Page 2 Summary

The second page continues the duke's monologue, further revealing his jealous and controlling nature. He expresses frustration that his wife treated his "gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name" with the same appreciation as any other kindness shown to her.

The duke admits his lack of communication skills, stating he could not bring himself to correct his wife's behavior directly. He viewed such communication as beneath him, saying "I choose / Never to stoop." This reveals his arrogance and inability to engage in healthy marital communication.

Quote: "Even had you skill / In speech - (which I have not) - to make your will / Quite clear to such an one, and say, 'Just this / Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, / Or there exceed the mark'"

The poem takes a dark turn as the duke implies he had his wife killed, stating "I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together." This chilling line is delivered matter-of-factly, highlighting the duke's lack of remorse.

Highlight: The duke's casual mention of ending his wife's life reveals the extreme consequences of his jealousy and need for control.

The monologue concludes with the duke returning to the business at hand - negotiating a new marriage. He assures the listener that his "object" is the Count's daughter, not just her dowry. This swift transition from discussing his murdered wife to arranging a new marriage underscores his cold, calculating nature.

Example: The duke's comparison of himself to Neptune "taming a sea-horse" in the final lines serves as a metaphor for how he views relationships - the man must dominate and control the woman.

The poem ends with the duke pointing out a bronze statue, once again asserting his wealth and power. This final display of pride and materialism reinforces the duke's character as a man obsessed with control, ownership, and status.

Page 1 Summary

The opening of "My Last Duchess" introduces the dramatic monologue format and provides context for the poem. The duke is speaking to a visitor, showing off a portrait of his late wife and revealing his possessive attitude towards her.

The duke begins by pointing out the lifelike portrait of his "last Duchess" painted by Fra Pandolf. His use of possessive language like "That's my last Duchess" immediately suggests his view of his wife as a possession. He invites the visitor to sit and examine the painting, noting how the artist captured the Duchess's lively expression.

Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."

The duke's commentary reveals his resentment of his wife's warm and friendly nature. He is bothered that she blushed at Fra Pandolf's compliments and seemed to enjoy attention from others besides himself.

Highlight: The duke's jealousy and need for control are evident as he criticizes his wife for being "too easily impressed" and claims "her looks went everywhere."

Browning uses rhyming couplets and iambic pentameter to give the duke's speech a controlled, measured quality that contrasts with the disturbing content of his words. This formal structure emphasizes the duke's attempt to maintain a polite, aristocratic facade while exposing his true nature.

Vocabulary: Dramatic monologue - A type of poem in which a character speaks to a silent listener, revealing aspects of their personality.