Question 1: Briefly describe the overall structure of the poem. How many stanzas are there, and what is their length?

Answer: The poem has 28 lines divided into two stanzas; the first is longer, and the second is shorter, creating a sense of tension.

Question 2: How does Browning's use of a dramatic monologue influence your understanding of the Duke's character?

Answer: It makes the Duke seem more sinister and manipulative, as we see his thoughts directly and interpret his personality through his speech.

Question 1: Identify and explain the significance of the rhyme scheme in 'My Last Duchess'. How does it contribute to the poem's tone?

Answer: The poem uses a regular rhyme scheme (ABABB) which creates a rhythmic, almost conversational tone, emphasizing the Duke’s controlled, manipulative manner.

Question 2: Quote Explosion: 'That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive.' Analyze the structural placement and word choice in these lines. What do they reveal about the Duke’s attitude?

Answer: The short, direct lines place emphasis on the Duke’s possessiveness. The phrase 'looking as if she were alive' shows his obsession with control and perception, revealing his insensitivity and pride.

Question 3: How does Browning’s use of enjambment across lines affect the flow of the poem and the reader’s perception of the Duke?

Answer: Enjambment creates a natural, conversational flow that draws the reader into the Duke’s thoughts, making his manipulative nature more convincing.

Question 1: How does the structure of the poem reflect the theme of power and control?

Answer: The controlled rhyme scheme and formal monologue mirror the Duke’s desire for control and dominance over others, including his wife.

Question 2: Compare the structural approach in 'My Last Duchess' with another poem from the Power and Conflict anthology (e.g., 'Ozymandias'). How do both poems use structure to comment on power?

Answer: Both poems use fixed forms—'My Last Duchess' with its dramatic monologue and regular rhyme, and 'Ozymandias' with its sonnet form—to emphasize the permanence or fleeting nature of power. Browning’s structured monologue reveals personal control, while Shelley’s sonnet reflects on the inevitable decay of power.

Question 1: Draft a brief essay plan (introduction, main points, conclusion) explaining how structure contributes to the portrayal of the Duke and the poem’s themes.

Answer: Introduction: overview of structure and themes. Main points: use of monologue to reveal character; rhyme scheme to control tone; stanza length to build tension; placement of key quotes for emphasis. Conclusion: how these structural elements shape the reader’s perception of power and pride.