My Last Duchess - Robert Browning

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

• Dramatic monologue
• Caesura & enjambment used to create the idea of spoken language
• Iambic pentameter - 10 syllables per line (high status Duke)
• Rhyming couplet = ironically used

Question 2

Meaning

Answer 2

• Power & status = corruption
• Patriarchy allowed women to be possessions

Question 3

Imagery

Answer 3

“The curtain I have drawn for you” - Imagery

Question 4

Language

Answer 4

• “her looks went everywhere” - Metaphor
• “all smiles stopped together”

Question 5

Effect

Answer 5

• Understand the power of the patriarchy
• Understand women ‘were’ seen as objects and possessions
• Element of sympathy? - Corruption of power