Emma Hayward
Period 6
March 18, 2015
My Last Duchess
In my “My Last Duchess”, Robert Browning reveals the complex attitude of the speaker through complex diction , strong use of syntax, and the use of strict rhyme and meter. The speaker in this poem is Duke of Ferrara who explains to the man who is arranging a marriage between the Duke and Count’s daughter about his last Duchess.
There is a complex use of diction used by the speaker in this poem. The Duke’s word choice exhibits his feelings towards his last Duchess. In lines 31-34 the Duke states “Or blush, at least. She thanked men—good! but thanked Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift.” He uses diction through his choice of the word “ranked”. He uses “ranked” to show how egotistical and pompous he was about himself. He felt as though he gave her so much just by letting her marry him. This shows his very arrogant attitude.
The speaker uses a strong use of syntax in this poem. The Poem is set up in rhymed couplets. This shows the sense of control the Duke yearns to have, however the couplets do not end with each line. Some of the couplets extend into the next line symbolism the loss of control had experienced will with his last duchess. The ongoing couplets symbolises the control he wants, while the control also lacks.
In “My Last Duchess” the speaker uses strict rhyme and meter to show his controlling attitude once again. He uses iambic pentameter to show his