Robert Browning 
MY LAST DUCHESS 
Dramatic Poem

Robert Browning’s ‘My Last Duchess’ is a dramatic monologue that delves into themes of power, jealousy, and control. Written in the form of a Duke speaking to a visitor about his deceased wife, the poem reveals the Duke’s sinister nature through his callous words and implicit threats. The use of iambic pentameter and enjambment adds to the dramatic effect, highlighting the Duke’s manipulation and arrogance. Browning’s exploration of the darker aspects of human nature makes ‘My Last Duchess’ a compelling study in psychological complexity within a concise poetic form. The poem is set against the backdrop of the Renaissance era, where such displays of power and privilege were common. Robert Browning’s keen insight into the complexities of human relationships and his masterful use of language make ‘My Last Duchess’ a timeless and haunting work of literature. Readers will be captivated by the chilling portrayal of the Duke and the unraveling of his character through his own words.