Understanding "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning

[@aravindmuralidharan3003]

6 hours to go for my exam. Its 2 past midnight and I come across this Gem. Hats off!! :)

[@rijulbakshi6049]

Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess is a dramatic monologue uttered by the Duke of Ferrari which highlights the jealous and sadistic nature of his character and the mysteriousness which surrounds his late wife’s demise. The poem starts with him drawing the attention of the person whom he is talking to, who is, as one later finds out, a messenger from the Count’s family whose daughter’s hand the duke seeks in marriage; to the portrait of his late wife on the wall. The duke praises the work of the painter, Fra Pandolf, who had spent a whole day slaving over the painting to make it look so lifelike. He instructs the messenger to sit down, and goes on to describe how anyone who has ever seen that picturesque expression on his lady’s painted face, has never failed to ask him, as he has always been present for no one dares to draw the curtain from the painting except him, the reason behind the lively expression. He then thinks about his late wife, remembering that it wasn’t just his company which made her blush. He wonders that maybe it was the painter complimenting her that brought forth such a response from her, as she thought that such attentions were all just formalities and politeness. He continues on scorning the easily pleased nature of the duchess: she found something to praise in whatever she saw. Finding the fact disdainful that things so simple and unworthy as the sunset or a small offering of fruit some officer made her could make her as happy as his gift to her, his hand in marriage and a nine hundred year old name, did, he admits to the messenger that he did not approve of such unreservedness. He goes on to say that no one could really fault the duchess for her flighty nature, but even if he had the power of speech required to make his expectations from her clear, and had she been willing to do as he told, even then he could not think of sinking down to her level by telling her what displeases him. He hints at the fact that the duchess seemed to smile at everyone in the same way that she smiled at him, implying that perhaps she was unfaithful and treacherous. Such was the exasperation and disgust of the duke at his wife’s flirtatious habits that he suggests that her death was caused at his orders. He again directs the attention of both the messenger and the reader towards the painting and repeats himself from earlier saying that the portrait is so accurate that it looks like as if she’s standing there, alive. He then instructs the messenger to stand and come with him to the party which has assembled below, reminding him haughtily that the magnificence of the count is enough guarantee that anything he asks for in dowry will not be refused, but claims at the same time that it is only the hand of his fair daughter that he seeks. While going out he points out a bronze bust showing the sea god, Neptune taming a wild sea horse. The main feature of this poem is Browning’s artistic use of the dramatic monologue. Even though it is the duke who is talking about the character of the duchess to the messenger, one can glean lots of facts about his own character through the manner in which he speaks, and the way in which he describes his wife. This, coupled with the use of enjambment, the technique of inserting line breaks, and caesurae, emphasize the flow of the duke’s speech. It is not just a monologue in name; even written on paper this poem is so overflowing with different ideas that it seems like the duke’s thoughts were running into each other as he voiced his opinion about his late wife. Apart from this, symbolism is also used in a couple of places. First, the portrait hanging on the wall which is covered by a curtain which ‘none but the duke could draw’ is symbolic of how the controlling nature of the duke is satisfied when, if not in life then after death, only he has any say in who should look upon his late wife. Also, the bust of Neptune that he points out to the messenger on his way out, symbolizes how he tamed his free-spirited wife, much like Neptune tames the wild spirit of the sea horse. Thus Browning, in a colorful and impressive monologue portrays a character that is as vile and maniacal as the language is flowery. The duke is shown to be a control-freak, an over imaginative psychopath who finds fault in the innocence of his wife’s youth, and condemns her to death. His controlling nature is evident from the start, in the way he dictates the emissary’s actions telling him when to sit and when to rise and how proud he is of the fact that no one is allowed to draw the curtain hiding his wife’s portrait but he. He has, in his imagination, reduced his once alive and lovely wife, to a mere possession, and refers to her painting as ‘a piece’ of wonder. One sees that it is not only his wife who thus dehumanized: when he talks about the painter, he praises his hands; reducing his person effectively to a mere tool that is used for painting. Then as he continues on, one can’t help but sense the intense jealousy which resides in the duke’s heart, as he scorns on how easily pleased his lady was of anything beautiful and pleasant. He cannot stand her blushing for, and smiling at everything and everybody who pleases her. He is full of self-importance, a trait that is tarnished and brought into question when his wife does not share his arrogance and haughty attitude. Such is his arrogance that having a normal conversation with his wife or telling her what he expects from her is considered by him to be below his standards. He chooses not to talk to her about her faults, which are naught but a liveliness of nature, a happy disposition, and a yearning for life, but rather ends that which he cannot control. In this short poem, Browning weaves a compelling tale of mystery, murder and intrigue which in equal parts disgusts and delights the reader. One is appalled at the cruelty and madness of the duke, yet is amazed at the beauty and majesty of the language used, which is in no way below the level of Shakespeare. I enjoyed the poem immensely as it was a thrilling yarn which had me captivated throughout.

[@ernarivano895]

Rijul Bakshi good explanation you helped me a lots

[@letlhogilematenge1915]

Thanks my man

[@alexandraaesthetic8313]

We made a short film about My Last Duchess. Please check it out! Though it may not be good as we were only in high school. Thank you; kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnXoqNpr5Kngpo

[@paulgitaukinuthia3916]

You are a literary aficionado. Congratulations for your in-depth critical analysis.

[@judytuban4830]

Can I use this as a reference?

[@elliepratt9715]

I have my literature exam tomorrow and this has helped so much!!!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

I'm so glad!

[@talbertherndon1925]

Facts

[@sceptix8287]

Have u passed

[@charliewalsh1832]

@@sceptix8287 richard no way. u also struggling with english

[@hectorvaxquez2288]

I got my finals tomorrow and I still haven’t crack this poem

[@Aqu4nime]

shes amazing ! really relaxed tone and friendly facial expression and very useful analysis ! im glad i found this before my exam

[@killz5250]

Probably the 10th analysis I've watched of you, all of your videos are so helpful please keep them going!

[@yeskas5654]

Please never stop making this kind of videos! They help a lot.

[@tylernnn1986]

You are literally the reason I am passing English 102 right now haha thank you so much

[@SixMinuteScholar]

+Tyler Nasim Glad to help! Hope the literature is making sense. Good luck with your class!

[@itsm3keileigh]

I swear, i spent about 30 mins trying to process and understand the poem and then i found this video and now I thank you for that!~

[@amyplunkett1420]

I just wanted to say thank you! Your videos have been such a massive help for my literature class.

[@SixMinuteScholar]

You're so welcome! I'm glad!

[@Yousuf29222]

Me too at 2017

[@abbeymcclary9656]

You can't possibly understand how much I appreciate you. I love your channel so much,it's helped me understand literature so much more and allowed me to love reading again.Keep up what your doing!!! College students like me need people like you!!

[@hEliza6859]

Your videos are the best literary explanations on youtube. They're thorough, clear, and so insightful. Thanks so much!

[@qwertqwe]

This was excellent! The amount of entertainment and the depth of my comprehension of this poem probably increased tenfold by watching this video. (As compared to reading the poem along) Great job it was fun and easy to understand I especially enjoyed the line by line explanations instead of reading the entire poem and explaining afterwards. If your classes are anything like this, I'm sure you're an excellent professor!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Thanks! I'm so glad that you got a lot out of the video. That speaks to your engagement and interest -- good for you!

[@lucasceleste4743]

Happy birthday

[@kellyantlers]

I tried to memorize this poem in high school (unsuccessfully). I acquired a fascination for it and thought about the meaning very often. It is haunting. Your explanation is perfect, Now I get it much better. I never considered the technical points (rhyming, syllables, etc,). Thank you for for doing and sharing the video.

[@priyapanchwadkar4665]

This has saved me! THANK YOU! youve made this easier than how it was taught in college!

[@sceptix8287]

Have u passed uni now

[@charliewalsh1832]

@@sceptix8287 richard again

[@lucasceleste4743]

happy birthday

[@robinstrickler2302]

I've been fascinated by watching other readers to see where they pause or emphasize for dramatic effect. One really emphasized "to make your WILL quite clear" and another made a long pause before "I repeat" at the end, which makes it even more sinister. I really appreciate your help with the section of "Who'd stoop to blame this sort of trifling" and the 8 or so lines after. Saying "I shouldn't have to tell her" puts a new spin on it for me. Thank you so much!

[@shelbyekwenugo2526]

omg i love you so much my professor sit in my face for an hour and 10 minutes and i understand nothing but in 15 minutes you have changed my entire British lit life. thank you so much

[@crystalrobot01]

Thank you so much, this was a great explanation of a great work of English literature. Now I need to click back to the previous video of the reading of this poem by this great reader and enjoy it again with all this great info you provided. Thank you again!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

I'm glad! You're very welcome.

[@surbhi-we5lt]

i am currently reading this poem for the first time, how is life 9 years after reading this poem? seems a bit of manic question but like damn someone read it 9 years earlier , what impact does it bears?

[@this-aint-no-party]

Wow, thank you so much! Someone referred this poem to me after I mentioned Porphyria's Lover, and I wanted to make sure I fully understood it :3 I love how the video isn't super long, either! Thanks again for uploading.

[@roy2726]

Briefly explained in a very simple and yet elaborate manner. Thank you ma'am for making such a video where you deconstructed the poet's entire idea in utterly layman's language, describing how the Duke paints a picture of his own character while describing the previous Dutchess. Extremely helpful. :D

[@Longhairbeware86]

I'd never heard of this poem, but it's awesome. Creepy poems are my favorite kind. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Browning has another one that is similar. Maybe I'll do that one next! Thanks for watching. :-)

[@jazminemartinez6996]

I've been watching your videos for years and you allowed me to enjoy analyzing literature. Thank you so much!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for being a longtime fan and still checking back in!

[@cengiz2645]

Thank you so much! Such a clear, simple explanation that at times I paused and read ahead and I noticed things I didn't before because you really helped me fill in some missing points I had.

[@SixMinuteScholar]

I'm so glad! Thanks for your kind words.

[@Koastah]

Thank you for making the poem a little clearer! Seriously, much appreciated.

[@joed5285]

Thank you. Your analysis of the last duchess helped me understand the story more.

[@olgadelgadillo9170]

Thank You! You make it so much easier to understand! Thanks again.

[@SixMinuteScholar]

You're welcome! I'm glad it makes more sense now. It's a sly voice, there in the poem!

[@rafisadia1281]

ma'am, you just keep making my life easier every semester

[@Alias24288]

How calming your voice is.. I wish I could teach like this some day

[@kimhogi8743]

this was made 6 years ago and it'll always be sooo useful thanks a lot

[@chingchangchow1]

Thank you so muuuuuuch! Watching your video in preparation for Gr.12 ELA is so helpful!! You explain it so thoroughly in this video what the poet is saying! Keep what you are doing!!!!!!!!!

[@JoshuaMNielsen]

I don't know why everyone is studying this before an exam. I watched this just for fun. Fascinating poem, and it proved to show that I did not understand the poem the first two times I listened to it at all! It probably would have helped if I had read it vs. simply audibly performed, however. Thanks for the video!

[@amyallen2187]

Thanks so much! This really boosted my understanding of the poem!xox

[@amnaaramam4947]

it was my exam today.. and i really did it well because of you. thank you so much mam. pls do more videos like this

[@SixMinuteScholar]

I'm so glad! Congratulations! It IS time to do some new videos -- thanks for the encouragement!

[@MysticDonBlair]

Thank you so much! Your videos have really helped me this semester.

[@pranadharshan8996]

Greetings from india.. Thank you for this wonderful tutorial!

[@komal402]

I am very impressed with the analysis and interpretation. Generally the whole presentation. The lady( Rebecca Barcarcel) is very well informed and cool.

[@coffecupl4776]

I know this is nearly a decade old, but I just had to say, Robert Browning had a near perfect understanding of a narcissist

[@HanaMarigmen]

Thank you! I have exams tomorrow and your videos about poem analysis makes a lot more sense to me :)

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Hana Marigmen Thank you! I'm glad! Good luck with your exams!

[@bungalowbill238]

I struggled with this poem initially, but that was a very clear and engaging analysis. Thank you.

[@Rwzfs]

Thank you for this analysis!

[@tamikap1515]

I have an English literature exam tomorrow and you just saved me thank you 💖

[@IrfanMirK]

I am supposed to appear in my viva tomorrow. My ma'am is as loving and gentle as you are but I am hopeful now that I won't end up as a fool in front of her tomorrow. Thanks.

[@enhlentuli]

i love how much knowledge i gained in such a short amount of time!!!

[@gunjitakumari5670]

Thank you! This video gave me a perfect explanation which is going to help me through the semesters. I personally loved this❤️

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Gunjita Singh I'm so glad!

[@abdulkadirsabtow332]

Wow just amazing I’m in the 10th grade and didn’t understand this until I stumbled upon this and what a great voice you have to explain all this❤️❤️

[@LuisPerez-nj9vw]

I'm Doing A Renaissance Court Case For This Poem. I'm Playing As The Count's Envoy And I'm Suppose To Be Turning In A Testimony That Either Supports The Duke Or Goes Against Him. This Video Has Helped Me A Lot In Understanding Robert Browning's Mind. Thanks Rebecca

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Oh, good! A court case -- what a creative idea! Good luck!

[@Ajthebr]

Saved my butt on this poem. Well done thank you. Was very enjoyable.

[@stephiedrown795]

Thank you ! Loved your analysis!❤ would be nice to hear you read it all too.🧡😀

[@rauqiyaali...2786]

I've understood a lot from this viedo 😊.... Thank you miss

[@p33kin89]

Incredible video! Thank you so much for your analyses!

[@edmonddantes7516]

Thank you! I will present this masterpiece tomorrow. Greetings From the Philippines

[@Starfire77]

thank you for this analisys! you make the poems make so much sense

[@aleahisabelalejo2095]

thank you so much. i have been having a hard time trying to understand this poem. you have helped me so much, thank you. 🥰

[@kaveemutonga3963]

I am teaching a Literature class in high school and this is very, very helpful. Thank you!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Kavee Mutonga Great to meet you, fellow teacher!

[@kaveemutonga3963]

Same here. I will be sending my students a link for this video. Thanks again.

[@ayaprokopieva7786]

You are so amazing! I really enjoy studying with your videos, you make the poem clear and easy ! Thank you 😊

[@gumdrop8761]

Thank you so much! still helped in 2021!!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

I'm so glad to hear it!

[@groundpounder21]

Thank you for the in depth information. I understand it much more now.

[@SLWhite731]

You have made English Lit understandable for me. Many Thanks!!

[@poppylaydenfritz]

Wow! Thank you so much that REALLY helped me understand Browning's​ poem.

[@roysince94]

You're the best. Very good breakdown. Thank you

[@jonevir]

We're making an adaption short film of this poem, your enlightenment is of great help. Thank you so much. ;)

[@MrKhaledEng]

i have a literary criticism exam in two day and your poem analysis helped me thanks alot :D

[@alfredosolari7597]

Brilliant as always in your explanations.

[@brendellekhimsitim8571]

I couldn't understand the poem no matter how many time I read it. This helped me a lot, Thank you 😄.

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Glad to help!

[@Theyazeed1976]

Thank you so much for sharing this video, it helped me a lot!!!

[@nadaelsheimy1614]

many Greetings from Egypt to you Rebecca ^_^ i am very grateful to you . you make every thing easy and i fully understand what the poem says .. ^_^> thanks a lot

[@alicebalfe9192]

amazingly helpful and clear! thank you so much!

[@santiagosmom]

Thank you! This was super helpful!

[@acacnotts]

wow this is amazing,i actually understand the poem now! thank you so much..

[@OhMyLucia]

Wow, you explained everything so clearly, I immediately subscribed!

[@Watchitneow]

Why did you just bless me like that?

[@imeyhuang]

thank you so much.. you make it easier to understand.. you saved me... ^_^

[@SixMinuteScholar]

You're welcome!

[@luvu2323]

Thank goodness for this. I didn't understand barely a word when I read it myself.

[@rajeeshpr1489]

Your class bring back to my college days .." Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!.....

[@Vavate27]

It really help me. Thank you

[@kaushik.b.smunna7826]

I'm also having literature exam tomorrow, thank you so much mam, for your work

[@sultanipanj]

Thank you for posting this video, it helped me understand this poem.

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Oh, good!

[@thespectacularenterprise]

Thank you for explaining this poem. I am writing a paper on this and I will cite this KZbin link in my references. Extremely helpful.

[@SixMinuteScholar]

You're welcome! I'm honored to be cited. :-) Good luck with the paper!

[@sharairosas6859]

i love your videos ! Very helpful and well explain , your the best ! thankyou sooo much :)

[@mynameisnotjohn3784]

This was very helpful!!!! Thank you Rebecca THANKS ALOT

[@ezeabataprisca9164]

This is nice, thank you.

[@matthewbrown8013]

1 day till my exam--this saved me :) Well done video!

[@evelynmorales9434]

you have saved me in my first college class!

[@caponsacchi]

Excellent. I think the simple question "Will't please you rise?" has special significance regarding the reader. Has the envoy initiated the action upon being horrified by listening to the Duke's chilling account? Or is it one more instance of the Duke's controlling ways--a question that amounts to an order that it's time to go downstairs?

[@SixMinuteScholar]

Good thoughts! I think it's an indication of the Duke's controlling ways. He wants to end the interview and this accomplishes that.

[@kuinilaniroberts7060]

Thanks for having a video for all my homework 👍🏽

[@Oscar-xb9vt]

Awesome explanation, thank you!

[@asmkamruzzahan5697]

Beautiful explanation. Thanks

[@El-Barto59]

You are much better at explaining this poem than Course Hero

[@MrInterestingthings]

It has taken me over 30 years to search this . I think the poem as horror story was rare until E.A.Poe . The person who buys and accumulates things trying to capture the will o a living person should be impossible . The last Duchess is therefore only another "thing" he has acquired and was never someone loved by him . He is incapable of real love because he doesn't even have his complete self . This poem delves into the mystery o what we human beings are .A Loveless man becomes the first article to witness in the Human Condition this poem sets up . I was always intrigued I knew something was to it . The Italian composer Gesualdo (a prince)killed his wife . This poem is really good at being a portrait o a common male : the controlling figure as well as detailing his manner and solipisistic , possessive , dangerous, controlling murderous figure . A New type of sinister psychological almost novelistic creepy study The lessoning might always mean as a double meaning lessening . Its chilling in its portrayal of human cruelty . As she says it accomplishes a grisly , portait of a personality that is death leading - so insecure so full of its emptiness it can never be fulfilled . Very similar to the child-man President rUmp o 2016-2020 . Money can't turn an attention starved empty-headed insecure boy into a healthy adult man .

[@randylion]

Thank you! You've helped me so many times! :)

[@hellicka99]

This is the best video ever

[@flash_KnR]

Thank you for this video ...it is very helpful 😍

[@hinasen4397]

Thank you so much... Your explaination really helps me... I have my exam coming up this week.... Could you explain Lycidas (John Milton) please...

[@md.nuruddinpiershihab5979]

Thank you very much, Ma'am.

[@wafflesreeves1290]

thank you this poem is quite hard without explanation….. he's a very scary man lol

[@OrdenJust]

The question viewers have is how such a glance came to be there on the lady's face. The Duke anticipates the question and says (by design!) "Fra Pandolph", as if the name should be sufficient to explain her expression. May we conclude Fra Pandolph has a somewhat notorious reputation where the ladies who pose for him are concerned? Or is the poor Fra a victim of the Duke's paranoia? "Fra" is the title of a friar, who among other things, takes a vow of chastity. If the painting was done "busily in a day", there hardly seems to be much time for illicit romance. We are told that the Duchess was easily made glad, and 'twas all one in delighting in what she saw. But in the painting, she displays an earnest glance of depth and passion. That sounds like there was more feeling on the part of the Duchess than that which would cause to arise a spot of joy (blushing?) on her cheek. One suspects that the Duchess, like the friar, is a cloistered soul.

[@AnuragMondal21]

Thanks a lot for this informative discussion video. Will help me a lot for my exam tomorrow :)

[@SixMinuteScholar]

You're welcome! Hope your exam went well!

[@sogusohu6204]

very very helpfull!!!!!!!tomorrow is my exam i hope it will help me!!!!!thanks

[@alexnorman7375]

Perfect explanation. Subscribed 👍

[@rosiebirdtv]

Thank you so much! This was incredibly helpful.

[@Wbr_clan1]

omg!! thank you sooo much! you really explained it thoroughly! great job!

[@SixMinuteScholar]

You're welcome! Glad to help. :-)

[@Wbr_clan1]

Do you have anymore I can look up?