Essay Database

Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" and "Porphyria's Lover" are two poems that are dramatic monologues that depict a disturbing story. Even though the speaker's attitude between the husband and wife were different in each poem, both the duke and the lover are unable to deal with their feelings realistically or properly. The duke and the lover disregard the women's feelings and physical well being in favor of their own selfish love. The two poems express …

…with reality. "My Last Duchess" and "Porphyria's Lover" are poems that seem as if it were a story of unrequited love from the title. The duke ultimately wanted a personal possession that reflects his status and good taste, and the lover was more intrigued with the murder that the love from his lover. Ironically the poems focus on the act of regaining control and power, instead of the joy and passion of being in love.