My Last Duchess

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

  Robert Browning
• What is the main theme of "My Last Duchess"?

  • The Duke's control over his deceased wife
  • The objectification of women
  • The critique of societal norms regarding power and gender
• What does the Duke display to his visitor in the poem?

  A painting of his dead wife
• Why does the Duke make the visitor sit down to admire the painting?

  To assert his control over the situation
• Who painted the portrait of the Duchess?

  Frà Pandolf
• What does the Duke suggest about the Duchess's blush in the painting?


  It implies she was flirting and receiving compliments
• What does the Duke criticize about his wife in the poem?

  He criticizes her for being "too easily pleased"
• What does the Duke claim about his ability to communicate with the Duchess?

  He claims he was not eloquent enough to tell her to stop
• What drastic action does the Duke admit to taking regarding his wife?

  He ordered her to be killed
• What does the Duke discuss with the visitor after revealing the painting?

  Arrangements for his next marriage
• Who is the Duke of Ferrara also known as?

  Alfonso II
• What historical context influenced Browning when writing "My Last Duchess"?

  The poem was written during the Industrial Revolution
• What societal views about women are reflected in "My Last Duchess"?

  • Women were seen as property of their husbands
  • Women had no legal rights or access to divorce
  • Women were expected to be submissive and obedient
• How does the Duke's statement "I choose never to stoop" reflect patriarchal views?

  It suggests he believes arguing with a woman is pointless
• What does the line "my gift of a nine-hundred-year-old name" imply about the Duchess's status?

  It suggests she only attains status through her husband's family name
• What are the key conflicts presented in "My Last Duchess"?

  • The Duke's power over the Duchess's life
  • The Duke's public persona versus his true character
  • The conflict between love and control
• What does the Duke's reaction to his wife's inability to be controlled reveal about his character?

  It shows his abuse of power and control
• What does the Duke mean by "Then all smiles stopped together"?

  It implies that the Duchess was killed
• How does the Duke's reference to Neptune reflect his character?

  It suggests he sees himself as god-like and powerful
• What narrative style is used in "My Last Duchess" and what effect does it have?

  • First person, present tense narrative
  • Gives the speaker control over the text
  • Reflects the Duke's power over women and subjects
• What is the significance of the poem being a dramatic monologue?

  It allows the Duke to dominate the conversation and control the narrative
• How does Browning's use of a persona in the poem serve a larger message?

  It critiques the inequality of power in Victorian society
• What does the title "My Last Duchess" suggest about the Duke's view of his wives?

  It implies he sees them as possessions that he can replace

  
• What questions does the title "My Last Duchess" raise for the reader?

  • Why is she his "last Duchess"?
  • Is she dead?
  • How did she die?

  
• What does the phrase "as if she were alive" imply about the Duke's feelings towards the Duchess?

  It suggests he views her more as an object than a person
• How does the Duke's possessive language affect the reader's perception of him?

  It establishes him as controlling and domineering
• What does the Duke's insistence on the visitor sitting down reveal about his character?

  It shows his need for control and dominance
• What does the Duke's reference to "the company below" imply?

  It suggests he is socially prominent and influential
• How does the Duke's attitude towards art reflect his character?

  It shows he values material possessions over human relationships
• What does the Duke's final statement about Neptune suggest about his worldview?

  It reflects his belief in male dominance and control
• What does the poem's setting in the Italian Renaissance signify?

  It highlights the value placed on art and power in society
• What does the Duke's obsession with the story of Alfonso II reveal about his character?

  It shows his fascination with power and control
• How does the poem reflect the societal changes during the Industrial Revolution?

  It critiques the patriarchal views and social mobility of the time
• What does the Duke's view of his wife's joy suggest about his insecurities?

  It indicates he feels threatened by her independence
• How does the Duke's perception of his wife's interactions with others reflect his character?

  It reveals his paranoia and need for control
• What does the Duke's final command imply about his character?

  It suggests he is authoritative and expects obedience
• What does the Duke's insistence on the rarity of the statue suggest about his values?

  It shows he values material wealth over emotional connections
• How does Browning's portrayal of the Duke serve as a critique of Victorian society?

  It highlights the abuse of power and the objectification of women
• What does the Duke's reference to "the company below" imply about his social status?

  It suggests he is part of the elite class
• What does the phrase "as if she were alive" suggest about the Duke's feelings towards the Duchess?

  It implies he views her as an object rather than a person