Question 1: Briefly describe the historical period in which 'My Last Duchess' was written. How might this period influence the themes of power and reputation in the poem?

Answer: The poem was written during the Victorian era, a time of strict social hierarchy and importance of reputation. This context influences themes of control, status, and societal expectations reflected in the Duke's possessiveness and concern with his reputation.

Question 2: Explain the significance of the Duke's choice to speak in a dramatic monologue. How does this form help convey the poem's themes?

Answer: The dramatic monologue allows the Duke to reveal his personality and attitude directly to the reader, emphasizing themes of control, arrogance, and possessiveness. It also provides insight into his mindset without the poet explicitly stating his character.

Question 1: Analyze the line: 'That piece a wonder, now: / Fra Pandolf's hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.' What does this reveal about the Duke's attitude towards the painting and his wife?

Answer: The emphasis on the painting and the artist's work suggests the Duke's obsession with appearances and control. His pride in the artwork reflects his desire to dominate her image and, symbolically, her life and choices.

Question 2: Interpret the stanza where the Duke says, 'I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.' What does this imply about his actions and moral stance?

Answer: The phrase suggests that the Duke had her killed to suppress her innocence and playful nature, revealing his ruthlessness and the extent of his control. It implies a moral ambiguity and a critical view of his character.

Question 1: Quote explosion: 'My object: / ... the curtain I have drawn for you, but I / Choose never to stoop.' Identify and analyze the significance of the metaphor 'drawing a curtain.'

Answer: The metaphor 'drawing a curtain' suggests concealment and control over what others see. It reflects the Duke's desire to hide his true feelings and maintain his reputation, emphasizing themes of power and manipulation.

Question 2: Identify the use of personification in the line: 'The faint half-flush that dies along her throat.' How does this enhance the imagery?

Answer: Personifying the blush as 'faint' and 'dies' creates a delicate, fleeting image that emphasizes the transient beauty and innocence of the Duchess, and perhaps her inability to meet the Duke's expectations.

Question 1: How does the poem reflect Victorian attitudes towards gender roles and reputation?

Answer: The Duke's emphasis on control and his concern with reputation reflect Victorian values where women were expected to be submissive and their virtue was linked to social standing. The Duke's possessiveness mirrors societal expectations of male dominance.

Question 2: Compare the portrayal of power in 'My Last Duchess' with that in 'Ozymandias'. How are the different attitudes towards power depicted?

Answer: While the Duke exhibits personal, possessive power over his wife, suggesting control and dominance, Ozymandias represents the fleeting nature of political power and hubris. Both highlight the impermanence of power but differ in their focus—personal relationships versus legacy.

Question 1: Outline the main similarities and differences in how the two poems depict the nature and effects of power.

Answer: Both poems explore the theme of power and its impermanence. 'My Last Duchess' shows personal, possessive power leading to control and death, reflecting Victorian values. 'Ozymandias' depicts political power's hubris and inevitable decline, emphasizing the transient nature of human achievement. Differences include the focus on personal relationships versus political legacy, but both demonstrate that power is temporary and often destructive.

Question 1: Identify key quotes and ideas to include, and explain how they support your analysis.

Answer: Key quotes include the Duke's comments on the painting and the line 'I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped.' These illustrate his obsession with control and his ruthless nature. Analyzing these shows how Browning uses diction and tone to portray the Duke as manipulative and proud, reflecting Victorian anxieties about reputation and authority.