Well, the themes of possessiveness and male dominance are prominent in 'the last duchess novel'. The Duke treats the Duchess as his possession, not as an equal. He can't bear the idea of her showing any kindness or interest in others, which shows how male - centered the society depicted in the novel might be.
The main character is the Duke. He is a powerful and controlling figure in the story. And, of course, the Duchess, though she is mostly described through the Duke's perspective. There is also an unnamed visitor who is listening to the Duke's story about the Duchess.
In 'My Last Duchess', the Duke is a very complex character. He is clearly possessive. He didn't like the fact that his duchess smiled at others as freely as she did. This shows his controlling nature. For example, he says how her smiles were given to others just as much as to him, which he couldn't tolerate.
The poem 'My Last Duchess' by Robert Browning is based on the real - life figure of Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara. He was a powerful and wealthy Renaissance nobleman. In the poem, the Duke is showing a portrait of his late wife to an emissary. The real - life context might involve the Duke's sense of possessiveness and pride. He likely saw his wife as a possession, and her behavior, which may have been more independent or friendly towards others, didn't suit his authoritarian view. So, it is hinted that he had a hand in her death, perhaps not directly but through his oppressive nature that couldn't tolerate her so - called 'flaws'.
One of the main themes is power. The Duke has power over the duchess and exercises it in a very cruel way. He decides her fate based on his own jealous and possessive feelings.
The real - life context of the Duke's possessiveness and pride gives the poem a deeper meaning. It shows how power can corrupt a person's view of relationships. The Duke in the poem treats his wife as an object, and this is likely based on the real - life behavior of nobles like Alfonso II. It makes the poem a critique of the patriarchal and authoritarian society of the Renaissance.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read it. But generally, a novel titled 'The Duchess' might be about the life of a duchess, perhaps her experiences in high - society, her relationships, and the challenges she faces within the context of the aristocratic world.
It could be about the life of an American duchess. Maybe it details her rise to the duchess status, her daily life filled with luxury, social events, and the challenges she faces in the high - society world. But without reading it, it's hard to say exactly.