Page 2: Key Quotations and Comparisons

This page delves into the critical quotations from My Last Duchess and provides comparisons with other poems exploring similar themes.

Key Quotations:

1. "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall"

   • The possessive pronoun "my" is used throughout, emphasizing the Duke's view of his wife as a possession.

2. "This grew; I gave commands..."

   • The use of caesura and short phrases highlights the Duke's cold and ruthless nature.

3. "Will't please you sit and look at her?"

   • This rhetorical question is actually a command, showcasing the Duke's power and pride.

4. "Since none puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I"

   • Demonstrates the Duke's control over his wife, even after her death.

5. "Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse"

   • This boastful language ends the poem, further illustrating the Duke's pride.

6. "As if she ranked / My gift..."

   • Reveals the Duke's jealousy and dislike of the attention his wife received.

Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall" - This line introduces the possessive nature of the Duke and sets the tone for the entire poem.

Vocabulary: Caesura - A pause or break in a line of poetry, often indicated by punctuation.

The poem can be compared with others exploring similar themes:

1. Power of Memory:

   • War Photographer
   • Kamikaze
   • The Emigree
   • Remains

2. Human Power and Misuse of Power:

   • Ozymandias
   • London

Highlight: The comparisons with other poems help to contextualize "My Last Duchess" within broader literary explorations of power, memory, and human nature.

Example: Like "My Last Duchess", "Ozymandias" also explores themes of power and its transient nature, though from a different perspective.

This analysis of power and control in My Last Duchess provides valuable insights for students studying the poem, offering a detailed context of My Last Duchess and exploring its key themes. The line-by-line summary and examination of quotations make this an excellent resource for GCSE level study and beyond.

Page 1: Introduction and Context

My Last Duchess, created by Harry Westworth, provides a comprehensive analysis of Robert Browning's renowned poem. Written in 1845 but set in the 16th century, the poem presents a chilling narrative of male power and dominance through the voice of the Duke of Ferrara.

The poem's context is rooted in historical reality, based on Alfonso II, Duke of Modena and Ferrara in Italy. This connection to a real historical figure adds depth to the poem's exploration of power dynamics in Renaissance Italy.

Browning employs several structural techniques to enhance the poem's impact:

1. Dramatic Monologue: This technique creates an immediate and unsettling connection between the reader and the Duke's disturbing narrative.

2. Iambic Pentameter: Traditionally used in Shakespearean plays to denote high status, Browning uses this meter to highlight the Duke's obsession with reputation and social standing.

3. First-Person Narrative: This contributes to the conversational style, suggesting the Duke's belief in the normalcy of his actions.

4. Single Voice: The Duke's monopoly on the narrative underscores his controlling nature.

The poem explores key concepts that resonate with readers:

1. Oppression of Women: It highlights the objectification and subjugation of women in 16th-century society.

2. Arrogance, Pride, and Power: The Duke is characterized as entitled and obsessed with control, particularly over his wife's life.

Highlight: The poem's structural choices, particularly the use of dramatic monologue and iambic pentameter, serve to emphasize the Duke's character and the themes of power and control.

Definition: Dramatic monologue is a type of poetry written in the form of a speech of an individual character, allowing the reader to peer into the mind of the speaker.

Example: The Duke's control over the narrative, being the only voice heard, mirrors his desire for control in his relationships and social standing.