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write a thesis about the poems "my last duchess" by Robert Browning and "To my dear and loving husband" by Anne Bradstreet, you can use these summaries of the two poems if you have to:

“My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning is a dramatic poem, where a Duke talks about his view on power and control towards women, through the painting of his dead wife and he had her killed over an assumption of her cheating and the fact that she was too nice towards other men. "To My Dear and Loving Husband," the narrator shares her deep love and affection to her husband, meaning that her love towards him is strong, and she hopes their relationship will be eternal, and that their love is more worth than any gold or money.

(Must include quotes from the two poems and contrast them and other steps in thesis)

1 answer

Title: Exploring Power, Love, and Gender Dynamics in "My Last Duchess" and "To My Dear and Loving Husband": A Comparative Analysis

Thesis Statement: While Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” articulates a dark and possessive view of love characterized by control and dominance, Anne Bradstreet’s “To My Dear and Loving Husband” presents a contrasting vision of love as an equal partnership grounded in mutual admiration and emotional connection. By juxtaposing the Duke's authoritarian impulses against Bradstreet's celebratory and nurturing depiction of love, this thesis examines how both poets negotiate the complexities of gender roles and relationships in their respective historical contexts.

I. Introduction

  • Introduce the two poems and their authors.
  • Provide a brief overview of the themes of power and love.
  • Present the thesis statement.

II. Power and Control in "My Last Duchess"

  • Analyze the Duke’s perspective on power as he confronts the portrait of his late wife:
    • Quote: “She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad.”
    • Discuss how this line illustrates the Duke’s insecurities and obsession with control, leading to his ultimate act of violence.
  • Explore the Duke’s view of women as mere possessions:
    • Quote: “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.”
    • Analyze the chilling implications of his authority in both the domestic sphere and the act of murder, emphasizing how the Duke equates love with ownership.

III. Love and Equality in "To My Dear and Loving Husband"

  • Illustrate Anne Bradstreet’s celebration of marital love:
    • Quote: “If ever two were one, then surely we.”
    • Discuss how this line emphasizes equality and unity in the relationship, contrasting sharply with the Duke's possessive nature.
  • Examine the financial metaphor that Bradstreet employs to convey depth of affection:
    • Quote: “I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold.”
    • Analyze how this expresses the intrinsic value of love over material wealth, directly opposing the Duke's mercenary views.

IV. Gender Dynamics and Historical Context

  • Contextualize Browning's 19th-century portrait of masculine dominance and the objectification of women:
    • Discuss the Duke as a representation of aristocratic patriarchy, where a woman's worth is often tied to her obedience and fidelity.
  • Contrast with the 17th-century Puritan society in which Bradstreet writes, where women were expected to showcase virtue yet could articulate a deep emotional bond:
    • Address how Bradstreet navigates societal norms by asserting the profound strength of her love, challenging prevailing gender expectations.

V. Conclusion

  • Summarize the primary contrasts between Browning's portrayal of love as coercive and Bradstreet's as nurturing.
  • Reflect on the lasting implications of these differing representations of love and power in literature.
  • Suggest how understanding these poems enriches contemporary discussions on love, gender roles, and power dynamics in relationships.

By examining the stark contrasts between "My Last Duchess" and "To My Dear and Loving Husband," this thesis underscores how both poets illuminate the multifaceted nature of love while engaging with the complexities of gender relations pertinent to their respective eras.