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 display of power and wealth
  • The critique of societal norms regarding women
• Who is the Duke in "My Last Duchess" believed to have killed?

  His first wife
• What does the Duke show to the visitor in the poem?

  A painting of his dead wife
• What does the Duke's act of making the visitor sit down to admire the painting suggest?

  It indicates his desire for control and dominance
• What does the Duke criticize about his deceased wife?

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

  He suggests that his inability to communicate led to her death
• What does the Duke reveal about his plans after discussing his deceased wife?


  He discusses arrangements for his next marriage
• Who is the Duke of Ferrara also known as?

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

  The Industrial Revolution and Victorian society
• How does the poem reflect the views of women during the Victorian era?

  It shows women as property of their husbands with no legal rights
• What does the line "I choose never to stoop" imply about the Duke's attitude towards women?

  It suggests he believes women are inferior and unworthy of discussion
• What does the phrase "my gift of a nine-hundred-year-old name" suggest?

  It implies the Duchess's status is derived from her husband's family name
• What does the Duke's view of art in the poem reveal about his character?

  He values art as a reflection of his power and status
• How does the Duke's perception of his wife as a piece of art affect the reader's understanding of his character?

  It highlights his objectification of her and his possessive nature
• What does the Duke's reference to "Fra Pandolf" indicate about his social status?

  It shows he has connections to famous artists and wealth
• What does the metaphor of Neptune taming a sea-horse suggest about the Duke's view of masculinity?

  It implies he sees himself as a god-like figure who controls women
• What are the key elements of the poem "My Last Duchess"?

  • The Duke's control and power dynamics
  • The objectification of the Duchess
  • The critique of Victorian societal norms
  • The use of dramatic monologue to convey bias

  
• What narrative style is used in "My Last Duchess"?

  First person, present tense narrative
• How does the dramatic monologue format affect the reader's perception of the Duke?

  It allows the reader to see only his perspective, creating a biased view
• What does the absence of a female voice in the poem signify about Victorian society?

  It reflects the silencing of women and their lack of power
• What questions does the title "My Last Duchess" raise for the reader?

  It raises questions about the Duchess's fate and the Duke's intentions
• How does the Duke's possessive language contribute to the poem's themes?

  It emphasizes his control and objectification of the Duchess
• What does the Duke's final statement about Neptune suggest about his character?

  It reinforces his arrogance and materialism
• What is the significance of the Duke's command "Then all smiles stopped together"?

  It euphemistically refers to the Duchess's murder
• How does the poem's setting in the Italian Renaissance contribute to its themes?

  It allows for a critique of societal norms while disguising the message
• What does the Duke's obsession with the story of Alfonso II reveal about his character?

  It shows his fascination with power and control
• What does the Duke's expectation for his wife to find joy only in him reveal about his personality?

  It shows his paranoia and need for control
• How does the Duke's attitude towards his wife's interactions with others reflect societal views of women?

  It reflects the patriarchal belief that women should be submissive and loyal
• What does the Duke's insistence on the Duchess's obedience suggest about his character?

  It indicates his domineering and controlling nature
• What does the Duke's reference to "the bough of cherries" imply about his wife's character?

  It suggests she was easily pleased and appreciated simple joys
• How does the Duke's perception of his wife's beauty relate to his own insecurities?

  He feels threatened by her ability to attract attention from others
• What does the Duke's final command to the envoy reveal about his character?

  It shows his desire for control and ownership over everything
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its themes of power and control?

  It uses a dramatic monologue to emphasize the Duke's dominance
• What does the Duke's reference to "the company below" imply about his social status?


  It suggests he is of high social standing
• What role does the visitor play in the poem?

  The visitor serves as a silent witness to the Duke's monologue
• How does the Duke's attitude towards art reflect his character?

  It shows he values art as a means of showcasing his power
• What does the Duke's insistence on the Duchess's beauty suggest about his values?

  It indicates he values superficial qualities over genuine connection
• What does the phrase "as if she were alive" imply about the Duchess's portrayal?


  It suggests the Duke views her more as an object than a person
• How does the Duke's control over the narrative affect the reader's interpretation of events?

  It creates a biased view that may obscure the truth