Commentary on 'My Last Duchess' by Robert Browning

The first 200 words of this essay...

Commentary on 'My Last Duchess' by Robert Browning

The poem 'My Last Duchess' by Robert Browning is written in the form of a dramatic monologue. The character performing is that of the Duke of Ferrara. He is speaking to an emissary of the Count, whose daughter the Duke hopes to marry. Through the piece the reader gains a clear insight into his character.

The poem is written in iambic pentameter with heroic couplets throughout it. However without carefully examining the poem this is not readily apparent. Through the punctuation's position Browning creates an enjambment effect throughout the poem. In how he structures the sentences in this way, the rhymes that form the heroic couplets become less intrusive and actually disguise their presence. Without the rhymes being so intrusive the author establishes a much more conversational feeling to the poem which is appropriate as the Duke is actually talking to someone.

Also through the rhymes being concealed somewhat, the mastery behind the layout is hidden (to the casual reader) and the sense of a lack of control or a defined structure within the poem is also created. This is taken even further through how Browning inserts the