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
• What is the title of Robert Browning's dramatic monologue?

  My Last Duchess
• What theme does Browning explore in "My Last Duchess"?

  Abuse of power within a relationship
• Who is the main character in "My Last Duchess"?

  The Duke of Ferrara
• What does the Duke suspect about his wife?

  He suspects she is unfaithful
• What does the Duke do as a result of his suspicions about his wife?

  He decides to have her killed
• How is the Duchess's beauty preserved after her death?

  In a painting
• Who does the Duke discuss the painting with?

  A messenger
• What does the Duke's admiration for the painting reveal about him?

  He loves beauty and art
• What does the word "wonder" signify in the poem?

  The Duke's delight in the portrait's beauty
• What does the Duke's perspective reveal about his character?

  He is controlling and suspicious
• What does the curtain symbolize in the poem?

  The Duke's possessive nature
• How does the Duke feel about the Duchess's expression in the painting?

  It disturbs and unsettles him
• What does the phrase "how such a glance came there" imply?

  People are curious about the Duchess's expression
• What does the Duke's jealousy stem from?

  His insecurity about the Duchess's love
• What does the Duke criticize about the Duchess's personality?

  She is too easily pleased
• What does the Duke mean by "too soon made glad"?

  She becomes happy too easily
• How does the Duke view the Duchess's interactions with others?

  He sees them as flirtatious and threatening
• What does the Duke's statement about his name suggest?

  He values his noble heritage
• What does the list of things the Duchess admires reveal about her?

  Her youth and innocence