Compare and contrast the poems 'My Last Duchess' and 'Porphyria's Lover'.

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Compare and contrast the poems ‘My Last Duchess’ and ‘Porphyria’s Lover’

By Robert Browning

These poems by Robert Browning were written in the Victorian era. The Victorians from the outlook seemed to live on high standards and rules, but underneath they craved for scandal and gossip. Robert Browning gave this to them through his poems. They were filled with adultery, passion, sexual tension and murder.

        ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ starts off with pathetic falacy which reflects the narrators mood, he does this by using personification which also sets the scene. “Sullen wind was soon awake,” “Did it’s worst to vex the lake” Although outside the weather is described as being harsh and fierce, Porphyria brings a comforting warmth to the house. “Made the cheerless grate blaze up, and all the cottage warm.”

        The start of ‘My Last Duchess’ doesn’t initially set the scene like in ‘Porphyria’s lover’ but it introduces the main theme of the poem, the Dukes last Duchess. “That’s my last Duchess on the wall, looking as if she were alive.” This makes us feel for the Duke for the loss of his wife. But as you read on you begin to see the true side of the Duke. “Fra Pandolfs hands worked busily a day.” This makes you feel that he sees her as just another piece of artwork, a prize, a trophy, not as a lover or a companion.

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        The man in ‘Porphyria’s lover’ sees her as in control, “She put my arm about her waist.” He feels that she is just using him and that this affair can not go on. But as you read on he realizes that this is not just an affair, he has realized that Porphyria loves him. “Porphyria worshiped me, surprise made my heart swell.” He now becomes very possessive over her, once he knows that she loves him in return “That moment she was mine, mine, fair.” We now begin to see the darker side of him; he doesn’t want to ...

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