My Last Duchess

Question 1

Narrative

Answer 1

The poem is set in Renaissance Italy and is narrated by the Duke of Ferrara, who is showing a painting of his late wife, the Duchess, to a visitor which is us the reader.

Question 2

Context

Answer 2

The duke is morning the death of his last duchess and can’t stop looking at the picture of her. He thinks highly of her compared to the other duchess’ he’s been in a relationship with.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

This poem, which is structured as one lengthy stanza (continuous form), is 56 lines long.

Question 4

Form

Answer 4

This poem is a dramatic monologue, a genre typically associated with Browning, where one person speaks to a presumed audience.

Question 5

Language techniques

Answer 5

This poem contains rhyming couplets, poetic devices, imagery and enjambment.