My Last Duchess (Unabridged) (eBook)

Robert Browning (1812–1889) was a notable English poet of the Victorian era, distinguished for his mastery of dramatic monologue and psychological portraiture. His verse is renowned for its irony, characterization, dark humor, and social commentary. Born in Camberwell, London, Browning was an intellectually gifted child who, inspired by Percy Bysshe Shelley, embraced poetry early. Although his early works were not commercially successful, they displayed the unique voice and intellectual rigor that would characterize his later work. 'My Last Duchess (Unabridged),' one of Browning's most famous poems, showcases his proficiency with dramatic monologues and his skill at unveiling the depths of his characters' psychology through their own words. This poem, like much of his work, investigates the complexities of human actions and societal norms. Browning's contribution to English literature is immense, with volumes such as 'Dramatis Personae' and 'The Ring and the Book' underlining his narrative control and innovative techniques. His marriage to fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of the most celebrated literary unions, and it further influenced his artistry. In literary circles, Browning's work is praised for its ambition, intellectualism, and influence on modernist poets of the 20th century. Today, Browning remains a central figure in Victorian literature, studied for his distinctive blend of drama, depth, and psychological insight.