IGCSE English Lit: My Last Duchess -Robert Browning Complete Poetry Analysis and Revision Guide

What’s Included

Detailed Summary – A clear explanation of Browning’s dramatic monologue in which a Duke reveals his possessive and controlling nature as he discusses his late wife’s portrait.

Contextual Analysis – Insight into Browning’s interest in Renaissance Italy, psychological complexity, and Victorian gender roles, showing how the poem critiques male dominance and patriarchal control.

Themes & Key Ideas – Exploration of power and control, jealousy and possession, patriarchy, appearance vs reality, and the objectification of women.

Language & Structure – Analysis of the dramatic monologue form, possessive pronouns, caesura, enjambment, iambic pentameter, and symbolism to show how Browning constructs the Duke’s manipulative voice.

Comparative Links – Connections with The Tyger (William Blake) and If— (Rudyard Kipling) in their exploration of power, control, and human nature; or with Poem at Thirty-Nine (Alice Walker) for contrasting depictions of gender and authority.

Key Literary Features – Examination of interruptive punctuation, irony, and the single-stanza structure that mirrors the Duke’s relentless dominance and lack of self-awareness.

Exam-Style Questions – Focused prompts to strengthen analytical and comparative essay skills, exploring how Browning presents character, power, and voice.

Why Use This Resource

Exam-Focused – Written to support Edexcel IGCSE & AQA GCSE Poetry Anthology study, addressing key AO2 and AO3 objectives.

Engaging & Accessible – Clear explanations of complex characterisation and technique, ideal for revision or classroom analysis.

Flexible Use – Suitable for lesson planning, independent study, or targeted comparative practice.