Themes: Power

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In Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," the theme of power is central to the Duke's narrative. The poem explores the Duke's authoritarian nature and his desire to control and dominate those around him, particularly his late wife, the Duchess. Through the Duke's monologue, Browning reveals the toxic dynamics of power, where marriage becomes a form of ownership and control. The Duke's obsession with power is further symbolized through art, as he treats the Duchess's portrait as a possession, highlighting his need to dominate and manipulate.

The Duke's power is both positional and coercive. As a Duke, he holds a high status in the societal hierarchy, granting him authority over others, including his wife. This positional power is rooted in his title and gender, allowing him to command obedience without question. The Duke's coercive power is evident in his ability to "give commands" that result in the Duchess's demise. His expectation of absolute control over her actions and emotions underscores his tyrannical nature.

She thanked men---good! but thanked
I know not how—as if she ranked
My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name
With anybody’s gift.  

The Duke's pride in his "nine-hundred-years-old name" further illustrates his obsession with power and status. He perceives the Duchess's failure to show gratitude for his family name as a personal affront, leading to her punishment. This arrogance and self-importance highlight the Duke's belief in his superiority and his expectation that others should recognize and revere his power.

The final lines of the poem, referencing the statue of Neptune taming a sea horse, serve as a metaphor for the Duke's controlling nature. The sculpture symbolizes his desire to dominate and "tame" those around him, much like Neptune with the sea horse. This image reinforces the Duke's view of relationships as hierarchical, with himself as the powerful figure who must subdue others to maintain control.

Throughout "My Last Duchess," Browning uses the Duke's monologue to expose the destructive nature of unchecked power. The Duke's need for control and dominance leads to the objectification and ultimate silencing of the Duchess, reflecting broader themes of power, possession, and control in human relationships.

Expert Q&A

Is the poem "My Last Duchess" about power, conflict, or both?

"My Last Duchess" explores both power and conflict. The Duke's conflict with his former wife arises from her friendly behavior towards others, which he finds unacceptable. His desire for control and power is evident as he implies he had her killed for not complying with his demands. The Duke's possessiveness and need to control reflect his view of the Duchess as a mere possession, highlighting the imbalance of power in their relationship.

Art, Power, and Possession in "My Last Duchess"

In Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," power is depicted through the Duke's absolute control over his late wife, the Duchess. This power is coercive and positional, rooted in his status and gender. The Duke's jealousy and need for dominance lead to the Duchess's demise, reflecting a toxic dynamic where marriage is seen as ownership. Art plays a crucial role, symbolizing possession and control, with the Duke treating the Duchess's portrait as a prized object in his collection, highlighting themes of power, possession, and control.

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