My Last Duchess

“My Last Duchess” was authored during the Victorian Era, which spanned the latter part of the 19th century, coinciding with Queen Victoria’s reign in England. This period was marked by a keen interest in the Italian Renaissance, which encompassed various artistic expressions like poetry, music, architecture, and cultural norms. The Renaissance, flourishing from the 14th to the early 17th centuries, celebrated humanism, individualism, and advancements in arts and sciences—qualities that appealed to Victorian society amid its own scientific and artistic advancements.

“My Last Duchess” is partially inspired by a historical figure, the Duke of Ferrara, also known as Alfonso II d’Este, who lived in Italy during the late 16th century. Alfonso II, akin to the poem’s narrator, had multiple wives, one of whom tragically passed away at a young age following a brief marriage.

“My Last Duchess” is primarily rooted in the genre of dramatic monologue, which was popular during the Victorian era. Browning, along with Alfred Tennyson and Augusta Webster, was a prominent figure in Victorian poetry, known for his innovative use of this form, which he used several times to illustrate the psychology of his characters, whether they were psychopaths and killers (“Porphyria’s Lover”) or artists (“Andrea del Sarto”). Additionally, “My Last Duchess” reflects the broader literary movements and influences of Browning’s time. The poem showcases elements of Romanticism, with its focus on emotion, individualism, and introspection. Simultaneously, it also anticipates the themes and techniques of the later aesthetic and symbolist movements, with their emphasis on art, symbolism, and the exploration of subjective experience.

At the beginning of “My Last Duchess,” the mood or tone is one of casual conversation or polite social interaction. The duke speaks conversationally as he addresses the envoy or visitor, inviting them to view the portrait of his late wife. By the end of the poem, the mood or tone shifts to one of chilling revelation and ominous foreboding. As the duke recounts the fate of the duchess and hints at his plans for a new marriage, the true extent of his cold-heartedness and lack of empathy becomes apparent. There is a sense of sinister manipulation and cruelty in his words, as he casually discusses the duchess’s demise and his intentions for his next wife.

“My Last Duchess” is dramatically ironic in several ways, primarily through the characterization of the duke and the unfolding of the narrative. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, leading to tension or a sense of foreboding.

The mention of Fra Pandolf in the poem serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it highlights the artistic skill and reputation of the painter, emphasizing the importance of art and aesthetics to the duke. Secondly, it reflects the duke’s social status and prestige, showcasing his ability to commission renowned artists and own prestigious artworks. Lastly, Fra Pandolf’s inclusion underscores the duke’s control and manipulation over the portrayal of the duchess, as he oversees the creation of her portrait to fit his biased perspective. Thus, the mention of Fra Pandolf effectively enriches the poem’s themes of art, power, and manipulation.