my last duchess

Question 1

what is my last duchess about by Robert browning

Answer 1

a dramatic monologue in which there Duke of Ferrara, shows a painting of his former wife, the duchess to a guest

Question 2

what happens in my last duchess

Answer 2

the duke points out a king of blush and happiness on the duchess face and explains how his wife disappointed him by not only looking at him, but everyone else in the same she looked at him

Question 3

how does browning present the duke as powerful

Answer 3

using dramatic monologue as him as the speaker and the listener is quiet

Question 4

how does browning present the duke as self obsessed

Answer 4

repetition of describing the duchess as “my” suggests he thinks his wife belongs to him

Question 5

how does browning use language to present the dukes social superior

Answer 5

asks the guest “will’t please you sit and look at her?” as more of a command rather than a question as he controls and inferior

Question 6

how does the timing of the release of this poem help our understanding

Answer 6

released in 1842 victorian era when mens wives were seen as legal property of there’s

Question 7

what is the quote that suggests the dukes self obsession

Answer 7

“notice Neptune taming a sea horse.” refers to himself as Neptune the god of seas taming a sea horse referring to his wife. this metaphor suggests the duke sees his role to dominate and control women

Question 8

what tells us the duke controls his wife

Answer 8

“since none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you” tells us infront of the painting he has a curtain so no one but him can look at her

Question 9

what quote implies that the duke killed his wife

Answer 9

“I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together”