My Last Duchess

Regardless of how well-written, influential, and praised a work of writing is, people will always pick it apart to the bones. Whether the incessant picking is to deliver criticisms or to better understand the true meaning of the piece, there is no stopping it. Such is the case with Robert Browning’s dramatic monologue, “My Last Duchess.” It is a piece that has been analyzed constantly by critics and reviewers. These people have helped others to better understand and enjoy the poem. Browning’s poem, “My Last Duchess,” has baffled and inspired many people throughout history with his wonderful skills using illusion, style, and influence. Browning uses many literary devices in his poem, one of which is illusion. Authors use illusion in their works

Dante Rossetti, the author of the poem “The Portrait,” has shown many similarities in his work to that of Browning’s. “The first similarity between “The Portrait” and “My Last Duchess” is the general situation of each.” (Bright 99) Both poems are about a picture of a woman who is no longer alive. The one big difference, however, is that the speaker of each poem has drastically opposite views on the women. The beginnings of both poems are extremely alike as well. Another similarity is that, in both poems, the portraits are remarked for being lifelike and real. While Rossetti may have been heavily influenced by Browning’s work, he did not write “The Portrait” in mockery. In fact, Rosalie Glynn Grylls has stated that “There is very little direct influence of Browning on Rossetti’s poems…”.” (Bright 99) Browning’s influence on Rossetti and definitely many other poets was most likely the same influence he got from other poets before him. Robert Browning’s poems show likeness with ones by Wordsworth. Browning even wrote an essay on Shelley, long before he wrote “My Last Duchess.” All big poets have been influenced and influenced others. It is simply how the world of writing

Browning has the art of capturing his audience’s attention down as well, it might as well be a simple formula to him. Using illusion, he ensnares the reader by tricking their brain and forcing them to want to read more. His poem is not one that you can only read once. “My Last Duchess” is a work that requires multiple readings to fully understand. Browning’s style of dramatic monologue also entices his readers. Some people complain that dramatics are overdone and boring, which clearly means they have not read this poem in particular. His works being so fun to read and meaningful have inspired and influenced others to not only write poems resembling his, but also to write pieces completely original, just with a bit of his flare to them. Robert Browning is a literary genius, especially when it comes to dramatic monologues. Hopefully his works will continue to to studied and analyzed for a long time. I am certain his writings have many more exciting things to discover deep within