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.
