June 1, 2023 - English Studies

“Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

“The face of the city changes more quickly, alas! than the mortal heart.”
—Charles Baudelaire

So much of the city

is our bodies. Places in us
old light still slants through to.

Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling,
like phantom limbs.
Even the city carries ruins in its heart.

Longs to be touched in places
only it remembers.
Through the yellow hooves

of the ginkgo, parchment light;
in that apartment where I first
touched your shoulders under your sweater,

that October afternoon you left keys
in the fridge, milk on the table.
The yard – our moonlight motel –

where we slept summer’s hottest nights,
on grass so cold it felt wet.
Behind us, freight trains crossed the city,

a steel banner, a noisy wall.
Now the hollow diad
floats behind glass

in office towers also haunted
by our voices.
Few buildings, few lives

are built so well
even their ruins are beautiful.
But we loved the abandoned distillery:

stone floors cracking under empty vats,
wooden floors half rotted into dirt;
stairs leading nowhere; high rooms

run through with swords of dusty light.
A place the rain still loved, its silver paint
on rusted things that had stopped moving it seemed, for us.

Closed rooms open only to weather,
pungent with soot and molasses,
scent-stung. A place

where everything too big to take apart
had been left behind.

Introduction

Written by a Canadian poet and novelist, Anne Michaels, “Phantom Limbs” is a poignant poem. It first appeared in 1986 as part of her debut poetry collection, also titled Phantom Limbs. While the collection did not initially receive widespread commercial success, its themes of grief, loss and memories won instant acclaim. Michaels’ reputation as a writer continued to grow after its publication and the collection became quite famous in the poetic circles of Canada. The lasting popularity of poem as well as the collection, Phantom Limbs, is a testament to Michaels’ skillful use of language and her ability to touch on universal human experiences.

Annotations of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Verse Number	Difficult Phrases	Annotation/Explanation
1	Mortal heart	Refers to the human heart, which is vulnerable to death as opposed to the heart as a symbol of love or emotion.
2	Old light still slants through to	Describes the way light from the past still enters and illuminates certain parts of the body or city.
5	Phantom limbs	Refers to the sensation that a missing limb is still attached to the body, a common experience among amputees. Here it is used metaphorically to describe places that no longer exist physically but are still felt and remembered.
9	Yellow hooves of the ginkgo	Describes the shape of the ginkgo leaves as they turn yellow in the fall, resembling the hooves of a horse or deer.
15	Moonlight motel	Refers to a location, a yard, where the speaker and their lover spent summer nights together.
18	Steel banner	Refers to the sight and sound of freight trains crossing the city, which can be seen as a banner of steel that separates various parts of the city.
20	Hollow diad	Likely a reference to an architectural feature, possibly an arch or a frame which is now empty or devoid of its original purpose.
23	Also haunted by our voices	Implies that the city’s office towers are not only physically haunted, but also emotionally or psychologically haunted by the memories and voices of the people who once lived there.
24	Ruins are beautiful	Suggests that some buildings or structures can be so well-built that even in their ruined state, they still retain a sense of beauty or elegance.
30	Swords of dusty light	A metaphorical description of the way light enters and illuminates certain spaces, resembling the shape of a sword.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Literary Device	Verse	Identification, Meanings, and Explanations
Allusion	“Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels	The title of the poem alludes to the sensation that amputees sometimes experience of feeling a limb that is no longer there. In the poem, this is used as a metaphor for the emotional attachments we have to places and experiences that are no longer part of our lives.
Enjambment	“So much of the city/is our bodies.”	The sentence continues over the line break, creating a sense of fluidity between the city and the human body.
Hyperbole	“Even the city carries ruins in its heart.”	The city cannot literally have a heart, but the use of hyperbole emphasizes the emotional connection between the city and its inhabitants.
Imagery	“on grass so cold it felt wet”	The use of sensory details creates a vivid image of the experience of sleeping on the grass.
Irony	“Few buildings, few lives/are built so well/even their ruins are beautiful.”	The use of irony emphasizes the rarity and beauty of something that is often seen as a negative.
Metaphor	“the hollow diad/floats behind glass”	The “hollow diad” refers to a pair of opera glasses, and the metaphor emphasizes the idea of distance and separation between the past and the present.
Onomatopoeia	“Through the yellow hooves/of the ginkgo, parchment light”	The use of onomatopoeia in “hooves” emphasizes the sound of the ginkgo leaves rustling in the wind, while “parchment light” creates a sense of the quality of the light.
Oxymoron	“moonlight motel”	The use of an oxymoron creates a sense of contradiction and emphasizes the illicit nature of the lovers’ tryst.
Personification	“the rain still loved”	The personification of the rain emphasizes its emotional quality and creates a sense of continuity between the past and the present.
Repetition	“Places in us/old light still slants through to”	The repetition of “places” emphasizes the emotional significance of the locations described, while the repetition of “old light” creates a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Simile	“run through with swords of dusty light”	The use of a simile creates a vivid image of the way light penetrates the abandoned distillery.
Symbolism	“the abandoned distillery”	The abandoned distillery symbolizes the decay and desolation of the city, as well as the possibility of

Sound and Poetic Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Definition/Explanation
Alliteration	“old light still slants through to” (line 3)	It is repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close together. In this poem, alliteration “s” creates musicality and emphasize certain words and phrases.
Assonance	“Even the city carries ruins in its heart.” (line 6)	It is the repetition of vowel sounds in stressed syllables of words that are close together such as “I”. This assonance creates a musical effect and emphasizes certain words and phrases.
Consonance	“where we slept summer’s hottest nights” (line 16)	It is the repetition of consonant sounds in stressed syllables of words that are close together such as “s” and “t”. These consonances create a musical effect and emphasizes certain words and phrases.
Rhyme Scheme	None	Pattern of end rhymes in a poem. The rhyme scheme of this poem is irregular, but it does contain some repeated sounds that provide a sense of unity.
Diction	“yellow hooves”, “parchment light”, “swords of dusty light”	Word choice or vocabulary used in a poem. In this poem, the diction is often descriptive and sensory, creating vivid images for the reader.
Verse Type	Free Verse	Poetic form that does not have a set meter, rhyme scheme, or stanza structure. This allows the poet to experiment with language and create a unique style. “Phantom Limbs” is an example of free verse.
Stanza Type	None	A poem without stanzas, in which the lines are grouped together to create a single unit. “Phantom Limbs” is an example of a poem without stanzas.
Poem Type	Elegy	A poem that mourns the loss of someone or something. “Phantom Limbs” can be read as an elegy for the lost love and the cityscape that once housed it.
Tone	Melancholy, Nostalgic	Attitude or emotion conveyed by the poem. The tone of “Phantom Limbs” is often melancholic, as the speaker reflects on loss and change, but also nostalgic, as they remember the places and moments that have shaped their life.

Functions of Literary Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels (Please write a paragraph on each of these with reference to the given verses)

Creating Images and Sensory Experience:
Verse 2: “Places in us” (Assonance)
Verse 3: “old light still slants through to” (Alliteration of “s”)

These literary devices help create vivid images and sensory experiences, allowing the reader to better imagine and connect with the emotions and sensations described in the poem.
Conveying Emotions and Feelings:
Verse 4: “Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling” (Consonance)

Verse 5: “like phantom limbs” (Simile)
These literary devices help convey emotions and feelings to the reader in a more impactful and memorable way.
Enhancing Rhythm and Musicality:

Verse 8: “only it remembers” (Assonance)
Verse 10: “parchment light” (Assonance)
These literary devices help enhance the rhythm and musicality of the poem, creating a more pleasing and memorable reading experience.

Improving Tone and Style:
Verse 22: “in office towers also haunted by our voices” (Metaphor)
Verse 27: “A place the rain still loved” (Personification)

These literary devices help establish the tone and overall style of the poem, giving the reader a sense of the author’s voice and intentions.

Themes in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Nostalgia and Remembrance: The poem “Phantom Limbs” show a sense of nostalgia and remembrance for places and moments that no longer exist. In verse 3, the speaker describes how “old light still slants through” places in their body that are “full of feeling” but “no longer exist.” This theme is also present in the descriptions of the abandoned distillery in verses 27-38, where the speaker recalls the beauty of a place that is now in ruins.
City and its Memories: The city is a prominent theme in the poem, “Phantom Limbs” and it is portrayed as a place that is full of memories and emotions. In verse 6, the speaker describes how “even the city carries ruins in its heart” and longs to be touched in places that “only it remembers.” This theme is also present in the descriptions of the apartment and the yard in verses 10-17, where the speaker recalls intimate moments in places that are now just memories.

Love and Loss: Love and loss are intertwined throughout “Phantom Limbs” as the speaker recalls moments of intimacy with a lover who is no longer present. In verse 12, the speaker remembers touching their lover’s shoulders under their sweater on an October afternoon. This theme is also present in the descriptions of the abandoned distillery, which represents both the beauty of love and the pain of loss.
Beauty in Decay: Despite the focus on loss and decay, the poem “Phantom Limbs” also highlights the beauty that can be found in these things. In verse 26, the speaker describes how “few buildings, few lives are built so well even their ruins are beautiful.” This theme is also present in the descriptions of the abandoned distillery, which the speaker describes as a place where “everything too big to take apart had been left behind” (verse 37) and where the rain still loved to fall (verse 32).

Literary Theories and “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Reader Response Theory: This literary theory suggests that the meaning of a literary text is not solely determined by the author’s intent but is instead co-created by the reader’s interpretation. Anne Michaels in “Phantom Limbs” uses vivid imagery and sensory descriptions to create a space that readers can immerse themselves in and construct their own meanings. For example, in the lines “The yard – our moonlight motel – / where we slept summer’s hottest nights,” Michaels uses sensory language to transport the reader to a specific moment in time and space, allowing them to connect with their memories and emotions.

Feminist Theory: This literary theory examines how gender roles and power dynamics shape our understanding of literature. Michaels challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in “Phantom Limbs,” showing a relationship not defined by the gender of the individuals involved. In the lines “in that apartment where I first / touched your shoulders under your sweater,” Michaels subverts traditional gender roles, portraying a female character as the initiator of physical intimacy, which is often expected to be the role of a male character in literature.
Postcolonial Theory: This literary theory explores how colonialism and its legacies shape literature and culture through power relations. In “Phantom Limbs,” Michaels acknowledges the impact of colonialism on the city, as shown by the lines “Behind us, freight trains crossed the city, / a steel banner, a noisy wall.” These lines suggest the presence of industry and infrastructure often built through colonial exploitation and demonstrate how it continues to impact the city and its inhabitants.
Psychoanalytic Theory: This literary theory emphasizes how unconscious desires and conflicts influence our behavior and understanding of the world. In “Phantom Limbs,” Michaels uses the metaphor of phantom limbs to explore the lingering emotional connections to places and relationships that no longer exist physically. In the lines “Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling, / like phantom limbs,” Michaels suggests that our emotional attachments to people and places can remain even after they are gone, echoing the Freudian concept of the unconscious and its persistence in our lives.

Essay Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Topic: Literary Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: What is the significance of the use of literary devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels?

Thesis Statement: The use of literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, consonance, end rhyme, and diction in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels serves to enhance the imagery and emotional depth of the poem, creating a vivid and haunting portrayal of memory and loss.

Topic: Memory in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: How does Anne Michaels explore the theme of memory in “Phantom Limbs”?

Thesis Statement: Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Anne Michaels explores the theme of memory in “Phantom Limbs,” portraying how memory can be both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of what has been lost, and how memories can become phantom limbs that haunt us long after their physical existence has passed.

Topic: Setting in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and meaning of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels?

Thesis Statement: The setting of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels, which includes both the physical landscape of the city and the emotional landscape of memory, serves to create a haunting and evocative portrayal of loss, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of the past on the present.

Topic: Tone in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: How does the tone of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the poem?

Thesis Statement: The tone of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels, which is both mournful and elegiac, serves to create a powerful and haunting portrayal of memory and loss, conveying the complex emotions of nostalgia, grief, and the bittersweet nature of remembrance.

Short Question-Answer about “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

What is the significance of the title “Phantom Limbs” in the poem?

The title “Phantom Limbs” refers to the concept of feeling the presence of a missing limb even after it has been amputated. The poet, Anne Michaels, draws a parallel between the phantom limbs and the memories of past experiences that are still present within us. Just as a person may still feel pain or sensation in a missing limb, the poet also feels the emotional weight of memories. As she says, “Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling, like phantom limbs” (lines 4-5). This is how the title highlights the theme of loss and memory that runs throughout the poem.

How does the poem explore the relationship between memory and place?

The poem “Phantom Limbs” explores the idea that our memories are deeply connected to the places where they were formed. As the speaker says, “So much of the city is our bodies. Places in us / old light still slants through to” (lines 1-2). The memories of past experiences are intertwined with the physical spaces where they occurred, and those places could hold a lasting emotional resonance. The poem also suggests that places change with memories associated with them, as Anne says, “Even the city carries ruins in its heart” (line 6). In this way, the poem portrays memory and place as being inextricably linked.

How does the poem use sensory imagery to evoke a sense of place?

The poem “Phantom Limbs” uses sensory imagery to create vivid descriptions of the places the poet remembers. For example, she describes the “yellow hooves / of the ginkgo, parchment light” (lines 9-10), which creates a visual image of the tree and the quality of light. The poem also uses olfactory imagery to describe the abandoned distillery, showing that it was “pungent with soot and molasses, scent-stung” (lines 35-36). This sensory detail helps the readers in evoking a sense of the atmosphere and mood of the place. The use of sensory imagery contributes to the overall effect of the poem in creating a strong sense of place.

What is the significance of the abandoned distillery in the poem?

The abandoned distillery represents a place of memory for the poet. It is a place where past experiences and emotions are still present. The poet shows the distillery in detail, saying that it had “stone floors cracking under empty vats, wooden floors half rotted into dirt; stairs leading nowhere; high rooms run through with swords of dusty light” (lines 28-31). This sensory detail helps the readers in evoking a sense of the atmosphere and mood of the place in their hearts as well as its history and character. The distillery also represents the idea that even abandoned or ruined places are, sometimes, beautiful and meaningful. The poet says, “Few buildings, few lives are built so well / even their ruins are beautiful” (lines 24-25). The abandoned distillery, like the other places described in the poem, holds a lasting emotional resonance for the speaker.

“My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

FERRARA

That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,
Looking as if she were alive. I call

That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands
Worked busily a day, and there she stands.
Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said

“Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read
Strangers like you that pictured countenance,
The depth and passion of its earnest glance,

But to myself they turned (since none puts by
The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)
And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,

How such a glance came there; so, not the first
Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ‘twas not
Her husband’s presence only, called that spot

Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps
Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps
Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint

Must never hope to reproduce the faint
Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff
Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough

For calling up that spot of joy. She had
A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made glad,
Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er

She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.
Sir, ‘twas all one! My favour at her breast,
The dropping of the daylight in the West,

The bough of cherries some officious fool
Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule
She rode with round the terrace—all and each

Would draw from her alike the approving speech,
Or blush, at least. She thanked men—good! but thanked
Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked

My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name
With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame
This sort of trifling? Even had you skill

In speech—which I have not—to make your will
Quite clear to such an one, and say, “Just this
Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss,

Or there exceed the mark”—and if she let
Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set
Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse—

E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose
Never to stoop. Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt,
Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without

Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands
As if alive. Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet

The company below, then. I repeat,
The Count your master’s known munificence
Is ample warrant that no just pretense

Of mine for dowry will be disallowed;
Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed
At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go

Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though,
Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,
Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!

Introduction

Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” is a popular dramatic monologue. It was first published in 1842 as part of a collection of poems titled Dramatic Lyrics. While the collection as a whole was not particularly successful upon its release, “My Last Duchess” quickly stood out in popularity and critical acclaim due to its haunting portrayal of a jealous and possessive Duke discussing his former wife. The poem has since become one of Browning’s representative works. That is why it is considered a classic of the Victorian poetry. Its enduring popularity could be attributed to Browning’s use of language and images to explore the thematic strands of power, control, and the male gaze.

Annotations of “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Verse Number and Phrase	Annotation
1. “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall”	The speaker is introducing the subject of the painting, his former wife, who is now deceased.
3. “That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands”	The speaker is complimenting the painter, Fra Pandolf, for his skill in creating the painting of the Duchess.
6. “Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read”	The speaker is explaining that he purposely mentioned the name of the painter to impress the listener as it is a famous name.
11. “And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,”	The speaker is referring to the looks of the visitors who have seen the painting and how they appeared to be curious about the subject of the painting.
14. “Her husband’s presence only, called that spot”	The speaker is suggesting that the Duchess was easily pleased and would show joy even for small things, like her husband’s presence.
18. “Must never hope to reproduce the faint”	The speaker is saying that even the best painters cannot capture the subtle details of the Duchess’s beauty.
21. “A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made glad”	The speaker is suggesting that the Duchess was too easily pleased and quick to show happiness.
25. “Sir, ‘twas all one! My favour at her breast,”	The speaker is suggesting that even his own favor towards the Duchess had the same effect on her as other small things.
30. “Would draw from her alike the approving speech,”	The speaker is saying that the Duchess would show the same kind of appreciation and approval for everything that pleased her.
33. “My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name”	The speaker is referencing his own aristocratic background, which he believes to be a valuable gift to the Duchess.
35. “This sort of trifling?”	The speaker is dismissing the idea that the Duchess’s behavior was insignificant, suggesting that her frivolous nature was an annoyance to him.
39. “Or there exceed the mark”	The speaker is suggesting that the Duchess may have exceeded his expectations of her behavior in some way.
43. “Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt,”	The speaker is acknowledging that the Duchess was polite and friendly towards him, but suggesting that her behavior was not unique to him.
45. “Then all smiles stopped together.”	The speaker is implying that he had the Duchess killed or otherwise eliminated from his life after becoming fed up with her behavior.
49. “The Count your master’s known munificence”	The speaker is suggesting that the listener’s master, the Count, is generous and will not object to his desire to marry the Count’s daughter.
53. “Nay, we’ll go together down, sir.”	The speaker is inviting the listener to leave the room with him to join the rest of the company.
55. “Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity”	The speaker is pointing out a statue of Neptune that he is proud of, as it is a rare and valuable work of art.
56. “Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”	The speaker is further boasting about his collection of valuable artwork, including the statue of Neptune.

Literary Devices in “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Literary Device	Verse Reference	Meaning/Explanation
Allusion	“Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”	The Duke references a statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse, which was cast in bronze by Claus of Innsbruck. The allusion emphasizes the Duke’s wealth and power.
Anaphora	“She liked whate’er / She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. / Sir, ‘twas all one!”	The repetition of “she” emphasizes the Duchess’s easily impressed nature.
Antithesis	“Sir, ‘twas not / Her husband’s presence only, called that spot / Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps”	The contrast between the Duke’s belief and the truth that the Duchess’s joy was not solely because of his presence creates an antithesis.
Assonance	“The bough of cherries some officious fool / Broke in the orchard for her”	The repetition of the “o” sound in “bough” and “orchard” and “fool” creates assonance.
Consonance	“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.”	The repetition of the “l” sound creates consonance.
Enjambment	“Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed / At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go / Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, / Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me.”	The sentence continues from one line to the next without a pause or punctuation, creating an enjambment in the first three verses.
Hyperbole	“My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift.”	The Duke exaggerates the importance of his name with hyperbole.
Imagery	“Over my lady’s wrist too much”	The image of the mantle covering the Duchess’s wrist creates visual imagery.
Irony	“She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad”	The Duke’s ironic description of the Duchess’s character emphasizes his contempt for her.
Metaphor	“Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”	The comparison of the painting to the Duchess through “there she stands” creates a metaphor.
Onomatopoeia	“The dropping of the daylight in the West”	The repetition of the “d” sound in “dropping” and “daylight” creates onomatopoeia.
Oxymoron	“Half-flush that dies along her throat”	The combination of the contrasting words “half-flush” and “dies” creates an oxymoron.
Paradox	“Who’d stoop to blame / This sort of trifling?”	The Duke’s statement is paradoxical since he claims the Duchess’s behavior is trivial, yet he is obsessing over it.
Personification	“Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps / Over my lady’s wrist too much,”“	The mantle is given human-like qualities through personification.
Repetition	“The depth and passion of its earnest glance”	The repetition of “its” emphasizes the Duke’s obsession with the painting’s gaze.
Rhyme	“Worked busily a day, and there she stands.”	The words “day” and “stands” rhyme, creating a rhyme.
Simile	“Looking as if she were alive.” (line 2)	The poet compares the painting of the Duchess to a living person. This simile creates an eerie atmosphere as it suggests that the Duchess is watching the listener with her “earnest glance.” It also hints at the Duke’s possessiveness towards the Duchess, as if he wants her to remain frozen in time and only his to admire.
Symbol	“Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse” (line 54)	The sea-horse symbolizes the Duke’s desire to control and tame his wife like a beast. Neptune, the god of the sea, represents the Duke’s power and dominance. The bronze statue of the sea-horse is a symbol of the Duke’s wealth and status, which he uses to exert his control over others.
Synecdoche	“My favour at her breast” (line 25)	The Duke uses the word “favour” to refer to the portrait miniature of himself that the Duchess wore on a necklace. This synecdoche emphasizes the Duke’s possessiveness and his desire to have the Duchess all to himself. It also reveals his arrogance and vanity, as he believes that his image is worthy of being displayed on the Duchess’ body.
Tone	“Sir, ‘twas all one!” (line 25)	The Duke’s tone here is dismissive and contemptuous. He suggests that the Duchess’ affections were easily won and that he was no different from the other men who courted her. This tone reveals his arrogance and sense of superiority, as if he believes that he deserved the Duchess’ love more than anyone else. It also emphasizes his lack of empathy and his tendency to view people as objects that can be controlled and manipulated.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Assonance	“Looking as if she were alive” (line 2)	Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words that are close to each other. Here, the repetition of the “i” sound creates a haunting, almost eerie effect that emphasizes the uncanny realism of the painting.
Consonance	“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall” (line 1)	Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words that are close to each other. Here, the repetition of the “st” sound in “last” and “Duchess” creates a sense of finality and emphasizes the Duke’s possessiveness over the painting and the subject it depicts.
End Rhyme	“wall/call” (lines 1-2), “hands/stands” (lines 3-4), “durst/first” (lines 11-12)	End rhyme is the repetition of rhyming sounds at the end of lines in a poem. In “My Last Duchess,” the use of end rhyme creates a sense of structure and formality, while also emphasizing the Duke’s control over the conversation and the listener.
Rhyme Scheme	The poem has a loose rhyme scheme, with some end rhymes appearing sporadically throughout.	The rhyme scheme helps to create a sense of order and structure in the poem, while also providing a framework for the Duke’s monologue.
Diction	The Duke uses formal, elevated language throughout the poem.	The Duke’s use of elevated language reinforces his position of power and privilege, while also creating a sense of distance between himself and the listener. The formal language also highlights the contrast between the Duke’s public persona and his private thoughts and actions.
Verse Type	The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with five sets of unstressed/stressed syllables per line.	The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a regular, rhythmic quality, while also emphasizing the Duke’s control and authority.
Stanza Type	The poem is divided into rhyming couplets, with each couplet containing a complete thought or idea.	The use of couplets helps to create a sense of structure and organization in the poem, while also emphasizing the Duke’s self-assuredness and control.
Poem Type	“My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue, in which a single speaker (the Duke) addresses a silent listener.	The use of the dramatic monologue allows the Duke to reveal his inner thoughts and feelings, while also creating a sense of tension and unease between himself and the listener.
Tone	The tone of the poem is cold, calculating, and self-absorbed.	The Duke’s detached, matter-of-fact tone creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the poem, while also emphasizing his callousness and lack of empathy. The tone also highlights the contrast between the Duke’s public persona (charming, sophisticated) and his private thoughts and actions (manipulative, cruel).

Functions of Literary Devices in “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Characterization: Literary devices are used to create a vivid and complex portrait of the Duke’s character, revealing his arrogance, obsession and cruel nature. For example, the use of dramatic monologue and the Duke’s words provide insight into his thoughts and feelings, while images and symbols contribute to the themes of power and possession.

One example of characterization is the use of dramatic monologue, allowing the readers to hear the Duke’s thoughts and know his perspective. Through his words and actions, he makes it known that he is extremely possessive and controlling. He shows it saying how he had his previous Duchess killed for her supposed flirtatious nature. The use of imagery and symbolism support this argument. He also shows it when he says that the painting of his last Duchess is his prime possession that he controls and displays to others. The painting becomes a symbol of his power and control over his wife, demonstrating his desire to show off his wealth and status.

Theme: Literary devices explore power and control as well as the objectification and subjugation of women. The use of imagery, symbolism, and irony help to develop these themes. Through these themes, the readers sees how the Duke wields his power and control over his wife and other women. This leads to their objectification and dehumanization.

One example of the theme of power and control is the use of imagery and symbolism in the painting of the Duchess, which represents the Duke’s power and control over his wife. The painting becomes a symbol of his possession and control over her, as he describes how he had it created and how he has the power to draw the curtain over it. Another example is the use of irony in the Duke’s speech, as he claims that he is not the type to “stoop” to correct his wife’s behavior, even though he has had her killed for her perceived flirtatiousness. This irony highlights the Duke’s hypocrisy and his use of power to silence and control women.

Tone: Literary devices create a specific tone in “My Last Duchess” characterized by a sense of unease and tension. The use of enjambment, caesura, and repetition help to develop this tone. Resultantly, the readers feel a sense of discomfort and unease whenever the Duke asserts himself.

One example of tone is the use of enjambment. It creates a sense of tension and unease in the Duke’s speech. It happens in the second and the third line. Another example is the use of repetition such as the repetition of the word “smile.” It creates a sense of unease and discomfort when the readers come to know about the Duke’s obsession with his wife’s appearance and his arrogance over how he controls her emotions.

Narrative Structure: Literary devices create a specific narrative structure that emphasizes the Duke’s perspective. Specifically, the use of dramatic monologue and the Duke’s assertive words help to polish this structure. His point of view and further assertion make this structure even more narrative. One example of narrative structure is the use of dramatic monologue, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy in the poem. The Duke’s world reveals itself with full force, making the readers aware of his story.

Themes in “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Power and Control: The poem “My Last Duchess” shows the major theme of power, control and cruel nature of exercising these human features. The Duke of Ferrara show this through his character. He is a powerful and controlling person who asserts his authority over his late wife and the listener he addresses. Using the language to dominate the conversation, he insists that the listener sit and admire the portrait of his wife, saying, “Will’t please you sit and look at her?” (line 5) and later commanding, “Will’t please you rise?” (line 47). He also reveals his possessiveness and control over his wife by hiding her portrait behind a curtain, saying, “since none puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I” (lines 9-10). Both of these references show how assertive he is not only with his wife but also with the interlocutors.

Art and Appearance: Browning also shows the theme of art and appearance in the poem. This theme too emerges through the character of the Duke who is proud at the portrait of his late wife and sees it as a masterpiece. That is why he calls it as a “wonder” (line 3) and praises the artist, Fra Pandolf, for capturing his wife’s emotions. However, he also acknowledges that the portrait is just an image and does not capture his wife’s true essence. He says, “she had / A heart…too soon made glad, / Too easily impressed” (lines 22-24), suggesting that the portrait depicts only one side of his wife’s personality and that he has seen her multidimensionality when she was alive.
Jealousy and Possessiveness: “My Last Duchess” demonstrates these themes when the Duke speaks to his interlocutor. He reveals his jealous of his late wife’s affection toward others. He resents the fact that she used to lean toward others even for smallest things. By showing this, he implies that she was too easily pleased. Then, he suggests that he had to control her to keep her in line. He says, “She liked whate’er / She looked on, and her looks went everywhere” (lines 23-24), and later states, “she thanked men…as if she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift” (lines 31-33). These lines clear show hr character and reveal his obsession about his property, the duchess.
Gender Roles and Expectations: The poem “My Last Duchess” shows another side of this poem; the role of women and expectations from them. The poem shows this through the Duke’s comments about his late wife, revealing his belief in traditional gender roles and his expectations her. He implies that his wife was too emotional and too easily pleased, suggesting that these qualities were not desirable in a wife. This also shows how Victorians dukes used to treat their ladies. When he states that his status and wealth entitled him to a beautiful and obedient wife, he means it. He clarifies it when he says, “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together” (lines 45-46), indicating that he used his power to silence his wife and maintain control over her. This also shows how patriarchy used to control femininity during Browning’s time.

Literary Theories and “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Psychoanalytic theory: This literary theory seeks to find the unconsciousness desires of characters and authors. Regarding this poem, the Duke’s possessiveness and jealousy toward his late wife could be a manifestation of his repressed desires for control and power. This is evident in lines 32-34, where the Duke remarks that his late wife “liked whate’er / She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.” The Duke’s insecurity is further highlighted in lines 42-43, where he states that he gave commands to his wife “Then all smiles stopped together.” This suggests that the Duke’s desire for control over his wife was so great that he was willing to resort to extreme measures to sustain it. The Duke’s obsession with power is also evident in his description of his last Duchess, particularly in lines 25-31. Here, he describes how she would thank anyone who gave her attention, even though she was married to him and had his name. This suggests that the Duke saw his wife as an object to possess and control rather than as a person with her own desires and feelings.
Feminist theory: The poem “ My Last Duchess” also demonstrates traditional gender roles and reinforces the idea of male dominance. The Duchess’s portrayal is of a passive object, while the Duke is the active subject. His treatment of his wife is particularly troubling when he accuses her of having a flirtatious nature. This suggests that the Duke saw his wife as inferior to him and her outgoing nature flares him up when he sees her. Also, the Duke’s description of the portrait of his wife in lines 2-4 highlights the objectification of women in the poem. He refers to her as “That piece a wonder, now” and “a wonder, a miracle.” This reduces his wife to an object of beauty rather than acknowledging her as a complex human being with her own thoughts and feelings.

New Criticism: New Criticism literary theory relies heavily on literary devices for interpretations. The poem shows the use of several literary devices such as enjambment, caesura, and dramatic monologue which contribute to the poem’s structure and ultimately enhance its intended meaning. The use of enjambment and caesura creates a sense of tension and urgency in the Duke’s speech, suggesting that he is struggling to maintain control over his emotions. For example, in lines 27-28, the Duke says, “E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose / Never to stoop.” The pause created by the caesura emphasizes the Duke’s determination not to “stoop” and his desire for control. The dramatic monologue allows the reader to experience the Duke’s inner thoughts and emotions in a more intimate way, revealing his true character and motivations. For example, the Duke’s jealousy and possessiveness towards his wife are revealed through his description of her behavior and his reaction to it. The use of first-person point of view in the poem further immerses the reader in the Duke’s perspective and creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the character.
Reader-response theory: A reader’s interpretation of the poem could be influenced by their own personal experiences with power dynamics in relationships. For instance, a reader who has experienced an abusive relationship may view the Duke’s possessiveness and control over his wife as a warning sign of potential abuse. In contrast, a reader who has not experienced such a relationship may not view the Duke’s behavior as problematic. This aspect of reader-response literary theory could find support through specific lines from the poem. For example, the Duke’s statement, “She ranked my gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift,” (lines 33-34) suggests that he values his family name and status above all else. Some readers may interpret this as a sign of the Duke’s insecurity and need for control, while others may see it as a reasonable concern for his family’s honor and legacy. Also, the Duke’s description of his late wife’s behavior towards other men, such as “her looks went everywhere” (line 23) and “her mantle laps / Over my lady’s wrist too much,” (lines 32-33) can be interpreted in different ways depending on the reader’s own values and experiences. Some readers may view this behavior as evidence of the Duchess’s independence and desire for attention, while others may see it as a betrayal of the Duke’s trust and a lack of respect for their marriage.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

Topic: Power and Control in “My Last Duchess”

Question: How does Browning explore the themes of power and control in “My Last Duchess”?

Thesis Statement: Through the character of the Duke and his description of the Duchess, Browning highlights the destructive nature of power and control, as the Duke’s desire to possess and dominate his wife ultimately leads to her death.

Topic: Gender Roles in “My Last Duchess”

Question: How does Browning challenge traditional gender roles in “My Last Duchess”?

Thesis Statement: By portraying the Duchess as a strong and independent woman who is punished for defying the Duke’s expectations of subservience and obedience, Browning critiques patriarchal norms and highlights the injustice and oppression faced by women in society.

Topic: Jealousy and Possessiveness in “My Last Duchess”

Question: How does Browning explore the destructive effects of jealousy and possessiveness in “My Last Duchess”?

Thesis Statement: Through the character of the Duke and his obsessive desire to possess and control his wife, Browning highlights the negative consequences of jealousy and possessiveness, as the Duke’s actions ultimately lead to the loss of his wife and his own isolation and loneliness.

Topic: Art and Representation in “My Last Duchess”

Question: How does Browning use the theme of art and representation in “My Last Duchess”?

Thesis Statement: Through the Duke’s obsession with the portrait of his wife and his desire to control the way in which she is represented, Browning explores the ways in which art can be used as a tool of manipulation and control, and raises questions about the nature of artistic representation and its relationship to reality.

Short Question-Answer about “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning

What is the central theme of “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning?

The central theme of “My Last Duchess” is the theme of power, control, and possession. The Duke in the poem seeks to control his wife through his power, wealth and language. He believes that his wife is flirtatious, docile and simpleton. She could easily inclined toward others. Resultant action of the Duke’s actions and attitudes toward her, therefore, shows him an oppressor abusing abuse that power to control and dominate her figure. The Duke’s pride and sense of entitlement ultimately lead to the downfall of his marriage which is another topic for an argument. Centrality of this theme as support from the text as follows.

Evidence from the text: “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands / As if alive.” These lines suggest that the Duke had his wife killed for not obeying his commands and for not being fully devoted to him. This indicates that the Duke’s desire for power and control over his wife was so strong that he was willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve it.

Who is the intended audience of the Duke’s monologue in “My Last Duchess”?

The intended audience of the Duke’s monologue in “My Last Duchess” is the emissary from a foreign court. He has come to negotiate the Duke’s next marriage. The Duke is, thus, engaged in impressing the emissary. He uses language first and then shows how wealthy and powerful he is to impress him. He also uses the portrait of his last duchess to show off his possessions to assert his control over his future wife. However, his main purpose is to dominating the emissary to control him.

Evidence from the text: “Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, / Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!” These lines suggest that the Duke is using the conversation with the emissary as an opportunity to show off his wealth and status.

What is the significance of the title “My Last Duchess” in the poem?

The title “My Last Duchess” it suggests that the Duke has had multiple wives and that his previous wife is no longer alive. The use of the word “last” implies that there were others before her, and the fact that he has her portrait hanging on the wall suggests that he is still obsessed with her. The title also creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the reader is left to wonder what happened to the previous duchess and how she died.

Evidence from the text: The lines “I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands / As if alive” suggest that the Duke had his last duchess killed, adding to the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

What is the meaning behind the Duke’s comment about the bronze statue of Neptune in “My Last Duchess”?

The Duke’s comment about the bronze statue of Neptune in “My Last Duchess” intends to show his wealth and status to the emissary. This statue represents his power and control. Just as the portrait of his last duchess represents his power and control over his wife, it boasts his power over other things. The fact that the statue was made by Claus of Innsbruck, a famous artist, also shows that the Duke is a patron of the arts and is wealthy enough to commission such works. Overall, the comment serves to reinforce the Duke’s sense of entitlement and superiority.Evidence from the text: “Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,/ Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!” These lines indicate that the Duke is using the conversation with the emissary as an opportunity to show off his wealth.