The Duchess hangs upon the wall,
Silent but observing all.
The likeness craves the power to say:
That smile of hers was just her way.
Her liveliness was not a sin.
You thought her love was hard to win
But you, sir, often went away --
On business, so you used to say.
I grant, her heart was soon made glad
And yet her life was often sad.
Poor lady, it was hard to smile
At you, whose words were harsh and vile.
Jealous, rigid and severe,
You made the lady walk in fear.
Commands you gave? She knew
And welcomed her release from you.
And now you would acquire a bride,
A second duchess by your side,
Another victim of your pride.
The likeness thinks, believe it or not.
She cannot speak but thinks a lot
Author notes
Username: judyjudyjudy
Taken from Browning's poem MY LAST DUCHESS which can be found at: oldpoetry.com/opoem/314-Robert-Browning-My-Last-Duchess
- ON VIEWLESS WINGS Anthology 2009 group list • next in list
A contest entry
- Celebrating Robert Browning in rhyme. by ecrivain01.
450 points, ended May 20, 2008, 10 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - 1,000 points for your Gold winning entry into this challenging contest! by waydownuponjoy.
1750 points, ended July 28, 2008, 11 entries
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550 points, ended March 30, 42 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Imitation Is The Highest Praise by Budart.
700 points, ended May 27, 9 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
So, what's your opinion of this?
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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The original poem is chilling and sad. Your response is pretty good technically but I would really like to know what it is the ex duchesses portrait thinks. This is where a you as an author get to have your say about the condition of women then and now. What do you think? Personally I would be pissed
Thanks for your entry good luck. -
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That's a good point. Two responses: Maybe the portrait doesn't think about it and is just telling the story. Also, maybe the Last Duchess thought at first that she had a pretty good thing going. It was the job of young women to marry well and the Duke might have really charmed her in the beginning, even though there's a good chance it was an arranged marriage.
You're right though, the real duchess had a brain and personality, so she would end up feeling pissed. It would make a good novel actually. She could run off with someone else when she realizes the Duke is trying to poisen her. Or is it too cliche to have her rescued by another man? Then they might get hunted down and murdered by him or his henchmen, anyway.
Back to prose (novel or short story), which is where I started out years ago. Thanks for sparking some inspiration.
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Good postscript to the classic.
Browning's masterly poem inserted a well deserved shiv into the cruel and arrogant duke. I like the way you don't try to imitate his style, but instead recount the outrage in a straightforward way reflecting the innocent modesty of the victim. Poor girl, she was only 14 when that vile man took her as his wife, and only 17 when he decided to do away with her. Good write. Good luck in the competition.
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Yes, and I'm sure he was much older and a real power tripper. You make it sound like they were actually historical figures. I must do some research.
Thanks for your comments. -
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Browning wrote a preface in which he indicated he was referring to a particular duke in history. There's some information here:
http://tinyurl.com/oq4dxy
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Thank you.
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a good poem penned, flowing along with grace and ease, i will have to go and see the other poem now.
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Beautifully creative
& very compelling thoughts.
A wonderful write!
Thanks for entering & best of luck
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Outstanding!, though I've read many of Browning's writes, I'd never taken the time to read "My Last Duchess", thank you for bringing this beautiful work of art to light...yours and his
Congrats on the previous Gold,
Blessings,
Sassy
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I so enjoyed your take ...
on her position in life and how you captured her private thoughts so well! Your poem was a pleasure to read and a good echo to the original by Browning. I would have like to see the whole original posted as required by the rules and was so sorry that I didn't receive your votes as well. This poem certainly deserved the previous gold and may very well receive more as it is a keeper. joy
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excellent writing....I haven't read much of Browning, but this is the second piece in this contest inspired by this poem, so I must search out Browning more. A wonderful read.
Rory
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Very Deep...
Profound thoughts to dwell upon, while his 'likeness' continues to think in vain... great job!!!
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Well rhymed and could very well be taken from the time of Browning. Presented well!
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very nice, wonderful to revive a masterpiece for the current aufience, expanding ideas on poetry, history; this is well done faithful to the spirit of Browning's works...PK
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I'm afraid I know nothing of Browning's poetry but your poem made me think how sad it is that so many marriages arrive at the same conclusion. Good luck in the contest.
Sincerely,
Leo Long
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A very accomplished poem and an excellent take on the original. Best of luck with this piece--you deserve it.
Bill
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Good rhyming and a great idea, lovely poem and well worth the gold, congrats.
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Very good ...
and very well done.
Thanks for entering.
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