Robert Browning
Read the short, comprehensive biography of Robert Browning in which his privileged upbringing, well-rounded education, and supportive family life are outlined. How do you reconcile such normalcy with the dark, murderous landscapes found in his works "My Last Duchess" and "Porphyria's Lover"? Do you think an artist's work is a reflection of his or her own experiences? Explore these questions in a class discussion.

Dramatic Monologue: An Introduction
Robert Browning is often credited with perfecting the type of poetry known as the dramatic monologue. He adopted this style in response to harsh criticism of his early, more personal narrative works. Visit this site for an in-depth description of this "Browningesque" form and then, using the three requirements listed, write your own short dramatic monologue.