My Last Duchess

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  • Created by: MRJREAD
  • Created on: 20-05-19 09:31

What happens?

The poem begins with the Duke of Ferrara talking to a servant. He shows him a painting of his recently deceased duchess, although he seems more focused on repeating the artist's name, than showing any emotion to his loss. As he describes the painting we see a growing sense of rage and paranoia, as he recalls how he thought she was disloyal and promiscuous. He talks about how ungrateful she was for the prestige and heritage of his family name and eventually alludes to having taken action to silence her. The poem finishes with he asking the servant to bring in the father of his prospective next duchess whilst pointing out more objects of value in his house.

What is it about?

My Last Duchess is a clear criticism of the corrupting influence of power. The Duke obsession with his own social status makes him possessive and controlling. The poem links to a real Duke who was said to have killed off his Duchess in an act of revenge for her indiscretions.

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