“… Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!” Why does the poem end with these lines? What is being suggested about the Duke, the Duchess and their relationship? What might it suggest to the Count’s envoy?

The poem “My Last Duchess” ends with the Duke drawing the listener’s attention to a sculpture of Neptune taming a sea-horse, which was crafted for him by Claus of Innsbruck. The significance of these closing lines lies in the implications they hold about the Duke, the Duchess, their relationship, and the message conveyed to the Count’s envoy.

By pointing out the sculpture of Neptune, the Duke highlights his own position of power and control. Neptune, the god of the sea, represents authority and dominance. The act of taming the sea-horse signifies the Duke’s desire for control over his wife, much like how he wishes to control and possess every aspect of her life. The choice of showcasing this sculpture suggests the