"The Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue that was first published in 1842 as part of Browning's
collection "Dramatic Lyrics". The speaker of the poem is the Duke of Ferrara, who is speaking to an
emissary of the Count of Tyrol. The Duke is showing the emissary a portrait of his late wife, the last
Duchess, and commenting on her behavior and character. Through the Duke's words, we get a glimpse
into his twisted mind and the events that led to the Duchess' death.