Question 1: Identify and explain the significance of the line where the Duke discusses his last Duchess's 'spot of joy'. What does this suggest about his attitude towards her?

Answer: The phrase indicates the Duke's perception of her happiness as something he can control or dismiss, reflecting his possessiveness and desire for dominance.

Question 2: How does Browning use language to depict the Duke's sense of authority over his wife? Provide specific examples.

Answer: Browning uses commanding language, such as 'I gave commands', and possessive pronouns, emphasizing the Duke's control and authoritarian attitude.

Question 3: Quote Explosion: Analyze the quote 'That spot of joy' in terms of word choice and tone. How does it reflect the Duke's view of his wife?

Answer: Keywords like 'spot' and 'joy' diminish her happiness to a small, insignificant thing, revealing the Duke's dismissive attitude and his need to control her emotions.

Question 1: Identify and analyze the metaphor in the line 'My object: 'None puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I'. What is Browning suggesting about the Duke?

Answer: The metaphor shows the Duke's view of himself as the central figure, controlling what is visible and hidden, highlighting themes of possession and dominance.

Question 2: How does Browning’s tone in the poem reflect the Duke’s personality? Provide examples.

Answer: The tone is sinister and commanding, exemplified by the Duke’s calm, manipulative language, which reveals his arrogance and possible guilt.

Question 3: Quote Explosion: Examine the imagery in 'The very next thing / Which I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together'. What does this reveal about the Duke?

Answer: The imagery of 'smiles stopped' suggests the Duke’s ruthless control over his wife’s happiness and possibly her life, emphasizing his authoritarian nature.

Question 1: How does the poem explore the theme of reputation? Cite lines that suggest the Duke’s obsession with appearances.

Answer: Lines like 'neither never read / Strangers like you that pictured countenance' show the Duke’s concern with how others perceive him and his reputation.

Question 2: In what ways does Browning depict manipulation and control in the poem?

Answer: Through the Duke’s tone, his controlling language, and imagery suggesting he has silenced or dismissed others, Browning shows his manipulative nature.

Question 3: Compare the depiction of power in 'My Last Duchess' with that in 'Ozymandias'. What similarities or differences can you identify?

Answer: Both poems depict the destructive nature of power—Ozymandias’s hubris leading to decay, while the Duke’s desire for control is personal and obsessive. Contrasts include the transient nature of political power versus personal reputation.

Question 1: Draft an outline for an essay analyzing Browning’s portrayal of the Duke’s personality and the themes of power and manipulation.

Answer: Introduction: Overview of poem and themes. Paragraph 1: Language devices showing control (e.g., tone, metaphors). Paragraph 2: How imagery reflects Duke’s personality. Paragraph 3: Comparison with other poems (e.g., 'Ozymandias'). Conclusion: Browning’s message about power and reputation.