The poem My Last Duchess spoke of a painting, a painting of the "last" duchess. Discussed by the Duke, to whomever he was exclusively showing the painting to at the event that was taking place (a royal party perhaps).
Throughout the poem by Robert Browning, the Duke speaks of the painting. How the artist captured her natural beauty on the canvas. He then switches subjects from her appearance, to her "intelligence". How she was easily impressed, almost gullible to another mans affections, and the Duke despised being treated like everyone else. In his mind, he wasn't everyone else; he was a Duke! He continues to insult her, and mentions how he may have been at the hand of her early passing.
Then in turn, he goes on to compromise a new marriage, with another physically beautiful young woman of a rich family. He closes the curtains to the painting, and him and his converser go back to their party.
I think the purpose of this poem was to be aware, that all that may seem perfect...really is not. The Duke himself, although a man of royalty, was incredibly jealous, pigheaded, had murderous tendencies and insecure to say the least.
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