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Exploring My Last Duchess: Power, Control, and Symbols

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Imy

11/01/2023

English Literature

My Last Duchess - Browning mind map

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Poetry II

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Poetry II

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Explain the Function of Structure in a Text

Exploring My Last Duchess: Power, Control, and Symbols

Analysis of Robert Browning's My Last Duchess reveals a masterful exploration of power dynamics and psychological control in Victorian society. The dramatic monologue exposes a possessive Duke's disturbing account of his previous wife through carefully crafted poetic elements.

  • The poem employs iambic pentameter and rhyming couplets to mirror the Duke's rigid control
  • Themes of possession, social class, and male dominance are woven throughout the narrative
  • Themes of power and control in Browning's monologue are emphasized through strategic use of possessive pronouns and commanding language
  • Symbolism in My Last Duchess by Robert Browning includes the portrait itself, representing the Duke's desire to control his wife's image
  • Historical context of 1842 Victorian society provides crucial background for understanding gender dynamics and marriage laws
  • The poem is based on a real historical figure, Duke Alfonso II, adding authenticity to its dark themes
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11/01/2023

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Subjects

English Literature

Poetry II

Poetry II

Explain the Function of Structure in a Text

 

English Literature

•

852

•

11 Jan 2023

•

1 page

Exploring My Last Duchess: Power, Control, and Symbols

user profile picture

Imy

@studywithimy

Analysis of Robert Browning's My Last Duchess reveals a masterful exploration of power dynamics and psychological control in Victorian society. The dramatic monologue exposes a possessive Duke's disturbing account of his previous wife through carefully crafted poetic elements.

  • The poem... Show more

● My Lasi Duchess - Roberi Browning Structure & meaning Dramatic monologue - one way conversation - narcissism of the Duke lambic pentameter

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Detailed Analysis of Structure, Themes and Context

The poem's structure serves as a powerful vehicle for conveying the Duke's controlling nature and psychological state. Written as a dramatic monologue, it reveals the speaker's character through his own words.

Definition: A dramatic monologue is a poem written as a speech by a single character, whose personality is revealed through their words.

Highlight: The use of iambic pentameter and rhyming couplets reflects the Duke's attempt to maintain strict control, while enjambment suggests moments where his composure slips.

Example: The line "Will't please you sit and look at her?" demonstrates the Duke's false courtesy masking a command.

Quote: "My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name" reveals the Duke's pride in his aristocratic heritage and his view of marriage as a transaction.

Vocabulary: Enjambment - the continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.

The poem explores several key themes:

  1. Power and Control - demonstrated through possessive language and commanding tone
  2. Social Class - emphasized through references to artists and aristocratic heritage
  3. Gender Relations - reflecting Victorian attitudes toward women as property
  4. Narcissism - revealed through the Duke's self-centered perspective and inability to tolerate his wife's natural behavior

The historical context of 1842 Victorian England provides essential background, with women having limited legal rights and being considered their husband's property. The poem's connection to the real historical figure of Duke Alfonso II adds another layer of meaning to its exploration of power and control.

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