The overall interpretation of Browning’s poem, “My Last Duchess,” reveals the manipulative and controlling nature of the Duke, who uses his position of power to assert dominance and hide his own flaws. The thesis statement for this analysis is: The Duke accuses his last Duchess of having blemished his “nine-hundred-years-old name” (line 33), which shows how he uses his hierarchical power to manipulate and distort the truth to hide his own shortcomings.
Throughout the poem, the Duke presents himself as a man with high social standing, exerting control over his surroundings, including his deceased wife. He criticizes the Duchess for her behavior, implying that she did not meet his expectations and societal norms. However, it becomes apparent that the Duke’s accusations are driven by his own insecurities and desire for absolute power.
By accusing the Duchess of tarnishing his name, the Duke attempts to shift blame onto her, suggesting that she was responsible for their failed marriage. However, this accusation is merely a manipulation tactic used to justify his actions and maintain his own image. The Duke’s obsession with control is evident when he mentions that the Duchess “liked whate’er / She looked on” (lines 23-24), implying that her ability to appreciate art and beauty threatened his authority over her.
Moreover, the Duke’s hierarchical power allows him to distort the truth and present a biased narrative. He controls the conversation with the listener, revealing only what he wants them to know. He mentions that he “gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together” (lines 45-46), implying that he orchestrated the Duchess’s demise. This chilling statement showcases the Duke’s willingness to silence those who do not conform to his expectations.
In conclusion, Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess” depicts a disturbing portrayal of a Duke who manipulates and distorts the truth to hide his own shortcomings. The Duke’s hierarchical power allows him to assert control over his surroundings and dictate the narrative, ultimately revealing his desire for dominance and absolute power. By examining the Duke’s accusations and his use of manipulation tactics, it becomes clear that his actions are driven by his own insecurities rather than any fault of the Duchess herself.
Works Cited: Browning, Robert. “My Last Duchess.” Required Reading Materials Module on Canvas. Cole, Stephanie. “Control and Power in Robert Browning’s ‘My Last Duchess’.” Victorian Web. 2002.
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