Human flaws are weaknesses in personality which result in outcomes that lead to disreputable actions. Through the dramatic irony of the monologue, the reader is able to gain an understanding of the social attitudes and patriarchal values in the Victorian Era which the human flaws in the monologue are based on. The study of “My Last Duchess” offers a significant understanding of the male ego and a male’s desire to be in control in a relationship. The factors determining a male’s desire to be in control are evident through Browning’s portrayal of the Duke through his need to retain his pride, extreme jealousy and his need to objectify women in order to satisfy the male ego. Browning contrasts the Duke’s representation of the duchess with the factual representation emphasising the Duke’s manic state and causing the audience to strongly oppose the duke as a person.
The Duke in "My Last Duchess" is an arrogant, disrespectful man, who cares more about status and wealth than love. He is very selfish, who is jealous about his ex-wife for not giving him attention in the way he wanted. He wanted her to treat above everyone else. The speaker in "To His Coy Mistress" gives us the impression that he is a respectful man. He is also well-spoken and this is important because it is his main strength which he uses to attract her towards him.
Duality of Man in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Duality, a major theme of this novel, is the state of having two opposing personalities. Dr. Jekyll, a man with dual personality, hid his evil side from society. He is seen as a morally good man, engaging in charity and often known as the famous scientist. However, his Hyde side is what embodies his evilness. Dr. Jekyll struggles to keep his positive appearance as a well liked man, but as we meet Mr. Hyde, we see the foolishly selfish behaviors.
While Falstaff’s ideals are pernicious, Henry’s condition is “to cold and temperate” and it is this very unsuitability to the throne that leads England to decay under his rule. He speaks contemptuously of “vulgar company,” “gibing boys” and “vile participation” in everyday life, illustrating his disdain for the common man. Simultaneously, he also idolizes Hotspur as “gallant,” “the theme of honours toungue,” and the “straightest plant…amongst a grove”. Yet in reality, Henry and Falstaff are both flawed role models, while Hotspur is also proven to be an inadequate leader. His ideas are deemed “dangerous,” “hare-brained,” and “uncertain” confirming that honour is not confined to valorous fighting.
Seemingly Polonius is open to a variety of interpretations. One the one hand he is a cautious father and a devoted, harmless courtier; on the other hand you may perceive him as sneaky, manipulative and malicious. Further, according to Hamlet, he is a ‘foolish, prating knave’ (act iii scene 4). This perception of Hamlet sees Polonius as incompetent and devious. Considering these aspects it seems to me that essentially, the character of Polonius demonstrates the self -serving nature of political intrigue.
A Tragic Hero in one of Shakespears plays are noble men who have a great flaw and because of that flaw goes threw a downfall but in the end they learn a lesson. In the play of Macbeth, Macbeth is a tragic hero. Macbeth is a nobleman with many flaws. One of his most prominent flaws is his over ambition and that he was easy to manipulate. Macbeth was willing to do anything he could in order to be king.
The principal characters of Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus and Shakespeare’s The Tempest are defined by their relationships to magic and their pursuit of power. Both Faustus and Prospero are men of wisdom, yet they willingly subjugate their reason to desire. Ironically, Dr. Faustus’ slavish desire for further knowledge and understanding leads to his damnation. The former Duke of Milan rejects his political authority in favour of a life of contemplation. Their relative places in human community directly influence the resolution of the plays and their own redemption.
Throughout his entire life, he had a very charismatic personality. This helped him to succeed in inspiring and motivating his men. Having the respect of his soldiers helped him to become a favourable political leader that people were able to look up to and admire.In addition, Alexander was a very strategic individual. It was due to this that he managed to create many effective military positions. This played a big role in his many victories, as he was able to win battles against the other leaders who did not have equally adequate positions.
Perrine reminds us that Browning’s “The Last Duchess” is set during the 16th century during a time when nobility ruled over actions. He also describes how the emissary may have felt overwhelmed and hypnotized in the presence of the Duke uncaring of the Duke’s malevolent actions (Perrine, 158). Perrine suggests that the Duke, though vain as Jerman believes, is not blind to his own self-interest (Perrine, 157). Perrine describes the Duke’s beautiful speaking skills as the primary argument for the character’s intelligence (Perrine, 158). The Duke repeats certain phrases as he speaks to ensure the emissary is listening to and understanding the major points of his conversation (Perrine, 158).
Don Pedro’s loyalty towards his friend Claudio has portrayed him as an insensitive character regarding his comments about Hero. Don Pedro is so quick to believe that he has been “dishonour’d” by Hero that he clearly overlooks the fact that his villainous brother Don John, who has in fact lied before, is simply tricking him again. Some may regard Don Pedro as being loyal and trying to give what is best for his friend, but most think that Don Pedro’s actions portray him as an insensitive character who jumps to conclusions rather quickly. So once again, Don Pedro’s intention of trying to help do what is best for his friend, is