My Last Duchess

Question 1

What is the Victorian view of women as discussed in the context?

Answer 1

Domestic only

This perspective limited women’s roles to the home and family.

Question 2

Where did Browning spend most of his life?

Answer 2

Italy

Browning had a strong affection for Italy.

Question 3

Who is the character based on in the poem?

Answer 3

Duke of Ferrara (Alfonso II)

He was a historical figure known for his controlling nature.

Question 4

What is the structure of the poem?

Answer 4

Single stanza with enjambment and caesura

These elements serve to undermine the power of the speaker.

Question 5

What form does the poem take?

Answer 5

Dramatic monologue

This form allows insight into the speaker’s character.

Question 6

What is the meter used in the poem?

Answer 6

Tight iambic pentameter and rhyming couplets

This traditional structure enhances the dramatic effect.

Question 7

What type of pronouns are prominently featured in the poem?

Answer 7

Possessive pronouns

They emphasize the speaker’s sense of ownership and control.

Question 8

What does the symbolism of painting/curtain and Neptune statue represent?

Answer 8

Possession

These symbols illustrate the controlling nature of the Duke.

Question 9

What is the significance of the term ‘Frá’ in the poem?

Answer 9

Monk

It reflects the Duke’s views on women as inferior.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The key idea is that the duke’s power is undermined by his _______.

Answer 10

Paranoia and fear of female sexuality

This fear drives his need for control over others.

Question 11

What does the Duke’s desire to control others indicate about his character?

Answer 11

Compensation for lack of control over himself

His need for dominance reflects his insecurities.

Question 12

Who wrote “my last duchess “

Answer 12

Robert browning

Question 13

What does the title ‘My Last Duchess’ suggest about the Duke’s relationship with the Duchess?

Answer 13

It raises questions such as why she is his ‘last’ Duchess and implies she may be dead.

Question 14

How does the Duke establish control in the poem?

Answer 14

Through the use of the possessive pronoun ‘my’.

Question 15

What does the Duke’s reference to famous artists indicate?

Answer 15

It emphasizes and boasts about his wealth and influence.

Question 16

What unreasonable expectation does the Duke have of his Duchess?

Answer 16

He expects her to derive joy only from him.

Question 17

What is suggested about the Duke’s view of his Duchess’s life?

Answer 17

He believes her life should revolve around pleasing him.

Question 18

What does the phrase ‘complete domination of her life’ imply about the Duke?

Answer 18

It indicates his controlling and possessive nature.

Question 19

How does the Duke’s paranoia manifest in his characterization of the Duchess?

Answer 19

He seems to believe she may have been unfaithful or flirted with others.

Question 20

What does the Duke’s description of the painting suggest about his feelings towards the Duchess?

Answer 20

He views her as a piece of art rather than a sentimental partner.

Question 21

What is indicated by the rhetorical question the Duke poses to his visitor?

Answer 21

It implies that he controls who sees the Duchess’s portrait.

Question 22

What ominous tone is established at the beginning of the poem?

Answer 22

The phrase ‘as if she were alive’ indicates the Duchess has died.

Question 23

What does the Duke’s power over others suggest about his character?

Answer 23

People are scared of him, influencing their willingness to confront him.

Question 24

What does the prefix ‘Fra’ signify in relation to the artist Frà Pandolf?

Answer 24

It indicates he is a monk, suggesting the Duke’s envy and paranoia.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The Duke forces his visitor to ______ with a rhetorical question.

Answer 25

sit down

Question 26

True or False: The Duke believes the Duchess should find joy from various aspects of life.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

What does the Duke's perception of the Duchess's joy reveal about his character?

Answer 27

He is possessive and controlling.

Question 28

What impression does the Duke leave by ending the poem with the phrase 'for me'?

Answer 28

He feels everything MUST be for him and desires exclusive ownership ## Footnote This highlights the Duke's egocentricity and entitlement.

Question 29

What does the phrase 'the Count your master's known munificence' imply?

Answer 29

The Count's generosity will support the Duke's claim for dowry ## Footnote It suggests that the Duke believes he is entitled to the Count's wealth without question.

Question 30

Who is the Duke's primary object of interest?

Answer 30

The Count's fair daughter ## Footnote The Duke's pursuit of the daughter is a central theme in the poem.

Question 31

What does the Duke notice about Neptune?

Answer 31

Neptune is depicted taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity ## Footnote This symbolizes the Duke's view of control and dominance.

Question 32

What metaphor does Neptune represent in the context of the Duke's character?

Answer 32

He sees himself as god-like, with men as gods who must tame their wives ## Footnote This reflects the Duke's excessive hubris and pride.

Question 33

How does the Duke's materialism manifest in his views?

Answer 33

He condemns nature's beauty but values a statue, 'thought a rarity' ## Footnote This indicates his belief in the superiority of wealth and status over natural beauty.

Question 34

True or False: The Duke believes his status and wealth are more valuable than anything available to the common man.

Answer 34

True ## Footnote This belief underscores the Duke's arrogance and materialistic values.

Question 35

What is iambic pentameter?

Answer 35

Technique where the poet uses ten syllables in each line, with pairs of sounds going da-DA with the emphasis on the second syllable.

Question 36

What is the definition of enjambment?

Answer 36

Sentence which runs over multiple lines. ## Footnote Enjambment is commonly used in poetry to create a sense of continuity and flow.

Question 37

What is a caesura?

Answer 37

A pause between words, for example across lines, with the use of a comma or full stop.

Question 38

What effect does the use of a single verse have on the poem?

Answer 38

It makes the poem feel overwhelming and tiring. ## Footnote This structure reflects the Duke's power and dominance.

Question 39

How does the Duke's power affect his view of past relationships?

Answer 39

It indicates that he believes his mistreatment of his past wife is inconsequential. ## Footnote His power shields him from accountability.

Question 40

What perspective is primarily represented in the poem?

Answer 40

Only the Duke's view is given, with no chance for the woman to defend herself. ## Footnote This highlights a lack of agency for the female character.

Question 41

What societal context influences the poem's perspective?

Answer 41

The poem is set and written in a patriarchal society. ## Footnote This context shapes how women are perceived through men's eyes.

Question 42

What literary technique is suggested by the no-stanza structure of the poem?

Answer 42

It resembles a stream of consciousness. ## Footnote This technique reflects the Duke's unfiltered thoughts and feelings.

Question 43

What does the stream of consciousness imply about the Duke's control?

Answer 43

It suggests he lacks control over himself while trying to dominate others. ## Footnote This reflects his internal struggle.

Question 44

What do possessive pronouns indicate in the context of ownership?

Answer 44

They indicate ownership and control over an individual or object ## Footnote The term 'possessive pronouns' refers to pronouns that show ownership, such as 'my', 'your', 'his', etc.

Question 45

How does the use of 'my duchess' instead of 'my wife' reflect the speaker's feelings?

Answer 45

It shows a lack of affection and emotional connection ## Footnote This choice of words portrays the duchess as a possession rather than a partner.

Question 46

What does the speaker's reference to the duchess imply about her autonomy?

Answer 46

It implies that she has no autonomy and is treated as a possession ## Footnote The duchess is compared to objects like statues and art, suggesting she exists solely for the speaker's enjoyment.

Question 47

What emotions does the speaker's possessive language suggest?

Answer 47

Jealousy and a sense of ownership ## Footnote The speaker believes a wife should be exclusively enjoyed by her husband.

Question 48

Fill in the blank: The speaker sees the duchess as an _______ rather than a partner.

Answer 48

accessory ## Footnote This reflects the speaker's complete power over her.

Question 49

True or False: The speaker expresses deep affection for the duchess by calling her 'my wife'.

Answer 49

False ## Footnote The term 'my duchess' indicates a lack of emotional connection.