My Last Dutchess Flashcards
Enjambment in ‘My last dutchess’?
Browning’s use of enjambment allows the poem to flow and seem more like a natural conversation. This natural narration is reinforced by the fact that the rhyming couplets aren’t obvious. The enjambment also presents him as weak and unbalanced, as he is getting carried away and rambling.
There is a lack of control over what he says and he keeps getting sidetracked. This is shown by parantheses and dashes such as the line “-how shall I say?-“. This punctuation choice works to male the poem conversational and demonstrates his lack of “skill in speech”. It could also imply that he is overcome by emotion and anger and this is hy he lacks control over his speech and actions. Therefore, he has control/power over himself but not over others.
Caesura in ‘My last dutchess’
Browning’s use of caesura shows his speech as poorly planned or formed as he keeps interrupting himself. Te caesura makes the poem seem rambling and breaks up rhythm, so that it is not pleasant to listen to.
The reader gets fed up of his voce and narrative, which negatively shows his power and control, and it can be seen as a sign of too much pride and self obsession. Arguably, it also makes the speech appear to be stuttering, and this interpretation would suggest that the Duke lacks natural confidence so has to make up for it with the artificial, authoritarian control he directs towards women.
Iambic pentameter in ‘my last dutchess’
Browning uses a very traditional meter of iambic pentameter, which is a classic of English poetry.
The meter reflects how the Duke holds traditional and conservative views of women, especially seeing as the poem is set in the past. It also demonstrates the Duke’s sense of pride and superiority, because the meter has a very tight control of rhythm and rhyme.
How is the theme of power presented in My Last Duchess
Duke gains complete domination of her life
He is presented as paranoid
As a painting he has complete power over her and no else with ever make her happy, criticises her every flaw
Shows his power through his euphemism for murder, kill without consequence
He wants his wealth and status to be more important, which shows his materialism, doesn’t value natural beauty and natural pleasures of earth. Insecure as sees her liking other things as a criticism of himself
How is the theme of Lack of Power presented in My Last Duchess
Duchess is presented as innocent and naive, appreciative of everything and modest. Flaws lie with the Duke, not her
Very strong case for her innocence, Fra is title for monk and unlikely she is flirting with a monk
He is scared of female sexuality and of confronting his fears
Disguested by idea of her liking other men (Victorian culture prided idea that women should be submissive and modest)
Wants envoy to know he expects his new duchess to be obedient and submissive, doesn’t expect to tell her what he wants. Places high value on virginity because he wants to be the only ‘user’ - monopoly on their control and only person they care for
What is the the quote which uses a Synecdoche (figure of speech) and alliteration to show his materialism and boasting of his wealth metioning a famous artist?
‘Fr Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day … Fr Pandolf’.
What quote is a metaphor showing how she was blushing and women should not do this unless it is their husband?
‘Her husband’s presence only, called that spot
Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek’
What is the quote which is an euphemism for her murder. Shows the power he has – can just kill her without concequence, but also shows such an overreaction – murder is a sign of lack of control.
‘I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together.’
Wha is the quote that has a metaphor suggests he sees himself as god-like – men are gods that must tame their wives. Shows that the Duke is extremely materialistic, as he condemns her finding nature beautiful but places a lot of value, in a statue.
‘Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity’.
