The poem is a representation of male and female relationships and their contrasting powers or lack thereof. Women in the past and even in some cultures today are considered pieces of property. Within many religions and cultures, the male bestows a position of dominance and control over women, which constricts their right of free will. During the mid 1800s, a daughter was married off to gain more power, land, allies, and even to gain access to prestigious bloodlines. The duke in this poem uses his power to control a woman, his duchess, by using her as currency.