My Last Duchess Flashcards
1
Q
‘My gift of a nine-hundred-years old
name’
A
Duke believes he has done the
Duchess a favour by marrying her and
elevating her social status and power. He expects gratitude.
2
Q
‘I gave commands; then all
smiles stopped together.’
A
Duke has power over life and death. He can
end a person’s life and happiness on the strength of one order. ‘Gave commands’ is cold and cynical.
3
Q
Structure
A
One long stanza – a rambling monologue in first person, suggesting arrogance on the Duke’s part – dominates conversation due to his
powerful status.
4
Q
Idea/Perspective/Context (AO3)
A
Highlights the power that men often hold over women in relationships (patriarchal). Set in the past but still somewhat relevant today.
5
Q
Links
A
Ozymandias
