My Last Duchess

Question 1

LANGUAGE

Answer 1

•Repetition of personal pronoun “my”, possessive and jealous nature, reduces her to an object to maintain control and authority over others, particularly women.
•Desire for complete dominance, imbalanced relationship
•Self aggrandisement, insecurity, entitlement, forcing it upon others to feel validated.
•Symbolism of “neptune” god of sea, controlling entire ocean, desire to doninate and tame those around him, signifies obsession of possessing others and beauty. Pride in his ability to manipulate.

Question 2

FORM

Answer 2

•Dramatic monologue, speech to another, listener remains silent
•Duke of Ferrera is assertion of power, control over narrative, silencing other perspectives.

Question 3

CONTEXT

Answer 3

•Patriarchal society, women were objectified and controlled by men, abused by power.
•Duke represents Italian dictatorships, women viewed as property and expected to remain pure, subordination to male authority.