"My Last Duchess"

"My Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue by Robert Browning, set in the context of a duke speaking to an envoy about a portrait of his late wife. Through his words, the duke reveals his possessive and controlling nature, suggesting that he was displeased with the duchess's friendliness toward others, which he perceived as her flaw. The poem explores themes of power, jealousy, and the objectification of women, illustrating the darker aspects of human relationships and social status. Ultimately, it reflects on how art can both preserve and conceal the complexities of life and emotion.