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Robert Browning, a master of poetic craft, skillfully weaves a haunting and mysterious tone in his dramatic monologue, "My Last Duchess." Through the adept use of three significant poetic techniques—imagery, diction, and symbolism—Browning creates a vivid narrative that explores themes of control, jealousy, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Browning's use of imagery in "My Last Duchess" is striking, creating a canvas that paints not only the Duchess's portrait but also the darkness lurking within the Duke's psyche.
As the Duke begins his soliloquy, he introduces the portrait with the lines, "That's my last duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive," (1-2), immediately thrusting the reader into the haunting imagery of the late Duchess. The mysterious tone arises as the reader contemplates the circumstances of her demise.
Continuing with his narration, the Duke vividly describes the Duchess, recounting the words of the painter Fra Pandolf. The Duke's description of the Duchess's beautiful skin and the painter's inability to capture its full allure adds depth to the imagery.
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The reader can visualize the scene as the Duke recalls, "Paint / Must never hope to reproduce the faint /Half-flush that dies along her throat" (17-19).
However, the imagery takes a sinister turn as the Duke reveals his jealousy. As the Duke and his guest descend the stairs, he points out a Neptune sculpture, stating, "Notice Neptune, though / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity" (54-55). This image of Neptune subduing the sea-horse serves as a metaphor for the Duke's controlling nature, contributing to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the poem.
Browning's meticulous choice of words, or diction, plays a crucial role in unraveling the Duke's psyche and the madness that consumes him.
The Duke's soliloquy provides insight into his increasing displeasure with the Duchess's behavior. For instance, the Duke mentions, "Sir, 'twas not / Her husband's presence only, call that spot / Of joy into the Duchess' cheek," (12-14), revealing his growing frustration with her reactions in social situations.
The poet's selection of words intensifies the Duke's disdain as he describes the Duchess as being "too easily impressed" (24) and influenced by gifts from "officious fools" (27). The Duke is particularly disturbed by the fact that she places his gift of a noble name on par with other presents. The diction used to express the Duke's emotions conveys the building resentment and foreshadows a darker turn of events.
The turning point in the poem comes with the lines, "Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, / Whene'er I passed her; but who passed without / Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together" (43-46). The calculated use of words like "gave commands" hints at the Duke's sinister actions, leaving the reader to wonder about the fate of the Duchess.
The symbolism employed by Browning in "My Last Duchess" revolves around the portrait of the Duchess, serving as a powerful tool that reflects the Duke's need for dominance. The Duke's desire to control every aspect of the Duchess's existence is manifest in the portrait. His unease with her independent expressions and innocent smiles prompts him to take drastic measures, symbolized by the lines, "she thanked men, good! But thanked / Somehow I know not how" (31-32).
The portrait becomes a symbol of the Duke's triumph over the Duchess's rebellious nature. By making the portrait the only image of her accessible to his guests, he asserts complete control over her presentation to the outside world. This symbolic act accentuates the Duke's disturbing obsession with power and control.
Additionally, the symbolism extends to the Duke's insistence on drawing a curtain to reveal the portrait selectively. This act symbolizes his manipulation of others' perceptions and his ability to unveil or conceal the Duchess's image at his discretion. The curtain becomes a metaphorical tool in the Duke's arsenal of control, heightening the eerie and mysterious undertones of the poem.
In conclusion, Robert Browning, through the adept use of imagery, diction, and symbolism, masterfully crafts an eerie and mysterious tone in "My Last Duchess." The vivid imagery paints a portrait not only of the Duchess but also of the darkness within the Duke. Meticulously chosen words unveil the Duke's madness, while symbolism, particularly in the form of the portrait, becomes a powerful tool representing his need for control.
Browning's exploration of jealousy, control, and the complexities of human nature leaves readers captivated by the haunting narrative. "My Last Duchess" stands as a testament to Browning's poetic prowess and his ability to create a chilling atmosphere that lingers in the minds of those who delve into its verses.
The Eerie Tone in "My Last Duchess". (2016, Jun 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/my-last-duchess-by-robert-browning-essay
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