“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

Table of Contents

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.