'My Last Duchess Ferrara' (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)

My Last Duchess Ferrara

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C1T13

'My Last Duchess Ferrara'

Below you will find a guide to Robert Browning’s poem titled 'My Last Duchess Ferrara' from the Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology (part 3: unit 1, section B). This guide includes:

• Overview: a line-by-line breakdown of the poem, including its possible meanings and interpretations
• Language, form and structure: an exploration of the techniques and poetic choices that Robert Browning has used
• Themes: an exploration of the themes and ideas in the poem
• Comparing poems: suggestions on which poems to compare it to

My Last Duchess Ferrara: Overview

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C1T13

Overview

Find out more about the poem to confidently answer an essay question in your exam by reading:

• A summary of the poem
• A “translation” of the poem, section-by-section
• A commentary of each of these sections, outlining Browning’s intention and message

A summary of the poem 'My Last Duchess Ferrara'

'My Last Duchess Ferrara' is a dramatic monologue written by Victorian poet Robert Browning in 1842. The Duke of Ferrara is the speaker of the poem, who tells us that he is entertaining an emissary who has come to negotiate the Duke’s marriage to the daughter of another powerful family. The Duke uses a painting of his former wife as a conversation piece, and suggests that she did something that he didn’t approve of. The rest of the poem is a subtle warning about what happens to those women who disappoint him, as his last wife (his last duchess) is now deceased.

The poem deals mainly with themes of power (and its abuse), ownership and male attitudes towards women. Conflict is also represented in terms of how the Duke presents himself to the outside world versus his true nature.

'My Last Duchess Ferrara' analysis

Lines 1-4

blockquote “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive. I call That piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”

Translation

• The poem opens with the first person narrator, the Duke, showing the emissary painting of his former wife on the wall
• “Looking as if she were alive” implies that she is no longer alive
• The Duke is proud of the painting, and name-drops the artist, “Fra Pandolf”, who “worked busily” on it, implying the painting is of value

Browning’s intention

• The speaker takes on the persona of the Duke of Ferrara
• This means that Browning can use the character to convey his message about the abuse of power and control
• The speaker establishes control from the start by using the possessive pronoun “my”
• The reader’s interest is engaged by wondering why this is his “last” Duchess. What happened to her?
• “I call that a piece of wonder” is ominous as it suggests that the Duke is viewing his dead wife as a piece of art and a possession to be owned

Lines 5-8

blockquote “Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said “Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read Strangers like you that pictured countenance, The depth and passion of its earnest glance,”

Translation

• The Duke invites his visitor to sit down and look at the painting
• He repeats, in case there is any doubt, that the painter was “Fra Pandolf” - a painter and a monk
• He says this because people have commented on the passion and depiction of her facial expression (her “countenance”), and wonder which artist could capture it in such a fine way
• The Duke is boasting about how famous the artist is, demonstrating his influence and wealth

Browning’s intention

• The rhetorical question inviting the guest to sit and look does not require a reply, implying it is more of a command than an optional invitation
• This adds to the sense of the Duke’s controlling nature
• The fact that “Fra” stands for “Brother”, meaning the artist is a monk, is suggesting that there was no impropriety in the process of completing the painting itself

Lines 9-13

blockquote “But to myself they turned (since none puts by The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, How such a glance came there; so, not the first Are you to turn and ask thus. -”

Translation

• The reader learns that the Duke is the only person allowed to pull back the curtain to reveal the painting
• Others have asked, if they dared (“if they durst”), about how the expression on the Duchess’s face came to be
• The Duke appears to be frustrated at all the attention his former wife is receiving
• The curtain is designed to hide her and the Duke controls who can see her

Browning’s intention

• This section of the poem reveals more about the Duke’s controlling nature
• By covering the painting with the curtain, the Duke is able to control who sees her in death in a way he could not in life (more about this is revealed later)
• This behaviour is sinister and the reader begins to wonder if he was involved in her death, perhaps covering the painting as a symptom of his guilt
• His comment “if they durst” shows he has power over others and people are scared of him, as they wouldn’t dare ask him about the painting

Lines 13-15

blockquote “-Sir, ‘twas not” Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; -

Translation

• The Duke describes that he was not the only man who could lead the Duchess to have a “spot of joy”, meaning a blush, on her cheek

Browning’s intention

• Blushing is associated with flirtation, and so the Duke is suggesting that many men may have flirted with the Duchess
• This was unacceptable to the Duke at a time when, upon marriage, a woman lost many of her rights and essentially became the property of her husband
• The Duke is suggesting that it should only be him that causes such a flush on her face
• There is also the implication here that the Duke is a bit paranoid and overly possessive of his wife
• Now she is his possession, a physical painting on a wall, he could be the only one to see that look of joy on her face - he would not allow anyone else to see it without his permission

Lines 15-21

blockquote “-perhaps Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint Must never hope to reproduce the faint Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough For calling up that spot of joy. She had”

Translation

• The Duke saw Fra Pandolf asking the Duchess to move her shawl (her “mantle”) so that it would uncover more of her wrist
• At this moment, the Duchess was blushing at Fra Pandolf’s suggestion
• She thought Fra Pandolf was complimenting her
• The Duke believes that she is too easily impressed or aroused

Browning’s intention

• The Duke is criticising the Duchess as someone who was too easy to flirt with and too friendly with other men
• The reader cannot be sure if this is true, as pride and jealousy may have caused the Duke to believe his wife would flirt with a monk
• The reference to the “half-flush that dies along her throat” foreshadows her eventual fate

Lines 22-31

blockquote “A heart - how shall I say? - too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, ‘twas all one! My favour at her breast, The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the while mule She rode with round the terrace - all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech, Or blush, at least. -”

Translation

• The Duke is again implying that the Duchess was too friendly with men
• He describes the Duchess as liking whomever she saw
• The fact that “her looks went everywhere” is the Duke attempting to convey that she was unfaithful
• He also suggests that the Duchess was not fussy, and saw all affection as equal
• The “favour at her breast” is a piece of jewellery given to her by the Duke
• The fact that it is worn at her breast adds a sexual undertone
• The Duke then lists the sunset, as well as the “bough of cherries”
• This is a gift she received from “some officious fool” whom the Duke believed to be of lower status
• The white mule is the offspring of a donkey and a horse. A mule is typically sterile
• All of these things would give the Duchess equal pleasure
• This angers the Duke, as he feels outraged that she should get the same pleasure from a bunch of cherries given to her by someone of lower rank, as from a gift of jewellery from her husband, the Duke

Browning’s intention

• The fact that the Duchess seemed to have a mind of her own conflicts with the Duke’s perception of how she should act as a wife
• His attempts to convey her unfaithfulness and her flaws may act as the justification for what happened to her
• The imagery of the sunset can be seen as pathetic fallacy and foreshadowing her life coming to an end, like the end of the day
• The connotation of infertility with the mule may imply that the marriage was childless - another justification for the Duke’s actions
• The Duke believes that his wealth and status should be more important even than beauty and nature
• The fact that the Duchess also likes other things is viewed as a criticism of himself, presenting him as insecure and jealous
• His pride is hurt as all of her affections are not reserved just for him
• He is reliant on the complete control and dominance of women to make himself feel powerful and desirable

Lines 31-43

blockquote “- 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. Who’d stoop to blame This sort of trifling? Even had you skill In speech - which I have not - to make your will Quite clear to such an one, and say, “Just this Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, Or there exceed the mark” - and if she let Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse - E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop. -”

Translation

• The Duke implies that the Duchess “thanked” men. The use of “good!” is ironic, as he doesn’t think her behaviour is “good” at all
• The Duke believes he paid for the Duchess with the gift of his “nine-hundred-year-old name” and that she should be grateful
• This implies she was of a lower social status than him
• He then imagines a hypothetical situation in which he would confront his former Duchess, if he was better with words, in which he was able to clearly tell her that her behaviour disgusted him or is not what is expected of her (she is “missing the mark”)
• He says he could lower himself to teach her how to behave, but then he would be “stooping” and he chooses “never to stoop”

Browning’s intention

• Repetition of “stoop” implies the Duchess’ lower status and the Duke’s unwillingness to go down to her level. It is beneath him to teach her how to behave
• She was not sophisticated enough to see the greater worth of the Duke’s ancient name - she liked everything the same
• He is irritated that she does not seem to appreciate his importance and status
• By marrying her, he had given her his “nine-hundred-years-old name”, revealing his family had been around for a long time
• However, he seems comfortable enough discussing what he disliked about the Duchess with a stranger
• Perhaps he thought he shouldn’t have to stoop to talk to a woman, even if she was his wife

Lines 43-47

blockquote “- Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, When’er I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive. -”

Translation

• The Duke complains that, while she did smile at him whenever he passed, she gave him the same smile as everyone else
• His frustration grew as her continued to break the “rules” of marriage
• He therefore “gave commands”, which implies that he instructed someone else to murder her
• The Duke points out that she looks “as if alive” in the painting,juxtaposing with the revelation of her death

Browning’s intention

• Browning describes her death as her “smiles stopping” signifying not only the end of her happiness, but also the end of her life
• This conveys the Duke’s absolute power over his wife and the overall power that he has - that he can just kill someone without consequence
• It also demonstrates a loss of control (he “snapped”)

Lines 47-56

blockquote “- Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet The company below, then. I repeat, The Count your master’s known munificence Is ample warrant that no just pretense Of mine for dowry will be disallowed; Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”

Translation

• Here it is revealed that the Duke is discussing his last Duchess with an emissary for a Count who is looking to marry his daughter to the Duke
• “The company below” are further guests of the Duke downstairs
• The Duke knows of the Count’s “munificence”, meaning his generosity
• Because of this, the Duke believes he can demand any dowry
• But he insists that his “fair daughter’s self” is his primary focus, meaning the Count’s beautiful daughter
• He states that, when married, his wife will become “my object”
• The final two images of Neptune “taming a sea-horse” suggests the powerful ruler of the seas controlling a delicate, innocent creature like a sea-horse
• The metaphor of Neptune implies the Duke sees himself as god-like
• The Duke again boasts of a piece of art he has had created by a famous artist
• By ending the poem with “for me”, the Duke leaves the impression that everything must be done only for him and he desires exclusive ownership

Browning’s intention

• It is possible that the Duke is explaining, in a menacing tone, the actions he would take if his next wife does not live up to his expectations
• By suggesting that the Count will give him a substantial amount of money for his daughter’s dowry, he is possibly giving a veiled threat about what may happen to the Count’s daughter if he is not paid what he believes his power and status are worth
• Ultimately, the Duke objectifies women, and as the only voice in the poem is the Duke’s, he has robbed his Duchess of her voice and her power

My Last Duchess Ferrara: Language, form and structure

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C1T13

Language, form and structure

When you consider how Robert Browning uses language, form and structure, try to link your analysis of these elements to focus on how he presents his ideas and why he has made these choices in ‘My Last Duchess Ferrara’. You will gain more marks if you focus on Browning’s themes rather than on individual poetic techniques.

Here are some suggestions for key aspects of the poem you might want to consider:

Language

Browning further brings the character of the Duke to life through his choice of language, but does not employ many literary devices, so that when he does, they stand out. The language is quite simple in order for the character of the Duke to give a clear message about not challenging his power. Here, language is explored via the key themes of social structure and class, and sexism and oppression

Form

The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, not from Browning’s point of view, but from a fictional character’s (the Duke’s). This demonstrates the character’s dominance and control in the poem

Structure

Browning structures the poem in one single stanza, reflecting the Duke’s mastery, but his use of punctuation fractures the poem as it progresses, mirroring the fracturing of the Duke’s calm exterior manner to reveal the emotions, frustration and violence within.

Exam Hint This poem has themes of both power over others, and the loss of power over oneself. There is also conflict present in the vocal dominance of the Duke, versus the silent submission of his Duchess. Ensure you have read the exam question carefully and stay focused on the question in your analysis. Integrate your exploration of Browning’s language, form and structural elements into the key themes as directly related to the focus of the exam question. Ask yourself: “How relevant to the theme is Browning’s choice here? And why?”

My Last Duchess Ferrara: Themes

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C1T13

Themes

While knowing the poem is important, you also need to be able to show the examiner that you can write an informed, personal response. Therefore, you need to develop a solid understanding of the theme, main ideas and events depicted.

It is still important to have an awareness of background information that is relevant to the themes in the poem, even though you are not explicitly assessed on context. This can help you develop a sustained, critical understanding of the text

To help you do this, the section below has been divided into two main themes that Browning explores in 'My Last Duchess Ferrara':

• Social criticism
• Sexism and oppression

Social criticism

• 'My Last Duchess Ferrara' is set in Italy during the Italian Renaissance

• At this time in Italy, art was heavily valued:

  • The artists and the artwork mentioned in the poem, as well as the Duke himself, are fictional
  • However, it is likely that the character of the Duke was based on Alfonso II, the fifth Duke of Ferrara
  • His wife died in suspicious circumstances

• Browning was born in London, but spent most of his life in Italy:

  • Changing the setting of the poem allowed him to better disguise his criticism of society

Sexism and oppression

• The poem was written at the start of the Victorian era, during the Industrial Revolution

• This was a period when society was starting to change

• Women were starting to demand equality and it saw the beginning of the suffrage movement:

  • In the 1800s, when a woman married, she became the legal property of her husband
  • The only way for a woman to gain status or influence was via her husband
  • This is shown in the poem through the Duke’s “gift of a nine-hundred-years-old-name”
  • It was also believed that women were incapable of rational thought
  • This is reflected in the line “I choose never to stoop”
  • This suggests there is no point in arguing with a woman as she cannot understand
  • The poem can therefore be considered a criticism of Victorian attitudes towards women and their effort to suppress female sexuality

• Browning was a liberal, who married for love:

  • His wife was also a well-respected poet in her own right

• Victorian Britain was also very modest and traditional:

  • It could be argued that the Duke’s obsession with controlling and ultimately “fixing” his wife’s behaviour reflects Victorian society’s obsession with the reputation of women remaining perfect

• Furthermore, the conflict in the poem displays itself not only in the power the Duke has over the Duchess’s life, but also between how the Duke presents himself to the outside world versus his true character:

  • Conflict arose when the Duke realised that he ultimately couldn’t control the Duchess’s behaviour in line with his expectations of a wife
  • He retaliated by killing her, which is an abuse of his power and control
  • This also demonstrates how easily those in power can lose control

My Last Duchess Ferrara: Comparing poems

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C1T13

Comparing poems

In your exam, you will be required to compare two poems from the anthology so you must have a good knowledge of poetic form, content and meaning to compare the poems effectively.

You must be able to explore links and connections between texts, which includes looking at both poets’ use of language, form and structure.

In 'My Last Duchess Ferrara', Browning’s main ideas are centred around defiance and grief, therefore, the following comparisons would be a good starting point:

• 'My Last Duchess Ferrara' and ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci'
• 'My Last Duchess Ferrara' and 'Sonnet 116'

For each pair of poems, you will find:

• Comparison summary
• Similarities and differences between the ideas presented in each poem
• Evidence and analysis of these similarities and differences

'My Last Duchess Ferrara' and 'La Belle Dame sans Merci'

Comparison summary:

Both poems examine the complexity of love and explore its connections with death. The poems present intensely passionate love that ends tragically. However, while Keats's poem is a romantic ballad about a deceived knight, Browning’s dramatic monologue examines a Duke’s jealous control.

Similarities:

Differences:

‘My Last Duchess Ferrara’ and ‘Sonnet 116’

Comparison summary:

Both poems deal with the idea of love. In ‘Sonnet 116’, the speaker states that love is eternal, too powerful to fade or change over time. However, in ‘My Last Duchess Ferrara’, love is presented as controlling, dangerous and inconstant.

Differences: