Essay on Pre 1914 Love Poetry from the Victorian and...

Pre 1914 Love Poetry from the Victorian and Elizabethan Era Conventional females were considered to be second class citizens who were expected to refrain in conveying their natural feelings and emotions. Women were also socially neglected, as they were expected to remain at home whilst their respective husbands ensured the upkeep of the family by managing the family finances. The male population at this point in time ignorantly viewed women as coy, innocent characters, seemingly unaware that women had the same feelings and emotions as themselves. At the time in which poets like Robert Browning lived, the majority of marriages were arranged. Property and power were two main factors which influenced negotiations for marriage†¦show more content†¦However, it does give us a complete impression of a Renaissance nobleman. The dramatic monologue begins with an insight into the Dukes interest in the collection of fine artwork. In the same way, we can establish that the Duke also enjoys the collection of women, in the way that he introduces his next piece of art. Thats my last Duchess... Line 1 The Duke seems to be a man who expects his wife to be the conventional female, and abide by the strict gender roles that existed at this period in history. He repeatedly downgrades his wife, and makes out that she doesnt appreciate the high social rank which she has married into. He even goes as far as indicating that his wife has been unfaithful - all an attempt to really try and justify his reasons as to why he gave commands. [She] had a heart - how shall we say? - too soon made glad. Line 23 In this quote, Browning tells us that his last duchess was easily pleased by compliments that she received from other people. We sense that she also voices her gratitude for these compliments, and in this way, the Duke has become disillusioned and because of this, he downgrades his wife for basically being a nice person. In another pretty feeble attempt to justify his actions, he tries to make his wife out as a disrespectful person. He tells how every single gift that she received from various people would draw from her alike the approving speech. From here, the Duke