My Last Duchess :: Robert Browning, My Last Duchess

Robert Browning is remembered for his mastery at capturing the essence and power of the dramatic monologue. Through symbolism, structure and technique, Browning creates the beat of the ideal dramatic monologue in the poem, My Last Duchess. My Last Duchess was published in 1845. Ferrara is the subtitle of the poem and assists in disclosing the design of the poem, a portrayal of Alfonso II, the 5th Duke of Ferrara. The historical life of Alfonso II fits intricately with the events and happenings within the poem. Alfonso II married Lucrezia de Medici who is the daughter of the Duke of Florence. The Dukes family has a long credited name and wealth that had been virtually for ages. The affluence and power of the duchesss family had been newly acquired, and when comparing the two families, the Dukes was much more significant, at least in his eyes. The Duchess of Alfonso II died of poisoning in 1561. Three short years later the Duke arranged to marry Barbara, a niece of the Count of Tyro l. The speaker of the dramatic monologue is an egotistical and pompous Duke. He speaks to an envoy extraordinary of the Count throughout the monologue. At the beginning of the poem, he slowly draws back the curtain and reveals a portrait. This portrait, he asserts, is his last Duchesslooking as if she were alive (lines1-2). The Duke continues by addressing the look upon her face and the many reasons for her blushing cheeks. Continuing the description, he depicts the duchesss ways, including her virtues of innocence and unspoiled beauty. Examples are given by the Duke of how easily she is impressed by nature and the simple pleasures of life. He claims he is disgusted by her ability to see natural beauty as an equal delectation with his name and matrimony. therefore very subtly he tells the envoy how he gave orders to have all smiles stopped together (line 46). The envoy is completely aware of the truth about the say killings and the Dukes greedy reasoning for marrying the niece of the Count. The contemptuous way of the Duke is made perfectly clear to the envoy, and the envoy begins to leave. The delegate is completely aware of the truth about the coherent killings and the Dukes greedy reasoning for marrying the niece of the Count. The Duke elaborates his reasoning for marrying the duchess, by declaring it is only for the dowry.