Write a full response: Compare how My Last Duchess and London present power. AO1 – points – make sure they are comparative AO2 – methods AO3 - context

In both Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” and William Blake’s “London,” the theme of power is presented through contrasting perspectives, methodologies, and historical contexts. While “My Last Duchess” delves into the power dynamics of aristocracy and personal relationships, “London” critiques institutional and systemic power over the common populace. **AO1 – Points (Comparative)** In “My Last Duchess,” power is intricately tied to wealth, status, and control within personal relations. The Duke’s possession of the painting symbolizes not just pride in his wealth, but a deeper, more sinister sense of ownership over the Duchess herself. His ability to dictate her behavior, demonstrated by his description of her perceived imperfections, and ultimately his implication that he had her silenced, illustrates a toxic masculinity and possessive power. In contrast, “London” presents a broader societal critique, focusing on the plight of individuals under institutional power. Blake’s depiction of the “chartered streets” and “chartered Thames” underscores how societal structures limit freedom and reinforce inequality, portraying power as oppressive and dehumanizing, particularly towards the impoverished and disenfranchised. **AO2 – Methods** Browning employs dramatic monologue in “My Last Duchess,” allowing readers to hear the Duke’s voice and reveal his character directly through his speech. The controlled, articulate nature of the Duke's words contrasts sharply with the deeply unsettling content of his tale. His use of enjambment and iambic pentameter creates a smooth flow, which belies the disturbing nature of his admissions, illustrating how he wields power with a calm facade. In contrast, Blake’s “London” uses stark imagery and repeated use of the word “marked” to emphasize the pervasive presence of social and institutional oppression. The use of anaphora, particularly in the phrases “I wander through,” reinforces the speaker’s helplessness and sense of entrapment within the city. Additionally, Blake’s use of strong visual images, like the “black’Ning Church” and “appalls,” evokes a visceral reaction to the corrupting influence of power on human lives. **AO3 – Context** From a historical perspective, Browning’s poem is set in the context of 16th-century Italy, encapsulating a time when personal power was often tied to familial and social standings, notably within the aristocracy. This context is critical in understanding the Duke’s attitude towards ownership and control; his character embodies the entitlement associated with nobility. Conversely, Blake’s “London” is reflective of the early 19th-century Industrial Revolution in England, where rapid urbanization led to significant social disparities and the emergence of a working-class struggling against the constraints of capitalism. The poet critiques not just individual power but systemic power structures, including government and religion, that perpetuate suffering and inequality. In summary, while Browning’s “My Last Duchess” explores power as a personal and possessive force enacted by the aristocracy, Blake’s “London” reveals the oppressive nature of institutional power affecting the lives of the disenfranchised. Through their respective techniques and historical contexts, both poems offer critical reflections on the nature of power in human relationships and society. Update (2025-05-22): **Comparative Analysis of Power in "My Last Duchess" and "London"** **AO1 – Points:** In Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” power is primarily conveyed through the voice of the Duke, who illustrates his absolute control over his late wife’s image and legacy. The Duke’s authority is systematized by his societal rank and his possessive attitude towards the Duchess, as seen when he dictates how he wants her portrait to be perceived. In contrast, William Blake’s “London” captures a different kind of power dynamic, where the institutions of society exert oppressive control over the populace. Here, individuals are portrayed as disenfranchised and powerless against the structures of authority, depicted through the imagery of suffering and despair that pervades the city. **AO2 – Methods:** Browning employs dramatic monologue as a method to allow the Duke to express his perspective, creating a sense of intimacy and revealing his tyrannical nature. The use of enjambment emphasizes his unbroken thought process, while the meticulous detail in describing the Duchess's portrait underscores his fetishization of power. Phrases like “the curtain I have drawn for you” suggest not only his control over how the Duchess is remembered but also implies a possessiveness that reinforces his authoritative stance. In "London," Blake utilizes a stark, rhythmic structure with repetitive diction to evoke a sense of bleakness and confinement. The use of anaphora, particularly in phrases like “in every,” underscores the omnipresence of suffering and entrapment, which highlights the lack of agency experienced by the people. Additionally, Blake’s vivid imagery of “chartered” streets and the “cry of every Man” illustrates how societal structures (such as commerce and authority) strip individuals of their power and humanity. **AO3 – Context:** The contexts of both poems significantly influence their presentation of power. “My Last Duchess” is set within a Renaissance cultural backdrop, where aristocracy was synonymous with power and control. The Duke’s actions reflect not only personal tyranny but also the accepted norms of male dominance and ownership during that period, which creates a critique of patriarchal power dynamics. Conversely, “London” emerges from the Romantic Era, a time characterized by an increasing awareness of social injustices and the struggles of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Blake’s portrayal of a gritty urban landscape reveals his critique of institutional power, particularly regarding social class and economic exploitation. In this context, "London" serves as a voice for the marginalized, illustrating the stark disparity between the powerful elite and the suffering masses. **Conclusion:** In comparing “My Last Duchess” and “London,” we observe two distinct yet interconnected portrayals of power. Browning’s Duke embodies the oppressive authority of the elite, while Blake’s observations of London reveal a society shackled by institutions that exercise power over the individual. Both poets critique the social constructs surrounding power in their respective eras, offering rich insights into the dynamics of control and its implications on human experience. Update (2025-05-22): **Comparison of Power in "My Last Duchess" and "London"** **AO1 - Points (Comparative)** Both "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning and "London" by William Blake delve into the theme of power, albeit in differing contexts and manifestations. In "My Last Duchess," power is exhibited through the control of the Duke over both his environment and his deceased wife, as indicated by his monologue. The Duke's power is overt and authoritarian, reflecting his societal status and dominance in a patriarchal world. In contrast, "London" portrays power in a broader societal context, emphasizing the oppressive structures that govern the lives of the poor and marginalized. Blake's narrator experiences power in a more passive way, observing how the forces of government, church, and societal norms corrupt and control individuals. **AO2 - Methods** Browning employs dramatic monologue in "My Last Duchess," allowing the reader to engage directly with the Duke's psyche. His use of enjambment reflects the fluidity of his thoughts, and the chilling nonchalance with which he discusses the fate of his Duchess underscores his absolute power and detachment. Phrases like "I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together" reveal his ruthless authority over life and death. In contrast, Blake uses a stark and repetitive structure in "London," echoing the bleak and claustrophobic environment. The use of imagery, such as "chartered streets" and "black’ning church," conveys the pervasive grip of institutional power that confines and dehumanizes individuals. The anaphora in "In every" emphasizes the omnipresence of suffering and control. **AO3 - Context** The contrasting representations of power in these poems can also be understood through their historical contexts. "My Last Duchess," written during the Victorian era, reflects the hierarchical nature of society, where power dynamics were often marked by gender and class. The Duke's sense of ownership over his wife is emblematic of a time when women were frequently objectified and treated as possessions. Conversely, "London" emerges from the Romantic period’s response to the industrial revolution and the social injustices of the age. Blake's portrayal of power reflects his criticism of the systemic oppression faced by the urban poor amid rapid industrialization, advocating for social reform. Thus, while Browning's exploration is centered on individual power and control within personal relationships, Blake’s focus is on the broader societal structures that perpetuate inequality and suffering. In conclusion, both "My Last Duchess" and "London" offer compelling examinations of power, revealing its complexities and the varied ways it manifests in personal and societal contexts. Browning's dramatic monologue exposes the intimate, yet chilling nature of personal authority, whereas Blake’s poignant imagery and structure highlight the pervasive effects of institutional power on the collective experience of humanity. Through their distinctive approaches, both poets contribute to the broader discourse on power, control, and the human condition.