Page 3: Context and Connections

The final page provides crucial context for "My Last Duchess" and its connections to other poems in the Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology.

Highlight: The poem is based on the historical figure of Duke Alfonso II of Ferrara, who was rumored to have poisoned his first wife, Lucrezia, in the 1550s.

This historical basis adds depth to the poem's exploration of power abuse and gender dynamics in Renaissance Italy.

Example: Alfonso II had three wives in total, with the first two dying under suspicious circumstances, mirroring the Duke's casual mention of his "last" Duchess in the poem.

The page emphasizes Browning's role as a Victorian poet using historical settings to comment on contemporary issues, particularly female oppression.

Vocabulary: Dramatic monologue - a poetic form Browning mastered to reveal character through speech.

The summary concludes by suggesting comparisons with other poems in the anthology:

1. "Ozymandias" - exploring the abuse of power
2. "Poppies" - themes of death and loss
3. "Checking Out Me History" - examining historical narratives and power dynamics

These connections help situate "My Last Duchess" within the broader themes of the Power and Conflict poems, making it a valuable resource for GCSE English Literature students studying the AQA poetry anthology.

Page 1: Introduction and Opening Lines

The first page introduces Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess", setting the scene in Ferrara. The poem begins with the Duke showing a portrait of his late wife to a visitor, likely an emissary arranging his next marriage.

Quote: "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive."

These opening lines immediately establish the Duke's possessive attitude and hint at the Duchess's fate. The use of "last" suggests she is one of many, objectifying her from the start.

Highlight: The Duke's control over who views the portrait is emphasized, revealing his desire for power and ownership.

The Duke proceeds to describe the Duchess's personality, revealing his jealousy and disapproval of her friendly nature.

Example: The Duke mentions how the Duchess would blush at compliments from Fra Pandolf, the painter, showcasing his paranoia about her interactions with others.

Vocabulary: "Countenance" - facial expression, used to describe the lifelike quality of the portrait.

The page concludes with the Duke's growing frustration at the Duchess's ability to find joy in simple things, from sunsets to cherry boughs, implying his desire for her attention to be solely on him.