The duchess essay

The Duke was not able to own and control the Duchess’ smile and love, but since she is long gone and it is only her painting which remains, the Duke is able to control it and its smile behind a curtain. It is easier for the reader to believe that the Duke might have poisoned the duchess based on his suspicion of her unfaithfulness.

The Duke is seen to address a person in the poem directly i.e. “Will’t please you rise?” (Line 47) and “Nay, we’ll go / Together down, sir” (lines 53-54). The poet uses various techniques to explore the characteristics of the speaker and the situation being narrated.

The Duchess’ unfazed attitude is marked by her cry ‘I am the Duchess of Malfi still’ which again demonstrates that although she is aware of her physical end, she is also aware that her name will remain alive throughout history. This provides a contrast to the presentation of the Cardinal, who is shown to fear death rather than embrace it.

“The Last Duchess” composed by Robert Browning is a poem characterized by intrigue, mystery and murder. It is a monologue narration in which the speaker, the Duke, is seen to have murdered his wife. We are made to think or even believe that the Duke murdered his own wife out of jealousy.