Subjects:
In his dramatic monologue, Robert Browning uses irony, diction, and
imagery to achieve a haunting effect.
Robert Browning frequently wrote dramatic monologues to enhance the
dark and avaricious qualities in his works. Browning’s use of this particular
style is to “evoke the unconstrained reaction of a person in a particular
situation or crisis” (Napierkowski 170). A poem may say one thing, but when
mixed with dramatic monologue, it may “present a meaning at odds with the
speaker’s intention”(Napierkowski 170). This change may show the reader
more insight into the poem without directly stating the underlying facts. The
reader is allowed to “isolate a single moment in which the character reveals
himself more starkly” (Napierkowski 171). Browning’s use of dramatic
monologue “disposes the reader to suspend moral judgement” (Napierkowski
171) causing a haughtiness to hover over many of his works.
Browning uses irony in conjunction with dramatic monologue to produce
a sinister and domineering effect. Irony, much like dramatic monologue, can
. . .
also contributes to the eerie developments throughout the poem. His precise and scattered word
choice is meant to make the reader recognize the underlying haughtiness in his
speech to the Count’s emissary. ” Throughout the poem the Duke proves to be the type of man that
has to be in control. The dominating
image the Duke paints of himself by describing his last wife creates an eerie
effect. The Duke paints his own image of her through this
dialogue.
Throughout “My Last Duchess,” Browning uses diction to further increase
the haunting effect of his dramatic monologue. This
brief confusion causes an eeriness to be brought about in the work.
Robert Browning presents a creepy feeling through his dramatic
monologues. The
Duke’s “trifling” lack of “countenance” is evident in his jealousy of the
Duchess’s kindness toward others. The Duke draws his guest’s attention to a statue of Neptune taming a
seahorse in order to show that he will demand complete obedience from his
future wife. The Duke’s
overbearing statements prove that he will put fear into his wife through his
haunting tactics. He is obsessed with being in
control.
Essay's Topics
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