Example Of Critical Thinking On My Last Duchess

‘My Last Duchess’ is a well-acclaimed and famous poem by Robert Browning. Born in 1812 in London, Robert went on to become one of the most celebrated and accomplished English poet and playwright. As a poet of Victorian age, he was known for his grip and mastery of dramatic monologue and psychological portraiture. He came up with many famous poems and plays throughout his life, with ‘My Last Duchess’ being one of them.
The poem is based on historical events and involves Duke of Ferrara as its central and most important character. The Duke recites this poem to an emissary who comes to him to talk about his marriage to the daughter of a powerful family. The Duke, who has been widowed recently, shows the visitor through his place before they stop in front of a portrait of a young and lovely girl, the last Duchess. The Duke reminisces about the character and disgraceful behavior of the last Duchess. He claims her to be of loose character who flirted with everyone without caring about the name of the kingdom. As the soliloquy continues, the reader fast apprehends that it was the Duke who arranged her premature and untimely demise. He soon returns to the topic at hand, another marriage with another young girl.
The style of the poem is classic Monologue, the form that best suits to the poet. The poem is much more than about creating a historically picturesque scene with colorful and lively characters. The poem engages the reader well and succeeds incredibly in conveying poet’s thoughts and that indeed is the highlight of this poem.