should have reacted and his broader dissatisfaction with her inability to reserve her joy solely for him.
Such stuff
Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough
For calling up that spot of joy.
Explanation: The Duke is criticizing the Duchess for being overly pleased by what he considers trivial matters. He suggests that the Duchess viewed the artist’s comments or small gestures of politeness (“such stuff”) as sufficient reasons to express joy and admiration.
To her, these small courtesies were enough to make her smile and blush, which the Duke found bothersome. This line reflects the Duke’s disdain for the Duchess’s apparently shallow responses to such gestures and highlights his frustration with her inability to show her joy in a way that he felt was appropriate, particularly in response to him and his prestigious name.
She had
A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made glad,
Too easily impressed;
Explanation: The Duke is expressing his discontent with the Duchess’s emotional nature. He is struggling to find the right words to describe her heart, but he ultimately says that she was “too soon made glad” and “too easily impressed.”
This means that the Duchess would quickly become happy and was easily affected by various things, whether they were compliments, gifts, or other gestures. The Duke sees this as a flaw, suggesting that her happiness was fleeting and not reserved specifically for him. He implies that her easy and frequent displays of joy were bothersome to him, as they did not exclusively reflect his own importance or status.
she liked whate’er
She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.
Sir, ’twas all one!
Explanation: The Duke is lamenting that the Duchess had a general fondness for everything she saw. She would show interest and pleasure in anything around her, regardless of its significance. Her gaze and attention were not reserved for him alone; instead, they were scattered over everything and everyone.
The Duke is emphasizing that it made no difference to her what she was looking at—whether it was a small gift, a beautiful sunset, or even the Duke himself. To her, all these things elicited the same response of joy and admiration. This, he believes, diminished the specialness of his own gifts and presence, and it irritated him that her attention was so easily diverted and shared with others.
Poetic Devices
Dramatic Irony:
The Duke interprets the Duchess’s innocent reactions and politeness as flaws. While he believes she was too easily impressed by others, the reader understands that this reflects the Duke’s paranoia and insecurity.
Example: The Duke’s jealousy over simple compliments, like Fra Pandolf’s remarks, is ironic because what he finds offensive is simply a reflection of her warm personality.
Imagery:
Vivid imagery is used to paint a clear picture of the Duchess’s expressions and reactions. Browning’s description of the “faint half-flush” along her throat emphasizes her natural beauty and innocence.
Example: “Her mantle laps over my lady’s wrist” and “the faint half-flush that dies along her throat” create a delicate, graceful image of the Duchess, contrasting with the Duke’s harsh judgment.
Symbolism:
The “spot of joy” symbolizes the Duchess’s happiness and warmth. However, it also becomes a symbol of the Duke’s jealousy and his inability to accept that she could be pleased by anything other than him.
Example: The “half-flush” along her throat represents her liveliness and natural joy, which the Duke resents.
Enjambment:
The lines flow into each other without a pause, reflecting the Duke’s continuous and uncontrolled stream of thought. This mirrors his obsession with the Duchess’s behavior.
Example: The passage moves fluidly from one line to the next, emphasizing the Duke’s growing frustration as he recalls the Duchess’s actions.
Alliteration:
Browning employs alliteration to emphasize the fluidity of the Duke’s speech and his growing irritation with the Duchess.
Example: “Must never hope to reproduce the faint / Half-flush” repeats the ‘f’ sound, highlighting the Duke’s focus on these trivial details.
My favour at her breast,
The dropping of the daylight in the West,
The bough of cherries some officious fool
Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule
She rode with round the terrace—
Explanation: The Duke is listing various things that elicited a positive reaction from the Duchess, highlighting how easily pleased she was by even the smallest of things.
“My favour at her breast” refers to a token or gift from the Duke himself, something he might have given her as a sign of his favor or affection.
“The dropping of the daylight in the West” points to a beautiful sunset, a natural event that she admired.
“The bough of cherries some officious fool broke in the orchard for her” describes how a servant’s act of picking cherries (perhaps for her) pleased her.
“The white mule she rode with round the terrace” refers to another source of her joy—a mule she enjoyed riding around the estate.
all and each
Would draw from her alike the approving speech,
Or blush, at least.
Explanation: The Duke is emphasizing that everything he mentioned—whether it was his own gift, a beautiful sunset, cherries from the orchard, or the white mule—evoked the same kind of reaction from the Duchess. She would respond with approval or a blush regardless of what it was.
This repetition of joy and approval for all things equally annoyed the Duke. He felt that her reactions were not special or reserved for him alone but were instead given freely to anything that caught her attention. This, in turn, made him feel that his own gifts and presence were not valued as they should be.
She thanked men—good! but thanked
Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked
My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name
With anybody’s gift.
Explanation: The Duke is expressing his displeasure that the Duchess thanked everyone equally, including him, without showing any special appreciation for his prestigious family name, which he considers a significant and unique gift.
“She thanked men—good!” indicates that she was polite and appreciative, which the Duke acknowledges.
“but thanked somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked” suggests that he is puzzled by the way she showed gratitude.
“My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name” refers to the Duke’s own esteemed family title, which he believes should have been regarded with more reverence.
“With anybody’s gift” means that she treated his important title with the same level of appreciation as she did any other, less significant gifts.
Poetic Devices
Irony:
The Duke is ironically frustrated by the Duchess’s ability to be pleased by simple, everyday things. Her kindness and gratitude, which should be positive traits, are seen by him as faults because she did not reserve her joy solely for him.
Example: “My favour at her breast… the white mule she rode with”—the Duke expects these grand gestures and privileges to be more important to her than simple pleasures like the “bough of cherries.”
Symbolism:
The bough of cherries and the white mule are symbols of the Duchess’s ability to find joy in the world around her, which the Duke resents. These simple pleasures symbolize her unpretentiousness, which contrasts with the Duke’s pride in his aristocratic heritage.
Example: The “bough of cherries” represents a simple, genuine gesture that the Duchess appreciated, but the Duke sees it as beneath her, showing his focus on class and status.
Enjambment:
The lines flow without pause, mimicking the Duke’s frustrated train of thought as he recounts the Duchess’s behavior. This also conveys the intensity of his emotions as he feels increasingly insulted by her actions.
Example: The sentence starting with “The bough of cherries” and ending with “blush, at least” runs over multiple lines, reflecting how quickly his grievances pile up in his mind.
Allusion:
The Duke’s reference to his “nine-hundred-years-old name” is an allusion to the prestige and history of his noble family. This is important because it emphasizes his belief that his lineage is more valuable than anything else, and he expects the Duchess to value it equally.
Example: The mention of his “nine-hundred-years-old name” shows his obsession with status and legacy, which he feels the Duchess failed to appreciate.
Imagery:
Browning uses imagery to depict the various actions and moments that displeased the Duke. The simple image of the “bough of cherries,” “white mule,” and the “dropping of the daylight in the West” contrasts with the Duke’s complex feelings of entitlement and jealousy.
Example: The “white mule she rode with round the terrace” evokes a peaceful and innocent scene, but the Duke’s interpretation of it as a personal affront reveals his possessiveness.
Who’d stoop to blame
This sort of trifling?
Explanation: The Duke is questioning who would be petty or insignificant enough to criticize or complain about such trivial matters. He’s suggesting that it would be beneath someone of his status to focus on these minor issues.
This line reflects the Duke’s disdain for the Duchess’s behavior, which he considers trivial and unworthy of serious attention. He is implying that her reactions and responses to various things were so insignificant that it is almost beneath him to criticize them, yet he is still bothered by them. This illustrates his sense of superiority and his irritation at having to deal with what he sees as petty or unimportant issues.
Even had you skill
In speech—which I have not—to make your will
Quite clear to such an one, and say,
Explanation: The Duke is acknowledging that even if the emissary were skilled in speaking and could clearly express dissatisfaction or make their expectations known, it would still be challenging to communicate effectively with someone like the Duchess. He implies that it would be difficult to articulate precisely what he wanted or to correct her behavior.
Here, the Duke is admitting that he himself lacks the eloquence to express his displeasure directly to the Duchess and make his feelings known in a way that would make a difference. This reflects his frustration with her inability to understand or respond to his expectations, as well as his own inability to communicate his dissatisfaction effectively.
Just this
Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss,
Or there exceed the mark
Explanation: The Duke is outlining the kind of direct criticism he would have to give if he were to communicate his dissatisfaction with the Duchess’s behavior. He imagines telling her specifically what aspects of her behavior are displeasing to him—pointing out exactly what she does wrong (“here you miss”) or what she does too much of (“there exceed the mark”).
The Duke’s use of these lines illustrates his frustration with the Duchess’s inability to meet his standards, and he implies that even if he could be precise in his criticism, it would still be demeaning to have to address such minutiae. This reflects his sense of superiority and his belief that he should not have to stoop to such levels of direct confrontation.
—and if she let
Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set
Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse—
Explanation: The Duke is suggesting that even if the Duchess had been willing to learn from his criticisms and adjust her behavior according to his preferences, it would still be beneath him.
“And if she let herself be lessoned so” means if she had allowed herself to be taught or corrected by him.
“Nor plainly set her wits to yours, forsooth” implies that she did not straightforwardly align her thoughts or behavior with his expectations.
“And made excuse” refers to making excuses or justifications for her behavior.
The Duke is saying that even if the Duchess had made an effort to understand and meet his expectations, it would still be a form of demeaning interaction. He feels that having to teach or correct her behavior directly would be humiliating for him, highlighting his contempt and desire to remain above such mundane issues.
Poetic Devices
Rhetorical Question:
The Duke asks, “Who’d stoop to blame / This sort of trifling?” This rhetorical question conveys his belief that he is above addressing what he considers minor faults in the Duchess. He implies that only someone inferior would bother with such matters, highlighting his sense of superiority.
Example: “Who’d stoop to blame” is a rhetorical way of saying he finds it beneath him to point out her flaws directly.
Irony:
The Duke claims he lacks the “skill in speech” to make his feelings clear, but the entire poem demonstrates his eloquence and ability to manipulate words. His claim of being inarticulate is ironic because the poem itself is a long, carefully crafted monologue revealing his true feelings.
Example: “Even had you skill in speech—which I have not”—is an ironic statement, as the Duke clearly does have skill in speech.
Enjambment:
Browning uses enjambment to create a sense of the Duke’s continuous and unrelenting thought process. The sentences flow from one line to the next without pause, mirroring the Duke’s building frustration with his late wife’s behavior.
Example: The lines “and say, ‘Just this / Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, / Or there exceed the mark’” flow seamlessly, capturing the Duke’s ongoing grievances.
Euphemism:
The Duke uses indirect language to avoid openly confronting the Duchess’s behavior. Instead of saying that he was disgusted by her actions, he refers to them as “just this or that in you disgusts me,” minimizing the issue while still making his feelings clear.
Example: “Here you miss, or there exceed the mark” is a euphemistic way of saying the Duchess failed to meet his expectations.
E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose
Never to stoop.
Explanation: The Duke is expressing his refusal to lower himself by directly addressing or correcting the Duchess’s behavior, even if she were willing to be taught or corrected.
“E’en then would be some stooping” means that even if he were to give specific feedback or make her aware of what displeases him, it would still be considered a form of “stooping” or degrading himself.
“And I choose never to stoop” shows his firm decision not to engage in such a process.
The Duke’s statement reveals his pride and sense of superiority. He believes that engaging in direct correction or confrontation would be beneath him, and he prefers to avoid such interactions entirely. This attitude reflects his overarching desire to maintain control and authority without having to deal with the discomfort of personal engagement.
Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt,
Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without
Much the same smile?
Explanation: The Duke is acknowledging that the Duchess would smile at him whenever he passed by, but he is critical of the fact that she gave similar smiles to everyone else as well.
“She smiled, no doubt, whene’er I passed her” means that she greeted him with a smile whenever he was near.
“But who passed without much the same smile?” implies that she extended the same kind of smile to other people, not just him.
The Duke’s comment reveals his irritation with the fact that her smile seemed to be a generic response rather than a special gesture reserved for him alone. He feels that her smiles lacked personal significance and were given too freely, which undermined the uniqueness of his own presence and affection. This further emphasizes his sense of entitlement and his dissatisfaction with her inability to reserve her expressions of joy specifically for him.
This grew; I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands
As if alive.
Explanation: The Duke is revealing that his dissatisfaction with the Duchess’s behavior escalated to the point where he took decisive action.
“This grew” means that his frustration and irritation with her behavior increased over time.
“I gave commands” indicates that he issued orders to address the situation.
“Then all smiles stopped together” suggests that, following his commands, the Duchess’s smiles and cheerful demeanor ceased completely.
The Duke then points out that the Duchess’s portrait now appears as if she is still alive, implying that her image is preserved in a state of perfect serenity, while her actual expressions of joy have been extinguished. This line subtly reveals that the Duke had a role in stopping her smiles, hinting at a darker, more controlling aspect of his character.
Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet
The company below, then.
Explanation: The Duke is inviting the emissary to stand up and accompany him to join the other guests or people who are waiting downstairs.
This polite invitation signals a transition from their private conversation about the portrait to a more public setting. It serves as a formal and courteous way to end their discussion about the Duchess and move on to socializing with others. The Duke’s offer to show the emissary the company below also indicates that he is ready to move on from discussing the past and shift the focus to current matters or social interactions.
I repeat,
The Count your master’s known munificence
Is ample warrant that no just pretense
Of mine for dowry will be disallowed;
Explanation: The Duke is reiterating that the generous nature of the Count (the emissary’s master) guarantees that his request for a dowry will be met favorably.
“I repeat” indicates that he is emphasizing or restating a previous point.
“The Count your master’s known munificence” refers to the Count’s well-known generosity.
“Is ample warrant that no just pretense of mine for dowry will be disallowed” means that the Count’s generosity assures him that his request for a dowry (a financial settlement) will be accepted without objection.
The Duke is making it clear that the Count’s reputation for generosity will ensure that his demands for a dowry will be honored, reinforcing his status and ensuring that his marriage arrangement will proceed smoothly.
Poetic Devices
Contrast:
“E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose / Never to stoop”: The Duke contrasts the idea of making concessions or admitting faults (“stooping”) with his own refusal to do so. This highlights his pride and rigid sense of superiority.
Irony:
“Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, / Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without / Much the same smile?”: The Duke is ironic in this observation. He points out that the Duchess’s smile was not special or unique to him but was given to everyone, underscoring his perception of her lack of genuine appreciation or exclusivity.
Metaphor:
“This grew; I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together”: The Duke uses metaphor to describe his control over the Duchess’s behavior. The phrase “all smiles stopped together” implies that once he exerted his authority, the Duchess’s expressions of joy ceased abruptly. This metaphor conveys his sense of power over her.
Imagery:
“There she stands / As if alive”: This image of the Duchess’s portrait emphasizes its lifelike quality and the Duke’s ongoing obsession with her. The portrait’s appearance as if she were alive serves to highlight the Duke’s detachment from the reality of her death and his fixation on the image he controls.
Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed
At starting, is my object.
Explanation: The Duke is reiterating that, despite the focus on the dowry and the Count’s generosity, his primary interest is actually in the Count’s daughter herself.
“Though his fair daughter’s self” refers to the Count’s daughter, whom the Duke is interested in marrying.
“As I avowed at starting” means that he had declared or stated from the beginning that his main aim is to marry the Count’s daughter.
The Duke is emphasizing that while he acknowledges the importance of the dowry and the Count’s generosity, his true goal is the marriage itself. This statement highlights that, despite his preoccupation with material considerations, his ultimate objective is to secure the marriage to the Count’s daughter.
Nay, we’ll go
Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though,
Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,
Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!
Explanation: The Duke is inviting the emissary to accompany him downstairs, suggesting that they will leave the room and join the other guests.
“Nay, we’ll go together down, sir” indicates that they will descend together.
“Notice Neptune, though” is a directive for the emissary to pay attention to a particular statue.
“Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity” describes the statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, depicted taming a sea-horse, which the Duke considers a rare and impressive piece of art.
“Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!” attributes the creation of the statue to Claus of Innsbruck, a renowned artist, and emphasizes that it was made specifically for the Duke.
The Duke is showcasing his wealth and taste, adding to the display of his power and sophistication. The mention of the statue serves to reinforce his high status and the luxurious nature of his possessions.
Poetic Devices
Irony:
“Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed / At starting, is my object”: There is an ironic contrast here. While the Duke claims that his primary interest is in the Count’s daughter (his prospective bride), the narrative reveals that his true preoccupation is with his own power and possessions. This contrast underscores the Duke’s insincerity and manipulation.
Imagery:
“Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity”: The Duke invites the emissary to observe a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, taming a sea-horse. This imagery highlights the Duke’s wealth and his interest in showcasing his valuable possessions.
Symbolism:
“Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse”: Neptune represents power and control, and his taming of the sea-horse symbolizes the Duke’s own desire to control and dominate. The statue reflects the Duke’s self-image and his view of his own power.
My Last Duchess Summary
Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess” was first published in 1842 in his collection titled Dramatic Lyrics, which was part of his larger work Bells and Pomegranates. The poem is one of Browning’s most famous dramatic monologues, where a single speaker reveals their character through their speech.
“My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning is a poem in which the Duke of Ferrara speaks about his late wife, whose portrait hangs on the wall of his gallery. The Duke is showing this portrait to a visitor, a representative of a Count whose daughter the Duke plans to marry next. As he describes the painting and the woman it depicts, his true character is slowly revealed.
The Duke starts by proudly pointing to the portrait of his “last Duchess,” painted by the artist Fra Pandolf. He remarks that she looks as if she were still alive, but hints that no one sees the painting unless he allows them to, as he controls who draws the curtain to view it. This small detail already suggests his possessive nature. The Duke then reflects on the Duchess’s cheerful and warm personality, which, while charming to others, seems to have deeply annoyed him.
The Duke criticizes his late wife for being too easily pleased and finding joy in simple things, whether it was a compliment from the artist or a gift of cherries from a servant. He felt that she treated his prestigious name, a family title passed down through generations, no differently than she treated other small, insignificant gestures. Her equal appreciation of everything made the Duke feel disrespected and jealous.
Eventually, the Duke reveals that he “gave commands” that resulted in her smiling no more, implying that he had her killed because of his dissatisfaction with her behaviour. Despite this dark confession, the Duke remains calm and shows no remorse, displaying his desire for control and power over others.
At the end of the conversation, the Duke casually moves on to discuss another piece of artwork in his collection, a statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse, as if nothing significant had been said. His focus on material possessions and his cold, detached attitude towards his late wife reflect his arrogance and authoritarian personality. Through this monologue, Browning portrays a powerful critique of the Duke’s abusive nature and obsession with dominance.
