My Last Duchess -Robert Browning

• 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 does the Duke display to the visitor in the poem?

  A painting of his dead wife
• How does the Duke make the visitor feel while viewing the painting?

  He makes the visitor sit and admire it
• What does the Duke praise in the poem?

  The artist who painted the portrait
• What does the Duke lament about his wife?

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

  He is possessive and controlling
• What does the Duke claim about his eloquence?

  He was not eloquent enough to tell her
• What does the Duke reveal about his wife's fate?

  He ordered her to be killed
• What does the Duke discuss with the visitor after revealing his wife's portrait?

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

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

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

  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 inferior
• What does the Duke's statement about his wife's status suggest?

  She gains status through his family name
• What does the Duke's view of art reflect about his character?

  He values material possessions over emotions
• What does the Duke's control over the painting symbolize?

  His control over his wife's life
• What does the phrase "as if she were alive" imply about the Duchess?

  She is dead but still remembered
• What does the Duke's reference to "Fra Pandolf" suggest?

  He is envious of the artist's skill
• What does the Duke's statement about his wife's smiles reveal?

  He feels threatened by her interactions
• How does the Duke's attitude towards his wife reflect societal norms?

  It mirrors patriarchal views of women
• What does the Duke's final command imply about his character?

  He desires exclusive ownership and control
• What does the metaphor of Neptune suggest about the Duke?

  He sees himself as god-like and powerful
• What narrative style is used in "My Last Duchess"?

  First person, present tense

  
• What is a dramatic monologue?

  A poem where a single speaker addresses others
• How does the dramatic monologue affect the reader's perception?

  It provides a biased account of events
• What does the lack of a female perspective in the poem signify?

  Women's voices were silenced in society
• What does the title "My Last Duchess" imply?

  Possession and loss of the Duchess

  
• What questions does the title raise for the reader?

  Why is she his "last Duchess"?
• What does the Duke's possessive pronoun "my" indicate?

  His ownership over the Duchess

  
• How does the Duke's control manifest in the poem?

  Through his dominance in conversation
• What does the rhetorical question "Will't please you sit?" suggest?

  His control over the visitor's actions
• What does the Duke's insistence on admiration reveal about him?

  His need for validation and control
• What does the Duke's attitude towards his wife's joy indicate?

  He feels threatened by her happiness
• How does the Duke's view of his wife's interactions reflect his insecurities?

  He feels his worth is tied to her attention
• What does the Duke's final command "Then all smiles stopped together" imply?

  His wife was killed
• What does the Duke's reference to "the company below" suggest?

  He is eager to move on from the past
• What does the Duke's mention of "Neptune" symbolize?

  His arrogance and sense of superiority
• How does the Duke's character reflect Victorian societal norms?

  He embodies patriarchal and materialistic values
• What does the Duke's obsession with status reveal about him?

  He is insecure and materialistic