Conclusion Of My Last Duchess

The Unraveling of Power: Exploring the Conclusion of Browning's "My Last Duchess"

Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue that leaves a lasting impression long after the final line. The poem's chilling narrative, framed by the Duke's seemingly casual conversation with a representative of the family of his prospective new wife, leaves the reader grappling with the complexities of power, jealousy, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. While the poem's ending lacks a dramatic climax in the traditional sense, its subtle power lies in the chilling implication of what has happened and what is yet to come. This analysis delves into the multifaceted conclusion of "My Last Duchess," examining its ambiguous nature, the lingering sense of unease, and the implications for the Duke's future actions.

The Ambiguity of the Final Lines

The poem's conclusion is famously ambiguous. The Duke, having meticulously detailed his deceased wife's perceived flaws and his ultimate responsibility for her demise, abruptly shifts the conversation to the subject of the dowry and a specific painting of Neptune taming a sea-horse. The sudden shift feels jarring, highlighting the superficiality of the Duke's concerns. He is not remorseful; he is merely transitioning to the transactional aspects of securing a new wife. The final lines, "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive. I call / That piece a wonder, now: Frà Pandolf's hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands." seem almost nonchalant, juxtaposing the profound implications of his confession with a seemingly casual appreciation of art.

This deliberate ambiguity is crucial to the poem's effectiveness. It forces the reader to confront the horrifying reality of the Duke's actions without a clear-cut moral judgment being explicitly laid out by the poet. Browning masterfully avoids offering easy answers, instead leaving the reader to wrestle with the implications of the Duke’s chillingly calm demeanor. The painting itself becomes a potent symbol; it is not merely a work of art, but a memento of the Duke’s control and a chilling reminder of his capacity for violence. The fact that he views the painting as a "wonder" speaks volumes about his distorted perspective, his complete lack of empathy, and his capacity for self-deception.

The Lingering Sense of Unease and Implied Violence

The conclusion doesn't offer a neat resolution; instead, it leaves the reader with a profound sense of unease. The Duke's casual tone masks the brutal reality of his actions. He has effectively confessed to murder, albeit indirectly, yet there is no sense of remorse or regret. His focus immediately shifts to practical concerns – his next marriage, his social standing. This chilling nonchalance is far more unsettling than any explicit confession of guilt could ever be.

The poem's ending reinforces the idea of the Duke's unchecked power and his capacity for violence. The implied threat of violence hangs heavy throughout the entire poem, and the conclusion reinforces this threat without ever explicitly stating it. The reader is left to imagine the fate of his next wife should she, like his former Duchess, display any hint of independence or individuality. The abrupt shift to the discussion of the dowry suggests that the new wife is simply a commodity, another possession to be controlled and manipulated. The Duke’s casual mention of Neptune taming the sea-horse further underscores his desire for absolute control over his environment and the people within it.

The Duke's Character and Psychology: A Study in Control

The conclusion solidifies our understanding of the Duke's character. He is a man obsessed with control, both over his possessions and the people around him. His casual dismissal of his former wife's life, his complete lack of remorse, and his immediate focus on securing a new wife highlight his narcissistic tendencies and his inability to form genuine human connections. He views the world and the people within it as mere possessions to be acquired, controlled, and discarded at his whim. His pride and entitlement are palpable throughout the entire poem, culminating in the unnerving calm of the final lines.

The poem’s brilliance lies in its ability to expose the inner workings of a deeply disturbed mind. The Duke’s seemingly normal conversation masks a sinister reality, showcasing his capacity for manipulation and violence. The reader is privy to his inner thoughts, his justifications, and his complete lack of empathy. This intimate insight into the Duke's psychology is what makes the conclusion so profoundly disturbing. The poem is not just a story of a murder; it is a chilling study of a man consumed by his own ego and his insatiable need for control.

The Function of the Art and its Symbolic Significance

The painting of the Duchess, and the subsequent mention of the Neptune painting, serve as crucial symbolic elements within the poem's conclusion. The Duchess's portrait is more than just a piece of art; it is a representation of the Duke's power and his ability to possess and control even in death. The fact that he values it so highly indicates that it is not merely an aesthetic object but a symbol of his dominance and control over his former wife. He can possess her likeness, even if he couldn’t possess her spirit or her individuality.

The second painting, the Neptune taming a sea-horse, serves as a potent metaphor for the Duke's own desire to control and dominate. Neptune, a powerful god, subdues the wild sea-horse, symbolizing the Duke's own ambition to exert his power over those around him, including his wives. This imagery underscores the deeply ingrained nature of his desire for control and how it permeates all aspects of his life. The choice of this specific painting is not accidental; it serves as a direct parallel to the Duke’s own desire to subdue any hint of independence or individuality in his wife.

The Absence of Repentance and the Implied Future

The absence of any remorse or repentance in the conclusion underscores the poem's unsettling nature. The Duke's casual tone and his immediate transition to the next subject suggest that the death of his wife is simply a minor inconvenience in his pursuit of social advancement and the acquisition of a new wife. He shows no sign of acknowledging the moral implications of his actions.

This lack of remorse leaves the reader contemplating the implications for the Duke's future. The poem strongly suggests that the cycle of violence and control will continue. The new Duchess is likely to face a similar fate if she dares to display any sign of independent thought or action. The poem ends not with a resolution, but with a profound sense of foreboding and the chilling expectation of further acts of violence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the central theme of "My Last Duchess"?

A: The central theme is the destructive nature of unchecked power and possessiveness, particularly within the context of a patriarchal society. The poem explores themes of jealousy, control, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of a man's inability to accept the independence of another human being.

Q: What is the significance of the Duke's use of the word "wonder" to describe the painting?

A: The Duke’s use of "wonder" is ironic and chilling. He describes the painting of his deceased wife as a "wonder," revealing his perverse sense of pride in his control over her, even in death. It highlights his objectification of his wife and his inability to appreciate her as a human being.

Q: Why does the poem end with a discussion of the dowry and a different painting?

A: The abrupt shift from the confession to a discussion about material possessions – the dowry and the Neptune painting – highlights the superficiality of the Duke's concerns. It underscores his transactional view of relationships and his focus on maintaining his social standing.

Q: Is the Duke a reliable narrator?

A: No, the Duke is an unreliable narrator. His perspective is skewed by his own ego, his possessiveness, and his lack of empathy. He presents his justifications for his actions without any genuine self-reflection or remorse, making his account a biased and unreliable perspective.

Q: What is the overall impact of the poem's conclusion?

A: The poem’s conclusion is designed to leave a lasting sense of unease and discomfort. It highlights the enduring implications of unchecked power, the chilling consequences of violence, and the devastating impact of a man’s inability to accept the independence and individuality of another human being. The ambiguity leaves the reader contemplating the potential for future acts of violence and the cycle of abuse that the Duke represents.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Unease

The conclusion of "My Last Duchess" is not a resolution, but rather a chilling indictment of unchecked power and the devastating consequences of possessiveness. The poem's ambiguity, the lingering sense of unease, and the implied threat of future violence combine to create a lasting impact on the reader. Browning masterfully crafts a conclusion that doesn't offer easy answers but instead compels us to confront the complexities of human nature and the terrifying potential for abuse that resides within individuals driven by unchecked ambition and a thirst for absolute control. The Duke’s final lines are not a closing statement, but rather an ominous prelude to further acts of control and dominance, leaving the reader with a profound and unsettling sense of unease that lingers long after the poem has ended. The poem’s enduring power lies in its ability to make us confront the disturbing realities of power, control, and the devastating consequences that arise when those powers are abused.