My Last Duchess (1842) is one of Browning's early monologues. The whole poem is only 56 lines, but the content is almost a novel. Because this poem is short and pithy, it has a keen insight into the psychological activities of the characters, and it is a necessary work in English poetry anthology and teaching materials.
My final duchess analysis:
The monologue in the poem is an Italian Renaissance duke. Like all Browning's monologues, this poem's monologues are also in a specific drama situation where the poet does not give a clear explanation, but let the readers observe it for themselves: the duke got rid of his ex-wife because she did not become his fixed property.
He intends to get married again, the object is a countess; In order to determine the amount of dowry, the count sent a special envoy to negotiate; The duke showed the messenger his art collection with a portrait of his late wife in the middle. This poem is the duke's "monologue" to the earl's envoy before the portrait of his dead wife.
In the monologue, the duke showed the boast and pride of an art connoisseur and collector in the portrait, but he criticized the former duchess. It is through the accusation against the duke that Browning created a noble and elegant image of the duke, but in fact she was a cruel, hierarchical, possessive, enthusiastic and cheerful former duchess who treated others equally.