"Her Darling One Wish Would Be Heard": How Dramatic Monologue Illustrates Distorted Rationality in "Porphyria’s Lover" and "My Last Duchess"

In Robert Browning's poems "Porphyria's Lover" and "My Last Duchess," the theme of obsessive love is intricately woven into the fabric of the narratives, revealing how distorted rationality can lead to devastating consequences. Both narrators, driven by their compulsive desires, attempt to exert control over their respective lovers, ultimately leading to acts of violence that reflect their internal turmoil. Through the use of dramatic monologue, Browning artfully exposes the fractured psyche of each character, illustrating how their skewed perceptions of love and ownership manifest in tragic outcomes.

Porphyria’s Lover: The Illusion of Eternal Love

In "Porphyria's Lover," the narrator's obsessive nature is evident from the outset. As Porphyria enters the cottage, the narrator's detailed observations of her physical appearance serve to objectify her, portraying her as an idealized figure rather than a complete person. He describes her as having "made her smooth white shoulder bare" and "spread o’er all, her yellow hair" (lines 17-20). This focus on her physical attributes emphasizes his desire to possess her entirely. The moment she declares her love, the narrator interprets it as a validation of his own feelings, leading him to commit murder in a misguided attempt to preserve this perfect moment forever.

By strangling Porphyria with her own hair, the narrator rationalizes his actions as an expression of love, believing that he has granted her a fate she desired (line 57). This chilling act of violence highlights the contradiction in his character: while he seeks to hold onto Porphyria's affection, he simultaneously fears losing it. His warped sense of love compels him to take drastic measures, showcasing the tragic consequences of his obsessive nature.

My Last Duchess: The Duke’s Controlling Obsession

Similarly, in "My Last Duchess," the Duke of Ferrara exhibits a contrasting yet equally obsessive demeanor. He presents a portrait of his late wife to a visitor, initially appearing to admire her beauty: "the depth and passion of its earnest glance" (line 7). However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the Duke's admiration is tainted by bitterness and a sense of entitlement. He reveals that he had her killed because she did not meet his lofty expectations of loyalty and affection.

The Duke's eloquent speech masks a profound insecurity and a desperate need for control over his relationships. He states, "I chose never to stoop" (line 43), indicating his refusal to communicate his grievances to his wife while she was alive. Instead, he chooses to express his dissatisfaction posthumously, further demonstrating his inability to engage with genuine emotions. The irony of his situation lies in the fact that while he seeks to immortalize his wife through her portrait, he simultaneously erases her agency and individuality.

The Distorted Rationality of Obsession

Both narrators share a distorted sense of rationality that leads them to justify their extreme actions. Their obsession with idealized versions of their lovers blinds them to the reality of their relationships, compelling them to take drastic measures to assert control. The following table summarizes the key aspects of their distorted rationality:

Conclusion: The Tragic Consequences of Obsession

Through the characters of Porphyria's Lover and My Last Duchess, Browning reveals the tragic consequences of obsessive love and distorted rationality. Both narrators are driven by their compulsive desires to possess and control their partners, leading them to commit heinous acts under the guise of love. The use of dramatic monologue effectively showcases their fractured psyches, inviting readers to explore the complexities of obsession and its potential for destruction. Ultimately, Browning's exploration serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing obsessive impulses to dictate one's actions, illustrating the profound impact such distortions can have on both individuals and their relationships.

References:

• Browning, Robert. "Porphyria's Lover." In *The Poems of Robert Browning*, edited by Thomas J. Wise. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1914.
• Browning, Robert. "My Last Duchess." In *The Poems of Robert Browning*, edited by Thomas J. Wise. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1914.