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How do you think the speaker in poem felt about his last duchess?

The speaker in the poem "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning feels a combination of pride, resentment, and possessiveness towards his late wife, the last duchess. Here's an analysis of the speaker's emotions:

1. Pride:

The speaker showcases his collection of Renaissance treasures, including sculptures and paintings, indicating his wealth and status as a nobleman. He takes great pride in owning and displaying these possessions.

2. Resentment:

The speaker holds resentment toward the last duchess because she did not meet his expectations of a perfect wife. He hints that she was too free-spirited and did not show proper respect to him as her husband. He criticizes her for engaging in conversations with strangers and enjoying life beyond the confines of their marriage.

3. Possessiveness:

The speaker views his wife as a possession rather than an individual. He mentions he could have forgiven her if she had shown regret or remorse but since she did not, he had to take extreme measure implied to be her death.

4. Lack of Emotion:

The speaker conveys his feeling through a detached and almost indifferent tone. He does not express any real sorrow or grief over the loss of his wife. Instead he calmly narrates the events and emotions in an objective manner.

5. Manipulation and Control:

There is a sense of manipulation and control in the speaker's portrayal of his last duchess. He paints a one-sided narrative that reflects his version of events, while disregarding her perspective or agency.

Overall, the speaker's attitude toward his last duchess reveals his complex and troubled emotions, including pride, resentment, possessiveness, and a lack of genuine emotional connection.

Poetry

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