Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that Robert Browning's poem, "My Last Duchess" illustrates the attitude toward women in the sixteenth century. The writer points out that the setting in Browning's poem demonstrates how men could control their wives, one way or another, in this backward-thinking society. The writer demonstrates how women are treated as objects in this poem. Robert Browning's poem, "My Last Duchess" in an interesting look into the many ways that women have been viewed over the centuries. Even in an aristocratic family, a woman still had to please her husband as seen here with the flighty Duchess. The writer concludes that in a sense, the Duke is experiencing the best of both worlds, thanks to the antiquated thinking of society and their misguided perceptions of women.

From the Paper:

"Now her depth and passion are controlled in an environment where the Duke cannot be embarrassed. Her excuses need not worry him anymore and her unwillingness to bend to his rule need not be an issue. The fact that this conversation can be had, with another man undoubtedly, illustrates how women were perceived as nothing less than things that men could own and do with as they pleased with no regard for the woman's feelings or her life. That he was not the reason that her cheeks were glowing might have been something for him to investigate and improve their marriage; however, she was just a woman and why would he bother himself with such trifles.
"In short, the duke can commit murder if he feels that his wife does live up to his expectations. Obviously, there are no ramifications for his behavior as he brags about the event and is very pleased to display the new and improved version of his wife that is under his complete control. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Browning, Robert. "My Last Duchess." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Vol. II. Abrams, M. H, ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Company. 1986.

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