Duke - My Last Duchess

Robert Browning’s character, the Duke, in his dramatic monologue My Last Duchess is a true villain as any. In this poem Browning was able to let the Duke reflect his vanity, jealous, and viciousness to a guest in his house, the emissary from a Count, during a party. In the poem Duke is giving the emissary a tour in part of the house where none of the guests from the party is present. He is giving an impression that he being a gracious host by offering this tour. In truth he is slightly giving the emissary a warning and a true insight of his personality. During this tour piece by piece the Duke is showing his true colors. As the main character usher the guest around and converse with him, it is easily notice the Duke vanity.

Though the whole conversation completely shows his self-center ness, but there are certain points that really promote it. The poem begins on a boast of a painting by a famous painter and ends on another lay claim to a statue by a famous sculptor. These presentations show that he only consort and own the best.

When he discusses of the last duchess and her lack of proper behavior, he quickly spoke on what he would not do to correct the situation. And he would “never stoop” to display a common emotion such as angry or displeasure. This would be beneath him.

Who’d stoop to blame

This sort of trifling? Even had you skill

In speech-(which I have not)-to make your will

Quite clear to such an one……….

-E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose

Never to stoop.

An important person as his self never lowers himself for anyone. Though the Duke vanity is quite apparent, the next emotion or character flaw is a little more hidden. He tries to give the appearance of a man that does not feel trifling feelings such as, in his mind, common man.

He begins to demonstrate jealousy when he speaks of the last duchess behavioral.

A heart- how shall I say?-too soon made glad,

Too easily impressed; she like whate’er

She looked on, and her looks went everywhere

This passage is easily interpreted that he did not like that she found pleasure in anything that did not have any dealings with him. Then he begins to account what foolish young men did to gain her pleasure. “And how she rode in the orchard on a white mule.” This may be small, yet in the poem you get a feeling that the Duke did not like treasures so easily to be shared. Browning did an excellent job on executing how the Duke’s jealousy and vanity