Question 1: What is the significance of the Duke's tone when he describes his last Duchess?

Answer: The Duke's tone is possessive and controlling, revealing his arrogance and possible guilt or defensiveness.

Question 2: Identify two language devices Browning uses to portray the Duke's personality.

Answer: Browning uses irony and controlled tone to depict the Duke's narcissism and dominance.

Question 3: Describe how the structure of the poem reflects the Duke's character.

Answer: The dramatic monologue structure reveals the Duke's arrogance and desire to control the narrative.

Question 1: Quote explosion: Analyze the line 'That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.' Focus on the imagery and tone.

Answer: The imagery of the portrait makes the Duchess seem alive, emphasizing the Duke's obsession with control. The tone suggests possessiveness and a desire to immortalize her image, but also hints at his possible jealousy or anger.

Question 2: Identify a metaphor used in the poem and explain its effect on the reader.

Answer: The Duke refers to his 'spot of joy' which is a metaphor for his possessiveness; it highlights his view of the Duchess as an object that brings him pleasure.

Question 3: How does Browning use personification in the poem? Provide an example and explain its impact.

Answer: Browning personifies the painting as 'looking as if she were alive,' which intensifies the sense of control the Duke desires and underscores his obsession with appearances.

Question 1: Discuss how the theme of power is portrayed in 'My Last Duchess'.

Answer: Power is shown through the Duke's control over his wife and his intimidating attitude, revealing his desire to dominate and his lack of remorse.

Question 2: Compare the portrayal of authority in 'My Last Duchess' with that in 'Ozymandias'. How do both poets present power?

Answer: Both poems depict the corrupting influence of power. Browning's Duke exercises personal control and possessiveness, while Shelley’s Ozymandias displays the fleeting nature of political power, emphasizing the impermanence of human achievements.

Question 1: Outline key points for comparing how Browning and Shelley present the idea of power and its effects.

Answer: Browning's Duke displays personal, possessive power, often exercised through control and jealousy, which ultimately leads to his moral downfall. Shelley's Ozymandias reflects political power that is temporary and ultimately powerless against time, highlighting the destructive or transient nature of human hubris. Both use imagery and tone to convey their messages, but Browning focuses on personal relationships, while Shelley emphasizes the impermanence of power structures.

Question 1: Compare how Browning and Shelley explore the theme of power and control. Use specific quotes and analysis to support your points.

Answer: Both poets examine the corrupting influence of power. Browning's Duke exercises control over his wife, demonstrating possessiveness and arrogance, exemplified by his description of her portrait and his tone. Shelley’s Ozymandias depicts the hubris of a ruler whose empire has crumbled, emphasizing the transient nature of power through imagery of the ruined statue and desert. Both use tone, imagery, and structure to reinforce their messages, but Browning’s poem is more personal and psychological, while Shelley’s is more about the impermanence of political power.