My Last Duchess

Themes.

Political Power- The Duke's power to give "commands"

Domestic Power- The Duke's power over his wife

Gender Equality- Browning presents the Duke controlling his wife negatively

Weakness- The Duke is dependent on his wife

Poet.

Robert Browning- Victorian era

                          - Victorian men had power over women

Language.

Key Quotes.

"My" is repeated- possessive- Duke is obsessed with power- Duke thinks wife is his property

"I" is repeated- Duke is self-obsessed

"Her looks went everywhere." - Duke think his wife was being promiscuous

"I gave commands." - Duke has political power- shows his power over his wife

"Will please you sit." - Duke has power over people- commands…