Question 1: What is the significance of the line 'That piece a wonder, now:' in terms of how the Duke perceives his former wife?

Answer: It shows the Duke's view of the portrait as a marvel, reflecting his pride and possessiveness.

Question 2: Interpret the phrase 'her looks went everywhere' and discuss its possible implications about the Duchess's behavior.

Answer: It suggests she was flirtatious or lacked restraint, which the Duke disapproved of.

Question 3: Explain the tone conveyed by the line 'I call / That piece a wonder, now:'. How does Browning achieve this tone?

Answer: The tone is boastful and dismissive; Browning uses punctuation and word choice to emphasize the Duke's pride.

Question 4: Identify and analyze the metaphor in the line 'The curtain I have drawn for you, but I / Must not look at her too much.'

Answer: The 'curtain' symbolizes the portrait, and the Duke's restraint reflects his controlling nature and lack of genuine emotion.

Question 5: Quote Explosion: Analyze the phrase 'Spot of joy / Disposed to be too soon made glad,' focusing on word choice and effect.

Answer: The phrase suggests the Duchess's cheerful nature, which the Duke perceives as inappropriate or excessive. Words like 'disposed' and 'too soon' imply a lack of restraint, reflecting his view of her as unworthy of his status.

Question 1: Examine the use of the metaphor 'My object: / Which is: to make her seem / A object of my pleasure.' What effect does this have?

Answer: It dehumanizes the Duchess, emphasizing the Duke's view of her as a possession rather than a person.

Question 2: Identify the personification in the line 'The faint half-flush that dies / Along her throat.' How does this enhance the poem?

Answer: The faint flush is described as dying, giving it human qualities that evoke a sense of fading life or vitality, highlighting the Duke's control over her reputation.

Question 3: Find and analyze a simile or metaphor used to describe the Duke's attitude towards his wife.

Answer: The Duke's description of her 'turning / Her good nature into a sour' uses metaphor to show how he perceives her innocence turning into disobedience, implying blame.

Question 1: How does Browning explore the theme of power and control through the Duke's speech?

Answer: The Duke's possessive language and controlling attitude reveal his desire to dominate and manipulate, illustrating themes of power and control.

Question 2: Identify lines that suggest the theme of reputation and social status.

Answer: Lines like 'Notice Neptune, though, / Taming a sea-horse' imply the Duke’s desire to showcase his power and status, affecting his reputation.

Question 1: List key points you would include in a comparison of how Browning and Shelley portray the corrupting effects of power.

Answer: Both poems depict power as destructive; Browning shows the Duke's controlling arrogance leading to tragedy, while Shelley presents Ozymandias's hubris as ultimately futile. Browning's personal, dramatic monologue contrasts with Shelley's epic, descriptive style.

Question 1: Using evidence from the poem, analyze how Browning’s use of dramatic monologue reveals the Duke’s character and attitudes towards others.

Answer: Browning’s use of dramatic monologue allows insight into the Duke’s mind, revealing his arrogance, possessiveness, and lack of remorse. The controlled rhyme scheme and formal tone reflect his desire for control, while pauses and punctuation emphasize his pride and dismissiveness.