Wilde, Browning, Shaw

MY LAST DUCHESS

The speaker in "My Last Duchess" describes a painting of his late wife, the Duchess,

created by the artist Fra Pandolf. He emphasizes the lifelike quality of the portrait and invites

someone to sit and observe it. The Duke, the speaker, reveals his possessive and controlling

nature, recounting how the Duchess would express gratitude and admiration for various

things, treating all gestures equally. The Duke, displeased with her overly appreciative

demeanor, asserts his authority, leading to her untimely demise. The poem explores themes

of power, jealousy, and the objectification of the Duchess through the Duke's narrative,

providing insight into the dynamics of their relationship.

EXERCISE 1

The title "My Last Duchess" suggests that the Duchess referred to in the poem is no longer

alive. The use of "last" implies that the Duke had a previous wife, and the current Duchess is

the most recent one.

Comprehension:

1. The woman described by the speaking voice is dead.

2. The speaking voice is describing a painting.

3. The image the Duke is contemplating is private.

4. The portrait was painted by Fra Pandolf.

5. In the portrait, the Duchess looks happy.

Analysis and Interpretation:

1. The poet uses iambic pentameter in this poem.

2. The poem does have a regular rhyme scheme (rhymed couplets).

3. The speaking voice of the poem belongs to the Duke.

4. Yes, the Duke is speaking to someone else. He is addressing an emissary or guest.

5. The Duchess is portrayed as a melancholy person.

6. The language of the poem is complex.

7. Lines 35-36 suggest the Duke did not appreciate the Duchess's equal gratitude for various

gifts.

Your Voice:

The Duke appears to be a controlling and prideful man, evident in his recounting of the

Duchess's behavior and his decision to have her silenced. His inability to tolerate her equal

gratitude for different gifts and his desire for unquestioning submission reveal a possessive

and authoritative character.

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

George Bernard Shaw, born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, became a prominent figure in

literature, particularly as a playwright. At the age of 20, he relocated to London, initially

attempting to establish himself as a novelist, which met with rejection. Shaw's political

engagement began in 1884 when he joined the Fabian Society, a group dedicated to

transforming English society. His career took a turn when he became a critic for the Saturday

Review and started writing plays, with his first collection, "Plays Unpleasant," featuring works

like "Mrs Warren's Profession."

Shaw's plays, marked by sharp wit and intense social criticism, evolved into platforms for

discussions on various societal issues. Influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche and inspired by

Henrik Ibsen, as outlined in his lecture "The Quintessence of Ibsenism," Shaw aimed to use

theater as a medium for ideas and debates. Among his notable works is "Pygmalion" (1912),

a popular play that later adapted into a film and a Broadway musical.

Over his lifetime, Shaw wrote more than 60 plays and continued writing until his death at 94

in 1950. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925 and remains the only laureate to

have also won an Academy Award (Oscar) for the screenplay of the film adaptation of

"Pygmalion."

Plays 'Pleasant' and 'Unpleasant'

Shaw's collection, "Plays, Pleasant and Unpleasant" (1898), reflects his exploration of the

contrasting facets of the Victorian Age. The 'unpleasant' plays, including "Mrs Warren's

Profession," openly addressed social issues like poverty, class inequalities, and prostitution.

The 'pleasant' plays served as a counterbalance, addressing critical issues but in a less

shocking manner. Examples include "Arms and the Man" (1894) and "Candida, a Mystery"

(1898).

Mrs Warren's Profession (1893)

"Mrs Warren's Profession," written in 1893 but performed only in 1902 due to initial moral

objections, revolves around Vivie Warren, a well-educated young woman. Vivie discovers

that her mother, Mrs Warren, supported her through prostitution. The play explores the

contrast between Vivie's independence and her mother's controversial profession, delving

into themes of poverty, gender inequality, and the hypocrisy of Victorian prudery.

Considered a problem play of ideas, Shaw uses the play to expose the societal

contradictions of the Victorian era. Mrs Warren's unconventional path challenges societal

norms, demonstrating how work could be a means of personal growth in a society plagued

by economic inequality and outdated sexual prejudices.

In summary, George Bernard Shaw's legacy lies in his prolific theatrical career, marked by

plays that served as platforms for social critique and discussion. His works, inspired by Ibsen

and Nietzsche, tackled pressing issues of his time, making him a major representative of the

problem play of ideas in England.