my last duchess Flashcards
What is the central theme concerning power in my last Duchess?
The abuse of power, particularly male dominance and control over women
How does my last Duchess explore the themes of jealousy?
The Dukes intense jealousy and possessiveness leads to the Duchess’s demise (death)
What theme is shown by the Dukes objectification of the Duchess?
Objectification and dehumanisation of women
what does the phrase “ that spot of joy” suggest
It indicates the Duke’s obsession with controlling the Duches emotions and expressions
what is the significance of the Duke’s use of dramatic irony?
It reveals his arrogance and lack of self-awareness and he unwittingly exposes his chronal nature
what does the statue of Neptune taming a seahorse symbolise?
It symbolises the Duke’s desire to control and dominate mirroring his relationship with the Duchess
what effect does the use of dramatic monologue have in the m my last Duchess?
It allows the reader to gain insight into the Dukes character motivations through his own words
how does the use of enchantment contribute to the poem my last Duchess meaning?
It creates a sense of continuous speech and reveals the Dukes uncontrolled force in emotions
why is the poem written in imabic pentameter (one stressed syllable the one unstressed)
It creates a sense of controlled speech which contrast with the Duke inner turmoil
“ that’s my last Duchess is painted on the wall/ looking as if she were alive” what does this quote imply?
establishes the the Dukes possessiveness and the Duchess’s objectification
“ too soon made glad/ too easily impressed” what is the significance of this line?
Reveals the Dukes disapproval of the Dutchess’s natural joy and kindness
“ notice Neptune, though, / taming a seahorse” what does this quote convey?
It symbolises the desire to control and dominate and self justification for his actions
what is the historical context of my last Duchess in relation to renaissance Italy?
The poem reflects the power and the wealth of the Italian aristocracy and the limited rights of women in that era
How does my last Duchess reflect the social ex expectations of women in the 19th century?
It highlights the pressure on the women to be obedient and submissive to their husbands
How does the Duke represent abuse of power?
The Duke uses his wealth and social standing to excerpt absolute control over his wife then to dispose of her when she displeases him
Analyse the significance of the Duke use of the pronoun” my” throughout the poem
The emphasises his possessiveness and ownership of the Duchess and how he has her as his own
How does the dramatic monologue my last Duchess contribute to the poem of effect
It allows the reader to directly access to Duke’s fault and motivations revealing his true nature
“ I gave commands/ then all smiles stopped together” what does this suggest?
This euphemism implies the Dukes role in the Duchess’s death highlighting his cruelty
