Comparing My Last Duchess and Porphyria's Lover by Robert Browning

Comparing My Last Duchess and Porphyria's Lover by Robert Browning

These poems by Robert Browning were written in the Victorian era. The

Victorians from the outlook seemed to live on high standards and

rules, but underneath they craved for scandal and gossip. Robert

Browning gave this to them through his poems. They were filled with

adultery, passion, sexual tension and murder.

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'Porphyria's Lover' starts off with pathetic falacy which reflects the

narrators mood, he does this by using personification which also sets

the scene. "Sullen wind was soon awake," "Did it's worst to vex the

lake" Although outside the weather is described as being harsh and

fierce, Porphyria brings a comforting warmth to the house. "Made the

cheerless grate blaze up, and all the cottage warm."

The start of 'My Last Duchess' doesn't initially set the scene like in

'Porphyria's lover' but it introduces the main theme of the poem, the

Dukes last Duchess. "That's my last Duchess on the wall, looking as if

she were alive." This makes us feel for the Duke for the loss of his

wife. But as you read on you begin to see the true side of the Duke.

"Fra Pandolfs hands worked busily a day." This makes you feel that he

sees her as just another piece of artwork, a prize, a trophy, not as a

lover or a companion.

The man in 'Porphyria's lover' sees her as in control, "She put my arm

about her waist." He feels that she is just using him and that this

affair can not go on. But as you read on he realizes that this is not

just an affair, he has realized that Porphyria loves him. "Porphyria

worshipe...

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... independence eventually lead to her death. The Duke saw her as I

trophy bt did she see him as anything more than a safe and easy life?

The scene in 'Porphyria's Lover' makes the house feel safe and warm

from the storm, she comes in and shuts the out the cold and starts a

fire, giving a warm glow to the small cottage. But it is a false

security because no one could prepare for what would happen inside.

The scene in 'My Last Duchess' feels very uptight, it is in a very

wealthy house, looking at prestigious artists work. It has a verry

different feel to 'Porphyria's lover'

In conclusion, because the Victorians craved for such scandal these

poems were written. They both contain affairs, women trying to

overpower men, murder and above all, the idea that the Victorians

regimented lives were not always as they seemed.