My last duchess Flashcards
Who wrote ‘My Last Duchess’?
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
Context of ‘My Last Duchess’?
‘My Last Duchess’ is thought to be inspired by the tale of the marriage of the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso II of d’Este (1533-1598) and his young bride, Lucrezia De Medici (1545-1561).
Published in 1842 in ‘Dramatic Lyrics’, a collection of dramatic monologues
Original title was ‘Italy’
What is the form of ‘My Last Duchess’?
Dramatic monologue -a speech by a persona (not the poet) in which the speaker unintentionally reveals aspects of the persona’s character while describing a particular situation/event
What is the structure of ‘My Last Duchess’ and what does this imply? [4]
Heroic couplets
- Mimics the dukes controlling nature as it is very structured.
- Appropiate for his high status as it suggests composure
- Suggests he is comfortable with his crime
What rhythme does ‘My Last Duchess’ have and what is the effect? [2]
Iambic pentameter
- Makes it sound conversational
What does the title suggest? [2]
- Suggests a possessive nature
- Seems unsincere as it makes him seem as if he has had many
What was the tone of ‘My Last Duchess’? [4]
Arrogant / sinister / self-satisfied / self-aggrandising.
What was the aim of ‘My Last Duchess’? [2]
Browning seeks to entertain as the villainous Duke’s character is illuminated. The portrayal criticises the cruelty of some men, particularly the powerful, in their treatment of women.
What was the content of ‘My Last Duchess’? [3]
The Duke of Ferrara shows a potential bride around his grand property. The Duke’s commentary reveals his insecurity, a controlling personality and a contempt for his ‘last duchess’ which may have led him to have her murdered.
People ask why she looks so passionate in the painting. What is his response? [2]
‘Twas not her husband’s presence only,called that spot of joy into the Duchess’ cheek’
- In the duke’s mind the artist and her are more than what they seem
How does the Duke portray the Duchess in terms of people complimenting her? [6]
‘How shall I say? - too soon made glad, too easily impressed; she liked whate’er’
He complained saying:
- She liked people complimenting her
- She was looking at lots of other men
Repition of ‘too’ emphasises his irritation
Caesura suggests the thoughtful framing of the harsh setiment
- ‘whate’er’ dehumanises those who is wife admired
How does the Duke portray the Duchess in terms of her being flirty? [3]
‘She looked on, and her looks went everywhere / Sir, twas all one!’
- She looked at everyone
- Not in iambic pentameter anymore, shows his anger and passion is making him lose control
What does the Duke says she valued and how did it affect him? [4]
He accuses her of valuing his ‘favour’ insuficiently. He gives examples of things he thinks is less impressive in a degenerating list, from a sunset to a mule.
However, it makes him appear materialistic and jealous while she is romantic and likes simple things.
‘She ranked my gift of a nine-hundred-year-old name with anybody’s gift’ - saying she isn’t grateful to be the duchess
When does the hint that he killed her come in - quote?
‘She smiled, no doubt / Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without much the same smile? This grew, I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.’
‘She smiled, no doubt / Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without much the same smile? This grew, I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.’
Techniques used and there affect? [4]
- Quote shows she she conferred her affection freely for his liking. Repition of ‘smiles’ shows she smiled alot and that he was suspicious of this
- The caesure in the middle feels as if it is preparing us for something big. It adds suspense and a feeling that this is an important moment
- The caesura at the end is mimetic of the silence of her subsequent smile
- The readers last image of her is her smiling which makes us feel even more sympathetic . Makes us see her as someone who could do no harm
