Read the title, ‘My Last Duchess’. What do the words ‘my’ and ‘last’
imply? Consider both words from as many possible angles as you can.
The title of Robert Browning’s poem, “My Last Duchess,” holds significant meaning and offers intriguing insights into the narrative. Examining the words “my” and “last” from various angles uncovers the speaker’s possessive nature, the implications of mortality, and the underlying themes of power and control. This essay will delve into these angles, supported by relevant quotes from the poem, to shed light on the complex layers of meaning in the title.
The Possessive Nature of “My”:
The use of “my” in the title conveys the speaker’s possessive relationship with the Duchess. It implies a sense of dominance and control, as the speaker claims ownership over her. The possessive nature of “my” suggests that the speaker treats the Duchess as an object rather than an individual. The quote “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall” exemplifies this possessiveness,
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