Consider the poem "My Last Duchess" as a dramatic monologue. Discuss the poem "My Last Duchess" as a dramatic monologue.

Consider the poem "My Last Duchess" as a dramatic monologue. Discuss the poem "My Last Duchess" as a dramatic monologue.

Ans :Robert Browning's My Last Duchess is a perfect example of a dramatic monologue. In this poem, the Duke of Ferrara is the only speaker, and he is talking to the envoy of a Count. The Duke is preparing for a new marriage and uses the opportunity to show the envoy a portrait of his last Duchess. Throughout the monologue, the Duke unintentionally reveals his personality. He comes across as proud, controlling, and ruthless. 

He speaks of his late wife’s kindness and joyfulness as flaws, showing his jealousy and possessiveness. Eventually, it is implied that he ordered her death because she didn’t behave as he wanted. The envoy, though silent, plays an important role as a listener. His presence helps the Duke express his thoughts, allowing readers to understand the Duke's character. This interaction between the Duke and the silent envoy creates dramatic tension. Thus, My Last Duchess fits perfectly as a dramatic monologue, where the speaker unintentionally reveals his true self through his words.

Consider the poem as a dramatic monologue.

Ans. My Last Duchess by Browning is one of the greatest dramatic monologues. The monologue is spoken in the presence of the ambassador of a foreign count whose daughter is being sought in marriage by the widowed duke. The duke reveals his character in the situation when second marriage for him is proposed. He is showing his picture gallery and is standing before the portrait of his last duchess. The basis of his character is the complacent egotism of the aristocrat who regards his wife as his property. He cannot brook his innocent gaiety and graciousness and extinguishes it summarily.