My Last Duchess

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

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

  • Power and control
  • Jealousy and possessiveness
  • Critique of societal norms
• What is the setting of "My Last Duchess"?

  Italy, specifically Ferrara
• What does the Duke show to his visitor in the poem?

  A painting of his dead wife
• How does the Duke's control manifest in the poem?

  He makes the visitor sit to admire the painting
• What does the Duke criticize about his late wife?

  She was "too easily pleased"
• What does the Duke imply by saying he was not eloquent enough to tell her to stop?

  He felt justified in ordering her death
• What historical context influenced "My Last Duchess"?

  The Industrial Revolution
• How does the poem reflect Victorian views on women?

  Women were seen as property of their husbands
• What does the line "I choose never to stoop" suggest about the Duke's attitude towards women?

  He believes women are beneath him
• What does the phrase "my gift of a nine-hundred-year-old name" imply?

  The Duchess gains status through marriage
• What does the Duke's reference to famous artists signify?

  His wealth and influence
• How does the Duke's perception of art relate to his view of his wife?

  He views her as a possession, like art
• What does the Duke's control over the painting suggest about his character?

  He is possessive and controlling
• What does the Duke's final statement about Neptune imply?

  He sees himself as god-like
• What are the key elements of the dramatic monologue in "My Last Duchess"?

  • First-person perspective
  • Control over the narrative
  • Biased account of events
  • No female perspective
• How does the Duke's attitude reflect Victorian societal norms?

  It showcases male dominance and control
• What does the Duke's insistence on the visitor sitting imply?

  His desire for control and dominance
• What does the Duke's reaction to his wife's behavior reveal about his insecurities?

  He feels threatened by her independence
• What does the Duke's final command suggest about his character?

  He desires exclusive ownership and control
• How does Browning use the Duke's character to critique society?

  • Illustrates abuse of power
  • Highlights gender inequality
  • Reflects societal norms of possession
• What does Browning criticize in "My Last Duchess"?

  The Duke's abuse of power
• What does the title "My Last Duchess" suggest?

  Questions about the Duchess's fate

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

  He sees her as a possession, not a person
• How does the Duke establish control in the poem's opening?

  Through the possessive pronoun "my"
• What tone does the opening of the poem set?

  A sinister tone
• What traditional meter does Browning use in the poem?

  Iambic Pentameter
• What does Iambic Pentameter consist of?

  Ten syllables with pairs of sounds
• How does the meter reflect the Duke's views on women?

  It shows his traditional and conservative views
• What does the single verse structure of the poem suggest?

  It mirrors the Duke's overwhelming power
• How does the no-stanza structure affect the poem's tone?

  It creates a stream of consciousness effect
• What does enjambment in the poem allow for?

  A natural flow resembling conversation
• What does the use of parentheses and dashes indicate about the Duke?

  His lack of control over his speech
• What does caesura in the poem signify?

  His speech is poorly planned and rambling
• How does the Duke's use of possessive pronouns affect the portrayal of the Duchess?

  It objectifies her as a possession
• What does the Duke's reference to "my duchess" imply?

  A lack of affection and individuality
• How does simplistic language contribute to the poem's message?

  It emphasizes the Duke's desire for control
• What does the Duchess being portrayed as a painting symbolize?

  Her complete objectification by the Duke
• What does the line "none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you but I" suggest?

  The Duke's absolute control over her memory
• What does the transition from discussing the Duchess to the statue of Neptune imply?

  His view of women as disposable