THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN VICTORIAN POETRY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MY LAST DUCHESS AND THE LADY OF SHALLOT

Abstract

This thesis explores the portrayal of women in Victorian poetry through a comparative analysis of Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess and; Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott. These poems serve as powerful reflections of Victorian. gender dynamics, highlighting societal constraints; and cultural perceptions of femininity. Browning’s My Last Duchess examines themes of control and objectification, presenting a patriarchal; figure whose dominance silences the female voice. In contrast, Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott portrays isolation and the longing for freedom, emphasizing the tragic consequences of societal expectations on women seeking autonomy.

By analyzing the thematic elements and drawing on social and cultural contexts, the research reveals that while; Browning directly critiques male authority, Tennyson subtly interrogates. the idealization of feminine passivity. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding; of how Victorian poetry serves as both a mirror and a critique of societal values, particularly regarding women’s roles and identities. This thesis underscores the enduring relevance of these works in examining gender dynamics, offering insights into the cultural and literary intersections of the Victorian era.