My Last Duchess Flashcards
‘my last Duchess’
The reader’s interest invoked from ‘My Last Duchess’ because it raises questions such as is she dead? The speaker of Duke establishes control from the very start, from the possessive pronoun ‘my’
‘If she were alive’
This line is ominous as it suggests the Duke viewing the subject of his dead wife as a piece of art rather than sentimentally as his wife, immediately implying she was only ever a possession to him
‘Will’t please you sit and look at her?’
The Duke forces his visitor to sit down with the rhetorical question, which implied that the Duke is in sole control of who sees her. The opening immediately sets up a sinister tone for the piece, as the phrase ‘as if she were alive’ shows that the Duchess has died
‘Frà Pandolf’
The Duke is emphasising and boasting about his wealth, with reference the famous artists that painted for him and to demonstrate his influence and wealth
‘if they durst’
Shows he has power over other and people are scared of him, so as a consequence wouldn’t dare ask him about the painting
‘Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek’
Unreasonable to expect her to only gain joy from her husband, he expect to be her entire life and purpose in life. Her life has the aim of pleasing and being pleased by him. Complete domination of her life. Also presents him as paranoid
‘Frà Pandolf’
Frà is the prefix for a monk - this shows how much envy has corrupted the duke as he believed it is possible his wife would flirt with a monk
