*My Last Duchess

• How is "My Last Duchess" structured?

  It is written as a monologue
• What does the word "last" imply about the Duchess?

  She is dead and there were others
• What does the possessive "my" indicate about the Duke's view of the Duchess?

  He sees her as a possession
• What does the Duke's comment about the Duchess looking alive suggest?

  He recalls the moment of her death
• How does the Duke's perception of art reflect his character?

  He views art as a commodity
• What does the Duke's insistence on distance imply about his jealousy?

  He wants to control who sees the Duchess
• How does the Duke feel about the painting of the Duchess?

  He now considers it a masterpiece
• What does the Duke's jealousy towards Fra Pandolf reveal?

  His mind is unbalanced by jealousy
• What does the Duke prioritize over the artwork itself?

  The name of the artist, Fra Pandolf
• What does the Duke think about his wife's expression in the painting?

  It seems lifelike and evokes jealousy
• How does the Duke's view of his wife differ from the audience's view?

  He sees her as frivolous, not deep
• What does Browning suggest about women's appreciation in society through the Duke's perspective?

  Women are not valued for themselves
• What artistic technique does the Duke's mention of "curtains" imply?

  It suggests the beginning of artistic technique
• How does the Duke's speech reflect his character?

  It shows his contrived and mannered nature
• What does the Duke's jealousy reveal about his nature?

  It shows his corruption from power
• How does the Duke's fixation on his wife's joy contrast with his own feelings?

  He is anti-life and lacks joy
• What does the Duke's reference to the "bow of cherries" symbolize?

  His wife's innocence and enjoyment of life
• What is the structure of the Duke's monologue?

  Each line has 10 syllables
• Why does Browning use perfect pentameter in the Duke's speech?

  To show the Duke's contrived nature
• What does the breakdown of the syllable pattern signify?

  It reflects the Duke's emotional instability
• What is the structure of the monologue discussed?

  Each line is 10 syllables long
• Why does Browning use perfect pentameter?

  To showcase his skill as a poet
• What does the breakdown of the syllable pattern indicate?

  It reveals the Duke's psychological break
• What does the Duke's inability to articulate his feelings suggest?

  He is out of touch with his own impulses
• How does Browning portray the Duke's view on status and power?

  As corrupting influences on individuals
• What does the Duke value most according to Browning?

  His 900-year-old name
• How does the Duke's view of his wife reflect societal attitudes?

  He objectifies her and sees her as a possession
• What does the Duke's disgust towards his wife signify?

  His inability to appreciate her positive traits
• What does Browning suggest about women's roles in Victorian society?

  Women are not seen as individuals
• How does the Duke refer to his wife in the poem?

  He never names her
• What does the Duke's command to his wife imply?

  He believes he has the right to control her
• How does Browning depict the Duke's attitude towards art?

  He values art for its representation of power
• What does the Duke's reference to Neptune symbolize?

  His desire to control and dominate
• What critique does Browning make about the aristocracy?

  They live outside the law and are corrupt
• What does the Duke expect from the Count regarding his daughter?

  To agree to marry her despite his past
• How does Browning view the role of poetry compared to art?

  Poetry is more accessible and genuine
• What does the Duke's final exclamation reveal about him?

  His vanity and self-obsession
• What are the three main critiques Browning makes in the poem?

  • Critique of the aristocracy for corruption
  • Critique of men for objectifying women
  • Critique of private collectors of art
• How does Browning illustrate the theme of power and control in the poem?

  • The Duke's treatment of his wife
  • His obsession with status and wealth
  • The objectification of women in society
• How does Browning suggest art should be perceived in society?

  • Art should be accessible to everyone
  • It should celebrate life and nature
  • It should not be hoarded by the wealthy