Written by Robert Browning, "My Last Duchess" is a poem about a self-centered duke who has a painting of his last wife on the wall and who tries to impress an ambassador who is negotiating his upcoming marriage. Although it is obvious that the Duke is trying to persuade this ambassador, this is where the first mystery is created. It's almost as if he's not trying to persuade anyone but himself. This poem takes place in Renaissance Italy and women were denied all political rights and were considered legally submissive to their husbands. Women of all social classes were expected to perform primarily the tasks of a housewife: sewing, cooking and entertaining, among others. It is clear from the historical context that Browning's poem was based on the ideology of Renaissance Italy and its feelings towards women. However, when we look at this poem from a modern perspective, the overall story is not one that could be recognized anywhere in Britain today. However, in third world countries, women are still treated like in this poem today. Today, in other countries, women continue to fight to obtain more rights and independence; the poem shows no freedom or options for these ladies as they are forced into marriage and, in this case, part ways just as quickly. Victorian England, when Browning wrote the poem, was to some extent in transition and women were beginning to gain some respect and responsibility. From the start, it is evident that the Duke is very confident and masculine: he uses long, assertive statements without any hesitation. . All these statements give the reader not only a description of the Duchess, but also a very vivid picture of the Duke, as Browning cleverly combines all aspects to give... middle of paper... his wife. in terms of rank and society, he deserves full recognition and thanks. It also becomes apparent to the reader the possibility that the Duke had his wife killed: “It grew; I gave orders; then all the smiles stopped together. » or “my”. He is very possessive and strongly believes in ownership. Even the last lines and words speak of what he has: “Note that Neptune, taming a seahorse, thought of a rarity, that Claus of Innsbruck cast for me in bronze! Browning decides to make it even more obvious, by adding an exclamation after the last word, making it very clear to the reader that the Duke wants everyone to know what he has..