In "My Last Duchess-, Robert Browning takes on the role of the Duke of Ferrara, embarking on a moving exploration of the Duke's conceited motives, using the voice of the Duke himself. Although this poem is not about the duke, it is his character that is easy to comment on and criticize. It is the tone in which the duke speaks of his dead wife which reveals the disturbing psychology behind his actions. Hidden within the folds and nuances of a seemingly noble and proud dramatic monologue, the vain, selfish, and horrifyingly egotistical personality of the Duke lurks, ready to frighten and alienate those who fully realize the meaning of his cold remarks. The Duke is manipulative and calculating. Feigning admiration and eloquence, he is in fact bitter and jealous of his wife. Seeking to possess her in every aspect, he imposed unreasonable limits on her. Even when he failed to control her completely, he knew he could not fail. Although the Duke never expressly admitted it, the monologue suggests that the narcissistic duke had had enough of his wife's free-spirited exploits and ordered the death of the duchess. Never significant to him, she now exists only as a perfect portrait, his to veil and own forever.
The Duke was incredibly possessive over every aspect of the Duchess' life, and remains so paranoid that he still attempts to control her memory. His wife was purely a well meaning young woman who liked to smile, and was naturally thankful when given a present. However the Duke had unreasonable expectations of exclusivity. He gave her an aristocratic name ""My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name- (34) "and believes that to be a contract binding her only to be thankful to him and not to others for their relatively petty gifts. The Duke is so possessive of the fine Duchess that he couldn't stand her even smiling at anyone besides him. He accuses her of being flirtatious and unfaithful "calling her "too soon made glad.
