my last duchess

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

  Robert Browning
• What is the Duke's character described as in the poem?

  Arrogant and entitled
• What does the Duke want to do in the poem?

  He wants to marry a Count's daughter
• What does the Count send to check on the Duke?

  A messenger
• What does the messenger notice during his visit to the Duke's palace?

  A painting behind a curtain
• What form is the poem "My Last Duchess" written in?

  Dramatic monologue
• What does the Duke refer to the painting as?

  A piece of wonder
• Who is Fra Pandolf?

  The artist who painted the Duchess
• What does the Duke's command to the messenger to sit and look at the painting reveal about his character?

  It shows his arrogance and desire for control
• What does the curtain symbolize in the poem?

  Secrecy and mystery
• How does the Duke's use of the personal pronoun "I" reflect his character?

  It highlights his narcissism and obsession with himself
• What does the Duke imply about his late wife's behavior when he mentions her "spot of joy"?

  That other men made her blush, suggesting infidelity
• What literary device is used when the Duke refers to his name as a "gift"?

  Metaphor
• What does the Duke's statement about not being good at language reveal?

  It is ironic, as he articulates a complex monologue
• What does the phrase "I gave commands then all smiles stopped together" imply about the Duke's actions?

  It implies he ordered his wife's death
• What does the Duke's reference to Neptune taming a seahorse symbolize?

  Men's control over women
• What societal issues does Browning critique through the character of the Duke?

  Patriarchy and the oppression of women
• What are the key themes in "My Last Duchess"?

  • Power and control
  • Jealousy and possessiveness
  • The objectification of women
  • The critique of societal norms
• How does the structure of "My Last Duchess" contribute to its meaning?

  • One long stanza creates a confessional tone
  • Monosyllabic words suggest simplicity masking complexity
  • The cyclical structure implies repetition of behavior
• What historical context is relevant to "My Last Duchess"?

  • The Duke of Ferrara was a real historical figure
  • Browning critiques Victorian society's patriarchy
  • The poem reflects societal norms regarding gender and class
• What is the significance of the Duke's attitude towards art in the poem?

  • Art symbolizes control and possession
  • The Duke views women as collectibles
  • His admiration for the painting reflects his detachment from human emotion