The document summarizes Browning's dramatic monologue "My Last Duchess". It discusses how the poem depicts an arrogant Duke addressing an envoy about his late wife's death under questionable circumstances. Through his monologue, the Duke tries to portray himself as a victim but reveals his egotism and conceit, having murdered his wife out of jealousy for her smiling at others.

1. My Last Duchess

2. Dramatic Monologue
• A literary, usually verse, composition
where a speaker reveals her/his
character, often in relation to a critical
situation or event, in a monologue
addressed to the reader or a presumed
listener
li t
• "My Last Duchess" -- iambic pentameter
couplets
l t

3. Background
• Incidents in the life of Alfonso II, duke of
Ferrar
• Duke’s first wife, Lucrezia, died in 1561
Duke s 1561–
questionable circumstances
• They had been married 3 years – she was
14 when first married
• Visitor is the envoy for the Count of Tyrol –
negotiating for hand of the count’s niece

4. The Duke
• Tone of a man who was greatly wronged by his
wife
• Had no choice but to kill her
• Halfway through the poem reveals her offense –
liking things, smiling at everyone
g g , g y
• Duke tries to make himself appear humble and
respectable, but he appears the opposite

5. The Duke’s Character
Duke s
• Ravaged by egotism and conceit
• Believes the universe revolves around him
• Tries to convey a sense of honor and
courage
• Murdered his wife for no good reason
• Contorts situation so he can feel as though
he were victimized