Analysis of “my Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Analysis of “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

In this poem the character, duke of Ferrara tries to paint a picture of himself to be that of an abused, loving husband who had no choice but to murder his prideful, disrespecting wife. His true controlling, manipulative, and jealous nature is exposed.

The duke’s desire for control is shown through his appreciation of art and his response to the incidences that led to the death of his wife, the duchess. The duke was unable to control his wife when she was alive, but only after her death was he very much in control of her. The duke says, “none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I” (10). He reveals that he is able to control the duchess’s expression as well as the people who view the portrait. The duke wants to appear as a hurt, abused husband whose