my last duchess

Question 1

summary of My Last Duchess ?

Answer 1

• This poem is loosely based on historical events involving Alfonso, the Duke of Ferrara, who lived in the 16th century.
• The Duke is the speaker of the poem, and tells us he is entertaining an emissary who has come to negotiate the Duke’s marriage (he has recently been widowed) to the daughter of another powerful family.
• As he shows the visitor through his palace, he stops before a portrait of the late Duchess, apparently a young and lovely girl.
• The Duke begins reminiscing about the portrait sessions, then about the Duchess herself.
• His musings give way to a diatribe on her disgraceful behavior: he claims she flirted with everyone and did not appreciate his “gift of a nine-hundred-years- old name.”
• As his monologue continues, the reader realizes with ever-more chilling certainty that the Duke in fact caused the Duchess’s early demise: when her behavior escalated, “[he] gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.”
• Having made this disclosure, the Duke returns to the business at hand: arranging for another marriage, with another young girl.
• As the Duke and the emissary walk leave the painting behind, the Duke points out other notable artworks in his collection.

Question 2

my last duchess

Answer 2

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates his power and corruption

Question 3

looking as if she were alive

Answer 3

My Last Duchess
analysis: reveals victim

Question 4

Fra Pandolf

Answer 4

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates wealth

Question 5

none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I

Answer 5

My Last Duchess
analysis: his continual power is demonstrated

Question 6

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

Answer 6

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates her infidelity - paints her as the villain

Question 7

she had a heart … too soon made glad

Answer 7

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates her infidelity - paints her as the villain

Question 8

she liked whatever she looked on and her looks went everywhere

Answer 8

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates her infidelity - paints her as the villain

Question 9

she thanked men … but thanked somehow I know not how

Answer 9

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates her infidelity - paints her as the villain

Question 10

my gift of a nine-hundred-year old name

Answer 10

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates his wealth

Question 11

I gave commands then all smiles stopped together

Answer 11

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates his power and corruptness

Question 12

my object

Answer 12

My Last Duchess
analysis: indicates he has ownership