Critical Analysis of “My Last Duchess”

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35).

II. The second topic is tone in the poem. The use of rhyme keeps the lengthy poem from being monotonous and flat.

a. The poem’s relaxed flow is established early on in the poem, “I call that piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands worked busily a day, and there she stands,” (Browning 2-3).

b. The informal sense throughout Browning’s poem is furthered by the use of colloquial vocabulary. “How such a glance came there; so, not the first. Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ‘t was not”(Browning 12-13).

c. Even though the Duke holds more power than the man he is speaking to, he uses everyday speech to make it seem as if they were equal men. “Will ‘t please you sit and look at her? I said” (Browning 5).

III. The third topic is image in the poem. Browning incorporated multiple images to express the Duchess’ assumed imperfections. “The dropping of the daylight in the West, the bough of cherries some officious fool broke in the orchard for ...

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all the other characters in the piece. There is no doubt that this poem has deeper meanings behind the conversation between the Dutch and emissary. Characters, tone, image are three main topics in appreciating and analyzing each poem.

Character is the first topic in the poem which Browning utilized the main character’s power to manipulate the image of the Duchess into one of an inadequate wife. In the beginning of the poem, the Duke asserts his power by characterizing the emissary as a stranger, “Strangers like you that pictured countenance. The depth and passion of its earnest glance” (Browning 7-8). This subtle statement establishes the lower rank of the listener and the ...

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