MY LAST DUCHESS

By Robert Browning

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Unit Overview

In this unit, you will be reading "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning

"My Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue written by Victorian poet Robert Browning in 1842. In the poem, the Duke of Ferrara uses a painting of his former wife as a conversation piece. The Duke speaks about his former wife's perceived inadequacies to represent his bride-to-be family, revealing his obsession with controlling others in the process. Browning uses this compelling psychological portrait of a despicable character to critique women's objectification and power abuses.

As we read, you will be able to identify the Revenge & Betrayal's theme related to the text.

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Background

Robert Browning (1812-1889) was a celebrated English poet and playwright of the Victorian era. In this famous poem, the speaker, a Duke, shows his first wife's painting to someone visiting his home. Many scholars believe that Browning's Duke is modeled after the real-life Duke of Ferrara, whose young wife's mysterious death raised foul play and betrayal questions.

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Literary Terms & Notes

Below is a flipbook of important terms and notes that will help you understand the passage. It is important that you go over all the terms and notes before reading the excerpt.

Let's Practice

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Re-telling of the Story

Listen closely to this dramatic reading of the poem below. How does listening to the poem being read aloud affect your comprehension? Does it change your perception of the Duke's character or intentions?

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My Last Duchess

You can read the passage two ways:

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