My last duchess

• Who is the author of "My Last Duchess"?

  Robert Browning
• What was Browning critical of in Victorian society?

  He was critical of the power men had over women.
• How did marriage affect women in Victorian society according to Browning?

  Women became the property of men when they got married.
• What are the implications of Browning's critique of marriage in Victorian society?

  • Highlights gender inequality
  • Reflects societal norms of the time
  • Suggests a loss of identity for women
• who does browning criticise for their abuse over women?

  men
• what does Browning use to symbolise the dukes misuse and abuse over the duchess?


  a painting
• what does the duke refer to his 900 year old name as?


  a gift
• what does the duke never do?

  stoop
• why does the duke think that talking to his wife is stooping?


  because he believes she is inferior to him
• what does the duke give commands for ?

  • all smiles to stop
  • her death
• 'I gave commands' - the Duke is portrayed as an authoritarian figure, who has complete control over his wife
• 'my gift of a nine hundred years old name' - the Duke sees himself as superior because of his family history