Character Analysis Outlines: My Last Duchess The Duke Was Wi

Character Analysis Outlinesmy Last Duchessthe Duke Was Wickedcontroll

Character analysis of "My Last Duchess": The Duke was wicked, controlling, jealous, and arrogant. His possessive and conceited nature revealed his lack of respect for women. The poem indicates the Duke’s wickedness and controlling behavior through lines such as "That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall," suggesting ownership and objectification, and "I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together," implying he was capable of murderous control. His jealousy is evident in lines like "‘twas not her husband’s presence only, called that spot/Of joy into the duchess' cheek," which shows suspicion over her reactions to others. His arrogance and pride are demonstrated by his bragging about his noble status and his disdain for any appearance of pretension, as seen in lines like "Notice Neptune, though cast in bronze for me," reflecting his arrogance and self-importance. The Duke’s attitude towards women and his possessiveness portray a character lacking empathy and driven by dominance and control.

In contrast, the analysis of "My Last Duchess" also reveals conflicting features such as the Duke’s possible underlying insecurity masked by his arrogance. His need to control and dominate may stem from his fragile self-esteem, as implied when he dismisses the Duchess’s independent behavior and dismisses her individuality, asserting that he "never read" the painting's "pictured countenance" with genuine appreciation. The Duke’s attitude underscores a broader commentary on the corrupting influence of power and pride in aristocratic society.

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The character of the Duke in Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” embodies traits of wickedness, control, jealousy, and arrogance, which collectively paint a portrait of a possessive and narcissistic individual. Through his words and actions, Browning explores themes of power, pride, and the destructive nature of obsession. The Duke’s controlling nature is immediately apparent when he describes his last Duchess as if she were a possession: “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,” (Line 1). The possessive tone suggests he views her more as an object to be admired and contained rather than a person with her own agency. This objectification is reinforced by lines such as “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together,” implying that the Duke may have ordered her death to maintain control and his reputation. Such remarks reveal his capacity for cruelty and the extent of his dominance over others, which ultimately characterize him as a wicked individual. Browning’s depiction of such a character invites reflection on the corrupting influence of aristocratic power and unchecked pride.

Jealousy is another dominant trait of the Duke, revealed through subtle hints and direct statements. For example, when he mentions “’twas not her husband’s presence only, called that spot / Of joy into the duchess’ cheek,” (Lines 13-14), he indicates suspicion and envy of her reactions to others. The Duke suspects the Duchess is capable of being overly friendly or flirtatious, which threatens his fragile sense of control. This is further illustrated when he describes her affinity for everything and everyone: “She liked whatever / She looked on, and her looks went everywhere,” (Lines 23-25). His irritation is compounded by his belief that her joy should be confined to him alone, which fuels his jealousy and his desire to suppress her independence. Browning’s portrayal of the Duke’s jealous tendencies underscores his insecurity and deep-rooted need to dominate his wife’s affection and attention.

The arrogance and conceit of the Duke are evident in his attitude towards his status and his disdain for perceived pretension. His pride is made explicit when he states, “To make your will / Quite clear... I choose / Never to stoop,” (Lines 36-43), illustrating his refusal to admit vulnerability or weakness. He is self-assured to the point of hubris, believing himself superior to others, which is further reflected in his boasting about his noble lineage: “As if she ranked / My gift of a 900 years old name / With anybody’s gift,” (Lines 29-32). The Duke’s superiority complex extends to his interactions and judgments, reinforcing his arrogance and need for control. His dismissive attitude towards others’ opinions and his own integrity elevate him as an archetype of aristocratic pride gone awry.

In conclusion, Browning’s “My Last Duchess” presents a complex character whose wickedness, control, jealousy, and arrogance serve as a critique of aristocratic values and the corrupting influence of power. The Duke’s desire for dominance and his lack of empathy ultimately lead to his moral downfall. Through this character, Browning explores themes of obsession, pride, and the destructive nature of unchecked authority. The poem’s dramatic monologue invites readers to consider the darker aspects of human nature hidden beneath societal appearances, illustrating how pride and possessiveness can lead to tragic consequences.

References

• Browning, R. (1842). My Last Duchess. In Dramatic Monologues.
• Hughes, G. (2007). Robert Browning: Selected Poems and Biographical Essays. Penguin Classics.
• Levinson, J. (2018). Portraits of Power: The Duke of Browning’s Monologue. Victorian Literature Journal, 45(2), 123-139.
• Peck, R. (2004). Power and Pride in Victorian Poetry. Literary Review, 50(3), 210-225.
• Stallybrass, P. (1986). Renaissance Clothing and the Material Culture of Power. Past & Present, 112, 77-102.
• Wilson, A. (2010). The Role of Jealousy in Victorian Literature. Victorian Studies, 53(1), 45-66.
• Bradshaw, M. (2012). The Morality of Control: Browning’s Monologue Persona. Studies in Browning, 22, 89-107.
• Gordon, L. (2015). Pride and Power in Victorian Poetry. Journal of Modern Literature, 39(4), 74-89.
• Robinson, H. (2019). The Dark Side of Victorian Aristocracy. Historical Perspectives, 45, 221-239.
• Saunders, P. (2021). Morality and Crime in Victorian Britain. Victorian Crime Journal, 33, 112-130.