Tone Of My Last Duchess
Robert Browning sets the tone of "My Last Duchess," by using three significant poetic techniques, one of which is imagery. Browning uses the Duke's monologue to sketch out images in the reader's mind of the Duchess herself, and the sinister personality of the Duke. Browning also uses another key device, which is diction to illustrate the darkness in this poem. Browning's careful word choice adds to the description of the Duchess and perhaps her disgraceful behavior, as well as the Duke's terrifying jealousy, and expectations. Finally, Browning also uses symbolism, which is instrumental in showing the Duke's jealousy, which possibly could have led to the Duchess' demise. Robert Browning is able to achieve a haunting, mysterious, and eerie tone
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Browning's particular word choice in this dramatic monologue steers the reader to believe that over time the Duchess' flirtatious nature becomes more difficult for the Duke to handle. As he says to the emissary, "Sir, 'twas not / Her husband's presence only, call that spot / Of joy into the Duchess' cheek," (12-14) the Duke begins to explain how she is charmed by anyone, and "too easily impressed" (24). In addition to being overly impressed by gifts from "officious fools," (27) the Duke is especially upset as he says, "she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody's gift." By marrying the Duchess the Duke gave her the gift of nobility, and she now holds a higher social rank. He feels that that gift alone should maintain her happiness, and commitment to him. The Duke's anger, and jealously have now escalated, and the reader begins to question what his madness will carry him to do. Another meticulous selection of words Browning uses is, " 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 poem has now turned very mysterious, how was the Duchess executed, and who other than the Duke is
Browning's particular word choice in this dramatic monologue steers the reader to believe that over time the Duchess' flirtatious nature becomes more difficult for the Duke to handle. As he says to the emissary, "Sir, 'twas not / Her husband's presence only, call that spot / Of joy into the Duchess' cheek," (12-14) the Duke begins to explain how she is charmed by anyone, and "too easily impressed" (24). In addition to being overly impressed by gifts from "officious fools," (27) the Duke is especially upset as he says, "she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody's gift." By marrying the Duchess the Duke gave her the gift of nobility, and she now holds a higher social rank. He feels that that gift alone should maintain her happiness, and commitment to him. The Duke's anger, and jealously have now escalated, and the reader begins to question what his madness will carry him to do. Another meticulous selection of words Browning uses is, " 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 poem has now turned very mysterious, how was the Duchess executed, and who other than the Duke is