My Last Duchess | Crime Poetry Flashcards

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1
Q

What is it based on?

MLD

A

Duke Alfonso II - married a young woman in 1558, she mysteriously died in 1561 at age 17

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2
Q

What is the form of the poem?

A

Dramatic Monologue - exerts the Dukes power and since it is in 1st person it could be considered as a confession

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3
Q

Who wrote it?

A

Robert Browning

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4
Q

What is one feature of the structure?

A

The iambic Pentameter - creates a dramatic set-up while keeping a conversational tone. Also mirrors how the Duke needs control as without it he becomes irrational

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5
Q

Crime Elements present

A

Lack of Justice - confession with ambiguous tones, Duchess has no justice she is just objectified with no true identity
Lack of Punishment - Duke faces no punishment while his wife faces the ultimate punishment, this enables him to continue his immoral behaviour

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6
Q

The Dukes Criminal Psyche

A

Likes control, without it he is irrational and consumed with anger
Arrogance and Pride due to his reputation
Doesn’t fear or expect punishment
No remorse/guilt for his victim

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7
Q

Language Techniques

A

Possessive Lang - shows his power over her and how she is his possession.
Metaphors/Symbolism - the Duke’s power to ‘tame’ those below him, especially women. Also shows his arrogance
Blunt Tone - no remorse/guilt and is ready to move on

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8
Q

Since none puts by/

A

the curtain I have drawn for you, but I

L9-10

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9
Q

She thanked men-good! But thanked/

A

somehow - I know not how

L31-32

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10
Q

She ranked/my gift of a …

A

nine hundred years old name/ with everybody’s gift

L32-33

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11
Q

I gave commands:/

A

then all smiles stopped together

L45-46

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12
Q

is my…

A

object

L53

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13
Q

Notice Neptune, though,/ Taming a seahorse, …

A

through a rarity,/Which claws of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!
L55-56

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