make in deph flashcards on poetry techniques and themes on my last duchess
(45 cards)
What is the primary theme of ‘My Last Duchess’?
The theme of power and control in relationships.
Who is the speaker in ‘My Last Duchess’?
The Duke of Ferrara.
True or False: The poem is written in the first person.
True.
Identify one poetic technique used in ‘My Last Duchess’.
Dramatic monologue.
What does the Duke reveal about his last wife?
He reveals that he had her killed due to her perceived disobedience.
Fill in the blank: The Duke’s attitude towards women is largely characterized by ______.
Objectification.
What does the portrait of the Duchess symbolize?
The Duke’s control and possession over her even in death.
True or False: The poem contains elements of irony.
True.
What is the structure of ‘My Last Duchess’?
It consists of 28 rhymed couplets.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Looking as if she were alive’?
It emphasizes the Duke’s desire to maintain control over the Duchess’s image.
Who is the implied listener in the poem?
The emissary representing a prospective bride for the Duke.
Identify one example of enjambment in the poem.
Lines that flow into one another without punctuation.
What does the Duke mean by ‘I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together’?
He implies that he ordered the Duchess’s death.
True or False: The Duke expresses regret for his actions.
False.
What is the effect of the Duke’s use of formal language?
It reflects his aristocratic status and sense of superiority.
What role does jealousy play in the poem?
It drives the Duke’s desire to control the Duchess.
Fill in the blank: The poem’s setting is in ______.
The Duke’s private art collection.
What does the Duke’s collection of art represent?
His desire for power and control over beauty.
Identify the rhyme scheme of ‘My Last Duchess’.
AA BB CC DD, etc.
What is the significance of the line ‘She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad’?
It suggests that the Duchess was easily pleased, which the Duke viewed as a flaw.
True or False: The poem critiques the social norms of the Victorian era.
True.
What does the term ‘dramatic monologue’ mean?
A poetic form where a single speaker reveals their thoughts and feelings.
What emotion does the Duke predominantly convey throughout the poem?
Arrogance.
Fill in the blank: The Duke’s final line about the statue of Neptune suggests his ______.
Desire for dominance.
