My Last Duchess Flashcards
What’s the phrase “my last Duchess painted on the wall” show
-Sounds as if he owns the duchess herself
-not just the picture of her
What does the phrase “looking as if she were alive” show
-sets a sinister tone
What does the phrase “The curtain I have drawn for you” show
-He controls who looks at the painting
-but he couldn’t control who looked at his wife when she was alive
What does the phrase “not the first Are you to turn and ask thus” show
-creates the impression of a question from the visitor
-but we hear it through the Duke, he’s in complete control
What does the phrase “The bought for of cherries some officious fool” show
-enjambement makes it sound as if he’s getting carried away by his anger
What’s the phrase “she thanked men, -good! but thanked” show
-The punctuation and repetition here creates a stuttering effect
-which underlines his exasperation with her behaviour
What does the word “disgust” show
This word suggests he was more bothered about the duchess’s behaviour than he’s letting on
Whats the phrase “E’ren then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop” show
-The duke is so proud that even criticising his wife would have been beneath him
-he believes she shouldn’t need to be reminded how to behave
What does the phrase “no just pretence of mine for dowry will be disallowed”
-He’s arranging his next marriage
-his next duchess
What’s the phrase “notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea horse, thought a rarity,” show
-He returns to the subject of his art collection
-which emphasises his power and wealth
-the story of his last duchess is a subtle warning to his visitor about how he expects his next wife to behave
What’s the structure in this poem
-a dramatic monologue
-rhyming couplets show desire for control
-the enjambment suggests he gets carried away with his anger and passions
What’s the power and objectification in this poem
-the duke felt the need to have power, and control over the duchess
-he saw her as another of his possessions
What’s the dramatic irony in this poem
-the things the duke says about the duchess seem quite innocent
-but they have more more sinister meanings for the reader
-there’s a gap between what the duke tells his listener and what the poet allows us to read between the lines
What are the feelings and attitudes in this poem
-pride
-jealousy
-power
