make in deph flashcards on poetry techniques and themes on my last duchess
What is the primary theme of ‘My Last Duchess’?
The theme of power and control in relationships.
Who is the speaker in ‘My Last Duchess’?
The Duke of Ferrara.
True or False: The poem is written in the first person.
True.
Identify one poetic technique used in ‘My Last Duchess’.
Dramatic monologue.
What does the Duke reveal about his last wife?
He reveals that he had her killed due to her perceived disobedience.
Fill in the blank: The Duke’s attitude towards women is largely characterized by ______.
Objectification.
What does the portrait of the Duchess symbolize?
The Duke’s control and possession over her even in death.
True or False: The poem contains elements of irony.
True.
What is the structure of ‘My Last Duchess’?
It consists of 28 rhymed couplets.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Looking as if she were alive’?
It emphasizes the Duke’s desire to maintain control over the Duchess’s image.
Who is the implied listener in the poem?
The emissary representing a prospective bride for the Duke.
Identify one example of enjambment in the poem.
Lines that flow into one another without punctuation.
What does the Duke mean by ‘I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together’?
He implies that he ordered the Duchess’s death.
True or False: The Duke expresses regret for his actions.
False.
What is the effect of the Duke’s use of formal language?
It reflects his aristocratic status and sense of superiority.
What role does jealousy play in the poem?
It drives the Duke’s desire to control the Duchess.
Fill in the blank: The poem’s setting is in ______.
The Duke’s private art collection.
What does the Duke’s collection of art represent?
His desire for power and control over beauty.
Identify the rhyme scheme of ‘My Last Duchess’.
AA BB CC DD, etc.
What is the significance of the line ‘She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad’?
It suggests that the Duchess was easily pleased, which the Duke viewed as a flaw.
True or False: The poem critiques the social norms of the Victorian era.
True.
What does the term ‘dramatic monologue’ mean?
A poetic form where a single speaker reveals their thoughts and feelings.
What emotion does the Duke predominantly convey throughout the poem?
Arrogance.
Fill in the blank: The Duke’s final line about the statue of Neptune suggests his ______.
Desire for dominance.
What does the Duke’s reference to his ‘last Duchess’ imply about his relationships?
He views women as replaceable.
What literary device is used in the phrase ‘the depth and passion of its earnest glance’?
Imagery.
True or False: The poem suggests that art can immortalize individuals.
True.
Identify a theme related to masculinity in the poem.
The toxic nature of male power.
What does the Duke’s control over the Duchess’s portrait indicate about his character?
It shows his possessiveness and obsession with control.
What does the Duke’s description of the Duchess reveal about his view of her?
He sees her as an object rather than a person.
Fill in the blank: The Duke’s monologue reflects his ______ nature.
Narcissistic.
What is the effect of the Duke’s casual mention of his wife’s death?
It underscores his coldness and lack of remorse.
What is the significance of the Duke’s desire for a new Duchess?
It highlights his need for control and power in relationships.
True or False: The poem ends on a hopeful note.
False.
What does the Duke’s reference to the ‘countenance’ of the Duchess suggest?
His fixation on her outward appearance.
What does the Duke’s final request for a statue of Neptune imply?
His desire for dominance over both art and women.
What is the tone of ‘My Last Duchess’?
Arrogant and possessive.
Fill in the blank: The poem explores the theme of ______ in relationships.
Power dynamics.
What is the significance of the Duke’s use of possessive language?
It reflects his view of love as ownership.
Identify a contrast present in the poem.
The contrast between art and reality.
What does the Duke’s reference to the Duchess’s ‘smiles’ imply?
Her happiness was a source of jealousy for him.
True or False: The Duke shows empathy towards his last Duchess.
False.
What does the poem suggest about the nature of power in relationships?
Power can lead to destructive consequences.
What is the effect of the Duke’s self-importance throughout the poem?
It alienates the reader from his character.
Identify one way the poem reflects Victorian attitudes towards women.
It portrays women as subservient and controlled by men.
