Which of the following is a Dramatic Monologue?

The correct option is “Andrea del Sarto”.

A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker addresses a silent listener at a critical moment, revealing aspects of their character, temperament, and inner thoughts. Robert Browning is widely regarded as a master of this poetic form.

“Andrea del Sarto” (also subtitled "The Faultless Painter") was written by Robert Browning and published in his 1855 collection, Men and Women. In this poem, the Renaissance painter Andrea del Sarto addresses his wife, Lucrezia, reflecting on his art, his failures, and their relationship. Because it features a single character speaking to a silent listener (Lucrezia) and dramatically reveals his inner conflicts and artistic compromises, it is a classic example of a dramatic monologue.

Let's briefly look at the other options to understand why they are not classified as dramatic monologues:
• “The Canonization” and “The Flea” are famous metaphysical poems by John Donne. While they feature a speaker addressing a listener, they are characterized as metaphysical lyrics rather than classic Victorian dramatic monologues.
• “Tintern Abbey” by William Wordsworth is a reflective, meditative poem (often described as a conversation poem or a lyric meditation) focusing on nature and memory, rather than a dramatic monologue.