Description
In 1842, Robert Browning composed a 56-line poem wherein the beauty, intricacy and versatility of language masks a murderous, intractable rage. The pleasure of reading/analyzing this work derives from experiencing simultaneous messages—the story the duke thinks he tells, of offended dignity, and the story he really tells of narcissistic self-indulgence. Lecture/discussion will address the superb craftsmanship, the ongoing feminine zeitgeist of that time, and the incredible word play of this dramatic monologue which allow it to be included in World Masterpieces. Copies will be provided in class.
