The story focuses on the key events of the painting, the marriage between the Duke and the past Duchess, the possible murder of the Duchess and the yet to be new wife. The story being told is of the relationship between the Duke and former Duchess. Browning adopts numerous narrative techniques.
Browning uses the form of a dramatic monologue to help the story progress. For instance 'That's my Last Duchess' shows that there is one speculator although there is an implied audience. The effect of this is that it shows that the poem tells a story that consists of much more than the words spoken by the one giving the monologue. To evaluate, the dramatic monologue makes it engaging with the reader.
Additionally, Browning uses rhetorical questions as part of form to help tell the story. For example, 'Who'd stoop to blame..' is a clear example of the Duke trying to persuade his audience. The effect is that it reveals more about the Duke's character as the rhetorical question reinforces the impression that the Duke is haughty and self-important. To evaluate, Browning uses rhetorical questions effectively, revealing more about his character.
Browning uses a lexical field of jealousy, ownership, artistry and love in order to aid the progression of the story. For instance, 'my Last Duchess painted on the wall' shows that the Duchess is objectified. The effect of this is that it allows the reader to sympathise with the Duchess and forces the reader to think of the Duke in a negative manner. To evaluate, Browning uses lexical fields clearly to allow the audience to make a judgement on the characters.
In addition, Browning uses descriptive language to help tell the story. For example, the Duke describes the Duchess of having 'A heart.. too soon made glad', the effect of this is that it allows the reader/audience to make a comparison over the character of the Duke. These, what