My Last Duchess (AO2)

My Last Duchess (AO2)

1. Form

   • Fra Pandolf is an imaginary artist (name dropping) - give everything monetary value

2. Structure

   • Written in Iambic Pentameter - Natural speech rhythm and heart beat
   • Dramatic Monologue
   • Very strict rhyme scheme - reflects the Duke's attitude and behaviour - having to be in control

3. Narrative Voice

   • Duke is portrayed in a negative light and one-dimensional
   • Different interpretations of the Duke's character are allowed through Browning's freedom of Iambic Pentameter
   • Diction of the lines also hint at different aspects of his character

4. Language

   • "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall" the narrator says 'my' which shows his possessiveness, but also talks about her as an object - a piece of art
   • "looking as if she were alive'' suggests that she is dead already
   • ''A piece a wonder now'' emphasizing the objectification
   • ''The curtain I have drawn for you'' Shows the Duchess as something just to be looked at as a piece of art, but also shows his possessivness again as only he can reveal here
     • Alive or dead she has no say
     • The curtain is in place so that he can hide or show off his prize possession when he wants - another suggestion of control as he wont allow her to displayed all the time
   • ''the depth of passion of it's earnest glance'' shows the Duke likes beautiful things