Which of the following is a Dramatic Monologue?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

The correct answer is “Andrea del Sarto”.

- "Andrea del Sarto" is a dramatic monologue written by Robert Browning, a Victorian poet renowned for his mastery in this poetic form.

- A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing aspects of their character in the process.

- In "Andrea del Sarto", Browning presents the monologue of a Renaissance painter, Andrea, who reflects on his life, marriage, artistic compromise, and lost potential. The speaker’s inner conflict, his emotional vulnerability, and his failed aspirations are gradually revealed to the reader, showcasing Browning's skill in psychological portraiture.

Information Booster:

- Published in: 1855 in Men and Women

- Form: Blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter)

- The speaker, Andrea del Sarto, a real-life Florentine painter, laments his life’s failures and artistic limitations.

- He addresses his wife Lucrezia, expressing how her lack of moral and spiritual encouragement has stifled his genius.

- He contrasts himself with other artists like Raphael and Michelangelo, acknowledging that while his technique is flawless, he lacks the “soul” that makes art great.

- The poem becomes a psychological study of an artist torn between technical perfection and emotional depth.

- The form allows the poet to delve deep into the psychology of the speaker. Through subtle shifts in tone, diction, and imagery, the reader is led to perceive more about the speaker than the speaker intends to reveal.

Other Examples of Dramatic Monologues by Browning:

- My Last Duchess
- Porphyria’s Lover
- The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed's Church

Additional Knowledge:

"The Canonization" – This poem is written by John Donne, a metaphysical poet. It is a lyrical poem and has a strong speaker voice.

"Tintern Abbey" – A meditative and philosophical poem by William Wordsworth, it is a lyrical poem. It involves introspection and memory.

"The Flea" – Another poem by John Donne, "The Flea" is a metaphysical poem known for its wit and argumentation. It is a seductive metaphysical lyric.