MLD Quotes & Themes

Question 1

This quote shows how the Duke treats his wife as a possession, reducing her to a painting he controls.

Answer 1

“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.” (POWER and CONTROL)

Question 2

Quote that shows that implies he ordered her death, showing his absolute control over her life.

Answer 2

“I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.” (POWER & CONTROL)

Question 4

Quote that shows that now she is a painting, he has total control over who sees her.

Answer 4

“None puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I.” (POWER & CONTOL)

Question 5

This quote shows how the Duke resents how she was kind and appreciative to everyone, not just him.

Answer 5

“She had / A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, / Too easily impressed.”
(JEALOUSY & INSECURITY)

Question 6

This quote shows how he believes she should have valued his noble name more, showing his pride and entitlement.

Answer 6

“She thanked men—good! but thanked / Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift.”
(JEALOUSY & INSECURITY)

Question 7

This quote shows how he treats the painting like a spectacle for others, just as he did with his wife in life.

Answer 7

“Will’t please you sit and look at her?”
(PATRIARCHY & GENDER ROLES)

Question 8

This quote is from when the duke ends the poem by boasting about his wealth, comparing himself to Neptune, the god of the sea, reinforcing his godlike arrogance.

Answer 8

“Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, / Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!”
(PRIDE & ARROGANCE)