poetry - my last duchess

Question 1

“Will’t please you sit and look at her?” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 1

Rhetorical question. The Duke is posing this as a question, but it is really a command. Emphasises his power and his pride.

Question 2

“This grew; I gave commands…” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 2

This is one of the most famous lines in the poem - it implies that he had her killed. The use of caesura and short phrases highlight the swiftness, coldness and ruthlessness with which he disposed of her life.

Question 3

“Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 3

Boastful language to end the poem.

Question 4

“That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 4

Possessive pronoun. Use of possessive pronoun “my” throughout links to the Duke’s view that his wife belonged to him.

Question 5

“As if she ranked / My gift…” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 5

“As if she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift.” Irony. Implies the Duke is jealous, despite his arrogance.

Question 6

“Since none puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)

Answer 6

Curtain symbol. Shows he controlled her even in death.