My Last Duchess

In Robert Browning’s poem, “My Last Duchess,” we learn a great deal about the speaker’s character based on his characterization of his recently deceased duchess. Being born into a nine hundred year old family name has made the duke both selfish and domineering. As an important nobleman, the duke appears to believe he should be catered to, especially by his wife. Throughout the poem the duke suggests that his wife did not live up to his standards. He suggests that his wife was quite flirtatious, possibly even adulterous. While discussing the look on the duchess’ face the duke states, “Sir, ‘twas not her husband’s presence only, called that spot of joy into the Duchess’ cheek” (13-15). The duke expects that he and only he should bring a smile to his wife’s face or blush to her cheeks. One could first assume these lines suggest that the duchess was not faithful to her husband. However, the duke’s tone throughout the poem suggests that he could simply be paranoid. His tone also makes him seem especially controlling. His controlling personality leads him to have his wife killed, but we learn that he has easily moved on and is now talking to a representative for the count. He is preparing to marry the count’s daughter, but in order to prevent his marriage history from repeating itself, he warns the representative of his expectations. To this authoritative man, a wife is worth no more than an object.

Laura Brown