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
• What does the Duke show to the 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 criticize about his wife in the poem?

  She was "too easily pleased"
• What does the Duke's lament about his wife's behavior suggest about his character?

  It shows his possessiveness and inability to communicate
• What does the Duke claim he ordered for his wife?

  Her death
• What does the Duke discuss with the visitor after revealing the painting?

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

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

  The Industrial Revolution and Victorian Britain
• How were women viewed in society before the Industrial Revolution?

  As property of their husbands
• What does the line "I choose never to stoop" imply about the Duke's views on women?


  He believes women are incapable of understanding him
• What societal values were emphasized during the Victorian era?

  Morality, manners, and modesty
• How does the Duke view his wife's status in relation to his family name?

  She attains status through his family name
• What artistic period does the poem reflect in its setting?

  The Italian Renaissance
• What does the Duke's control over the Duchess symbolize?

  The abuse of power in patriarchal society
• How does the structure of the poem reflect the Duke's character?

  It shows his overwhelming power and control

  
• What is the significance of the poem's single verse structure?


  It emphasizes the Duke's dominance and overwhelming presence
• What does enjambment in the poem create?


  A natural flow and conversational tone
• What narrative perspective is used in "My Last Duchess"?

  First person, present tense

  
• What does the dramatic monologue format reveal about the Duke?


  His domineering presence and biased perspective
• What does the title "My Last Duchess" imply about the Duke's feelings?

  He feels a sense of exclusive ownership over her
• What does the metaphor of Neptune suggest about the Duke's view of women?

  He sees himself as god-like, needing to tame women
• What does the Duke's reference to the statue "thought a rarity" indicate?


  His materialism and value placed on status
• What are the key themes explored in "My Last Duchess"?

  • Power and control
  • Objectification of women
  • Critique of societal norms
  • The nature of art and ownership

  
• How does Browning use the Duke's character to critique Victorian society?

  • The Duke embodies patriarchal values
  • His treatment of the Duchess reflects societal views on women
  • The poem critiques the abuse of power and control
• What literary techniques does Browning employ in "My Last Duchess"?

  • Iambic pentameter
  • Enjambment
  • Dramatic monologue
  • Single verse structure
• What does the Duke's possessive language reveal about his character?

  • His sense of ownership over the Duchess
  • His need for control
  • His lack of empathy
• How does the poem reflect the historical context of the Industrial Revolution?

  • Highlights social mobility and gender equality movements
  • Critiques the patriarchal society of the time
  • Reflects changing views on women's rights
• What does the metaphor of Neptune suggest about the Duke's self-perception?

  It suggests he sees himself as god-like and superior.
• How does the Duke's materialism manifest in his views on beauty?

  He condemns his wife's appreciation for nature while valuing a statue as rare.
• What is the title of the poem discussed in the study material?

  My Last Duchess

  
• What type of poem is "My Last Duchess" considered?

  It is a persona poem.

  
• What does the Duke's perspective reveal about women's status in society?

  It reflects that women are owned by their husbands and lose legal rights.
• What does the euphemism for the Duchess's murder indicate about the Duke's character?

  It shows his power and lack of consequence for his actions.
• What does the line "Then all smiles stopped together" imply?


  It implies the Duke's command led to the Duchess's death.
• How does the Duke's expectation of his wife's behavior reflect his insecurities?

  He expects her to reserve joy for him alone, indicating his need for control.
• What does the use of parentheses and dashes in the poem suggest about the Duke's speech?

  It suggests his speech is poorly planned and reflects his emotional state.
• What is caesura, and how does it affect the poem's rhythm?


  Caesura is a pause between words that disrupts the rhythm, making it seem rambling.