the poem is framed by the visit to the dukes gallery, but the duke gets caught up in talking about the duchess instead of just describing the art.
The poem builds towards a kind of confession, before the identity of the visitor is revealed, the duke moves on to talking about another artwork.
Form?
The poem is a dramaticmonologue written in iambicpentameter - this reinforces the impression that the duke is in a conversation with his visitor.
The rhymingcouplets show the dukes desire for control but the enjambment suggests that he gets carried away with his anger and passions. - this creates a picture of a somewhat unstable character whose obsession with power is unsettling.
Context - what is the poem about?
• the duke proudly points out the portrait of the duchess to a visitor.
• the duke was angered by the duchess’s behaviour- she was friendly towards everyone and he was annoyed that she treated him the same as anyone else.
• he acted to stop the duchess’s flirtatious behaviour, but he doesn’t say how - strong hints of murder.
• the duke and his guests walk away from, the painting and the reader discovers that the dukes visitor has come to arrange the dukes next marriage.
Language - Power & Objectification
The duke felt the need to have power and control over the duchess.
He saw her as another of his possession, to be collected and admired like his expensive artworks.
Language - dramatic irony
The things the duke says about the Duchess seem quite innocent, but they often have more sinister meanings for the reader.
There’s a gap between what the duke tells his listener, and what the poet allows us to read between the lines.