My Last Duchess Flashcards
Context
Written in Industrial Revolution, with society beginning to see minimal social mobility for class and also gender.
The Duke of Ferrara is widely considered to be the inspiration for the poem, who likely killed his wife.
What is the effect of this poem being a persona poem?
The speaker taking on the persona of the Duke of Ferra, Browning can use the character to give the reader a message about the wider context of the time.
What is the effect of the first person present tense narrative?
Gives the speaker a large amount of power over the text as he is able to control what he tells the reader. This reflects the power the Duke holds over his subjects.
The narrative also means it could be biased or untrue however.
What narrative is this poem?
First person, present tense.
What type of monologue is this poem?
Dramatic Monologue
What is the effect of the dramatic monologue?
This shows the domineering presence of the Duke, who is able to dominate a conversation, never allowing another party to partake in the conversation. This means the reader is exposed to his perspective. The dramatic monologue provides the reader with a biased account of events, immediately making the reader aware of the need to read between the lines, and infer.
What is the effect of the opening?
“I call that piece a wonder” is ominous, as it suggests the Duke viewing his dead wife as a piece of artwork, rather than sentimentally. The speaker establishes the Duchess as his through his use of possessive pronouns in both the title and first line through “my”
What is the metre of the poem?
Iambic Pentameter
What is the effect of the metre?
The traditional metre of Iambic Pentameter shows how the Duke holds traditional and conservative views of women, especially because the poem is set in the past. It demonstrates the Duke’s sense of pride and superiority due to the tight control of rhythm and rhyme.
How many stanzas are present?
One
What is the effect of using only one long stanza?
Makes the poem feel overwhelming and tiring, mirroring the Duke’s power, suggesting his presence is overwhelming as it dominates the room and poem Which relates to the setting of the poem as a patriarchal society in which men had all power over women.
What is the effect of enjambment?
Allows the poem to flow and seem more like a natural conversation.
Presents him as unbalanced, as he gets carried away and rambles.
What is the effect of caesura?
Shows his speech as poorly planned as he keeps interrupting himself.
The reader can get fed up with his voice and narrative, negatively showing his power.
What is the effect of using possessive pronouns?
The speaker uses “my” to show the ownership that he has over the Duchess.
Refers to her as “my duchess” rather than “my wife” showing a lack of affection and emotion towards her.
What is the effect of having the duchess as a painting?
Displays the Duchess’ complete objectification, something to be admired but more so to be controlled.
