My Last Duchess

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

Victorian view of women
domestic only
Browning lived most of his life in Italy
Based on the Duke of Ferrara
His grandfather was a slave trader
He was an active abolitionist
He was raised in a religious household but after reading Shelly’s poems he became athiest

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

Dramatic monologue - to show the control that he is talking
Iambic pentameter to show that he is in complete control.
rhyming couplets

Question 3

Key Ideas

Answer 3

the duke’s power has been undermined by his paranoia and fear of female sexuality
controls others to compensate for lack of control over himself

Question 4

Key Quote 1

Answer 4

That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall / Looking as if she were alive. I call

Question 5

Key Quote 1 Analysis

Answer 5

rhyming couplets- creates the illusion to get another couple
speech has been heavily rehearsed as it is not natural speech
Enjambment - tries to disguise the speech
last - an allusion to death but she is not the last permanent duchess. as she is the latest in the long list.
painted on the wall - it is a fresco painted in one day and a sense of urgency.
artwork is more important than the duchess
humour in looking as if she were alive.

Question 6

Key Quote 2

Answer 6

twas not / her husband’s presence only called that spot / Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek ;

Question 7

Key Quote 2 Analysis

Answer 7

twas not - implying that she was involved with other men
that spot of joy - blushing
spot - his wife has been sinful of taking joy
duke only take joy in objects that he owns

Question 8

Key Quote 3

Answer 8

but who passed without / much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together

Question 9

Key Quote 3 Analysis

Answer 9

repetition of smile suggest he is unsure
then all smiles stooped together- he has given the commands and she is killed
I gave commands- superiority in the relationship
semi colons - juxtaposition