My Last Duchess

Question 1

The curtain i have drawn for you

Answer 1

• oppression
• decides who gets to see her
• source of entertainment
• metaphor for controlling her when alive

Question 2

I gave commands…then all smiles stopped together

Answer 2

• ruthless, violent and controlling nature
• ambiguous
  -dominant/ puppeteer similarities

Question 3

my gift of a nine-hundred-year old name

Answer 3

• egocentric
• wants her to only prioritise him in life/ view him as a prize
• craves attention
• shouldn’t enjoy anything else as much

Question 4

My Last Duchess

Answer 4

my- possessive / objectified her
Last- 1. previous 2.final one (hinted previous as he talks to an envoy)
Duchess- names and superiority is important to him

Question 5

Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea horse

Answer 5

• metaphor for whole poem ( he tames and subordinates women)
• sees himself as god-like : powerful and mighty
  ironic as artist has power / duchess’ painting will remain