Table of ContentsMetaphorSynecdocheIronyImageryConclusionRobert Browning's dramatic monologue "My Last Duchess" is a poem filled with rich and complex figurative language. The poem, written in 1842, is narrated by the Duke of Ferrara as he shows a visitor a painting of his late wife. Through the use of various literary devices, Browning masterfully expresses the Duke's arrogance, jealousy and possessiveness. This essay will explore the different types of figurative language employed in the poem and their importance in conveying the Duke's character and themes of power, control and artistry. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Metaphor One of the most striking examples of figurative language in “My Last Duchess” is the use of metaphor. The Duke refers to the painting of his late wife as "My Last Duchess" and describes it as "looking like she's alive." This metaphorical language reveals the Duke's possessive attitude towards his wife, as he views the painting not only as a portrait but as a possession that he still controls. The metaphor also highlights the Duke's inability to see his wife as a living, breathing person with her own thoughts and desires, reducing her to a mere object in his collection. SynecdocheBrowning also employs synecdoche in the poem to further emphasize the Duke's sense of ownership over his wife. The Duke mentions “the depth and passion of his serious gaze” in reference to the eyes in the painting. This synecdoche represents the Duke's belief that he alone should be the recipient of his wife's affection and attention, reducing his entire being to her gaze alone. The use of synecdoche serves to emphasize the Duke's possessiveness and his desire to control every aspect of his wife's life, even in death. Irony Throughout "My Last Duchess", Browning incorporates irony to emphasize the Duke's delusional and self-centered nature. The Duke claims that his late wife's "smiles stopped together" and suggests that she was too easily impressed by others, implying that she was unfaithful. However, the irony lies in the fact that it is the Duke himself who is too controlling and possessive, which ultimately leads to his wife's demise. This use of irony serves to criticize the character of the Duke and his skewed perspective on the events surrounding his wife's death. ImageryImagery plays an important role in conveying the themes of power and control in "My Last Duchess." Browning uses vivid descriptions of the painting, such as "the faint redness dying along his throat", to create a sense of beauty and appeal. However, these images also serve to highlight the Duke's obsession with appearances and his need to possess and control his wife's beauty. The use of imagery throughout the poem reinforces the Duke's oppressive nature and his desire to dominate every aspect of his wife's existence. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion: My Last Duchess" is a poem rich in figurative language that effectively conveys the possessive and controlling nature of the Duke. Through metaphor, synecdoche, irony, and imagery, Browning skillfully depicts arrogance and the Duke's delusional state of mind. The use of these literary devices serves to emphasize the themes of power, control, and art in the poem, ultimately highlighting the destructive consequences of domination and d. 'a possessiveness..