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lottie
04/08/2025
English Literature
London and My Last Duchess comparison essay on how control is explored in the texts
1,014
•
4 Aug 2025
•
London and My Last Duchess comparison essay on how control is explored in the texts
lottie
@l0ttie
Context and Author's Intent
The final section of the essay provides valuable context for both poems, enhancing our understanding of the authors' intentions and the historical background of their works.
Highlight: Blake's radical social views significantly influenced the themes in "London".
William Blake, known for his strong radical social views, uses "London" as a vehicle to criticize the wealthy and royal classes for the suffering of the poor. The essay suggests that Blake's primary aim was to educate readers and potentially inspire social change.
Quote: "Blake held strong radical social views. This is shown throughout London as he places blame on the rich and royal for the pain and suffering of the poor."
Robert Browning's inspiration for "My Last Duchess" came from a historical event - the suspicious death of the Duke of Ferrara's wife. Unlike Blake's educational intent, Browning's poem seems to serve a more entertainment-oriented purpose, exploring theories surrounding the Duchess's death.
Example: The mysterious circumstances of the Duchess's death in the poem mirror the real-life suspicions surrounding the death of the Duke of Ferrara's wife.
This contextual information adds depth to our understanding of both poems, highlighting how personal beliefs, social commentary, and historical events can shape literary works. It also underscores the different approaches poets can take when addressing similar themes, with Blake focusing on social critique and Browning on personal drama and intrigue.
Comparison of Control in "London" and "My Last Duchess"
This essay provides an in-depth analysis of how control is explored in William Blake's "London" and Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess". The comparison focuses on three main aspects: ownership, power dynamics, and poetic structure.
Highlight: Both poems present control as ownership over another person or object, but in different contexts.
In "London", control is depicted through the ownership of streets and public spaces. The essay points out the use of the adjective "charter'd" to describe the streets, implying they are named after and owned by the wealthy. This ownership extends to multiple streets, suggesting pervasive control over the urban landscape.
Quote: "The adjective 'charter'd' shows they are marked or named. Streets were often named after people and so this suggests the streets are owned by those who name them."
In contrast, "My Last Duchess" presents control in the context of a marital relationship. The Duke's possessive language, particularly the use of "my" when referring to his late wife, immediately establishes his sense of ownership over her.
Example: The phrase "my last duchess painted on the wall" not only implies ownership but also suggests the Duke's control over her image and memory.
The essay then delves into how both poems explore control through power dynamics. In "London", the concept of "mind-forg'd manacles" is analyzed, showing how those in power control the thoughts and beliefs of the less influential.
Definition: "Mind-forg'd manacles" refers to self-imposed mental restrictions or limitations, often influenced by societal pressures or indoctrination.
Similarly, in "My Last Duchess", the Duke's authority is demonstrated through his ability to give commands, highlighting his control over others.
The analysis extends to the poems' structures, noting how their regular rhyme schemes reinforce themes of control. "London" uses alternating rhymes, while "My Last Duchess" employs rhyming couplets, both creating a sense of order and predictability that mirrors the control depicted in the content.
Vocabulary: Enjambment - the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause.
The essay concludes by contrasting the types of control presented in each poem: "London" focuses on societal control and self-control, while "My Last Duchess" examines personal control within a relationship and its impact on emotional stability.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
London and My Last Duchess comparison essay on how control is explored in the texts
lottie
@l0ttie
This essay compares the theme of control in William Blake's "London" and Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess". It explores how both poems present control through ownership, power dynamics, and poetic structure, while highlighting their distinct approaches to the subject.
Key... Show more
Context and Author's Intent
The final section of the essay provides valuable context for both poems, enhancing our understanding of the authors' intentions and the historical background of their works.
Highlight: Blake's radical social views significantly influenced the themes in "London".
William Blake, known for his strong radical social views, uses "London" as a vehicle to criticize the wealthy and royal classes for the suffering of the poor. The essay suggests that Blake's primary aim was to educate readers and potentially inspire social change.
Quote: "Blake held strong radical social views. This is shown throughout London as he places blame on the rich and royal for the pain and suffering of the poor."
Robert Browning's inspiration for "My Last Duchess" came from a historical event - the suspicious death of the Duke of Ferrara's wife. Unlike Blake's educational intent, Browning's poem seems to serve a more entertainment-oriented purpose, exploring theories surrounding the Duchess's death.
Example: The mysterious circumstances of the Duchess's death in the poem mirror the real-life suspicions surrounding the death of the Duke of Ferrara's wife.
This contextual information adds depth to our understanding of both poems, highlighting how personal beliefs, social commentary, and historical events can shape literary works. It also underscores the different approaches poets can take when addressing similar themes, with Blake focusing on social critique and Browning on personal drama and intrigue.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Comparison of Control in "London" and "My Last Duchess"
This essay provides an in-depth analysis of how control is explored in William Blake's "London" and Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess". The comparison focuses on three main aspects: ownership, power dynamics, and poetic structure.
Highlight: Both poems present control as ownership over another person or object, but in different contexts.
In "London", control is depicted through the ownership of streets and public spaces. The essay points out the use of the adjective "charter'd" to describe the streets, implying they are named after and owned by the wealthy. This ownership extends to multiple streets, suggesting pervasive control over the urban landscape.
Quote: "The adjective 'charter'd' shows they are marked or named. Streets were often named after people and so this suggests the streets are owned by those who name them."
In contrast, "My Last Duchess" presents control in the context of a marital relationship. The Duke's possessive language, particularly the use of "my" when referring to his late wife, immediately establishes his sense of ownership over her.
Example: The phrase "my last duchess painted on the wall" not only implies ownership but also suggests the Duke's control over her image and memory.
The essay then delves into how both poems explore control through power dynamics. In "London", the concept of "mind-forg'd manacles" is analyzed, showing how those in power control the thoughts and beliefs of the less influential.
Definition: "Mind-forg'd manacles" refers to self-imposed mental restrictions or limitations, often influenced by societal pressures or indoctrination.
Similarly, in "My Last Duchess", the Duke's authority is demonstrated through his ability to give commands, highlighting his control over others.
The analysis extends to the poems' structures, noting how their regular rhyme schemes reinforce themes of control. "London" uses alternating rhymes, while "My Last Duchess" employs rhyming couplets, both creating a sense of order and predictability that mirrors the control depicted in the content.
Vocabulary: Enjambment - the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause.
The essay concludes by contrasting the types of control presented in each poem: "London" focuses on societal control and self-control, while "My Last Duchess" examines personal control within a relationship and its impact on emotional stability.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user