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MY LAST DUCHESS CREATED BY HARRY WESTWORTH SUMMARY Robert Browning wrote My Last Duchess in 1845, but the poem was set in the 16th century. In the poem, the Duke of Ferrara speaks to a messenger sent by a ruler from a foreign land to secure marriage for his daughter. The poem explores male power and dominance. CONTEXT The poem is based on a real person - Alfonso II, Duke of Modena and Ferrara in Italy. STRUCTURAL IDEAS Dramatic monologue - This heightens the reader's shock at the Duke's actions because it feels as though he is speaking to us directly. lambic pentameter - lambic pentameter was often used in Shakespeare's plays to indicate a character's wealth and high status. Browning uses it to highlight the Duke's obsession with his reputation and how he was viewed. First person narrative - The use of the first person contributes to the conversational style. This suggests the Duke felt his actions were normal and acceptable. Voice - The Duke is the only voice in the poem. This suggests he is controlling as he does not allow anyone else to interrupt his narrative. KEY CONCEPTS The poem explores the impact of nature in the Poem, for instance: 1) Oppression of women a) The poem highlights the oppression and objectification of women in the 16th century. 2) Arrogance, pride and power a) The Duke...
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Alternative transcript:
is characterised as arrogant, entitled and obsessed with pursuing control. b) He wants to dominate all aspects of his wife's life. This is the primary way we see his obsession with power in the poem. KEY QUOTATIONS "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall" Possessive pronoun Use of possessive pronoun "my" throughout links to Symbolism of the curtain the Duke's view that his wife belonged to him. "This grew; I gave commands..." Caesura & short sentences The use of caesura and short phrases highlight the swiftness, coldness and ruthlessness with which he disposed of her life. "Will't please you sit and look at her?" Rhetorical question The Duke is posing this as a question, but it is really a command. Emphasises his power and his pride. KEY COMPARISONS Power of memory War Photographer Kamikaze The Emigree Remains "Since none puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I" Shows he controlled her even in death. "Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse" Boastful language This is used to end the poem. "As if she ranked / My gift..." Irony Implies the Duke is jealous, despite his arrogance. The Duke dislikes the attention she is getting. Human power and the misuse of power Ozymandias London
My Last Duchess
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My Last Duchess: AQA Annotations detailed notes
A a poem about a duke's possessiveness and desire for power over his wife.
MY LAST DUCHESS CREATED BY HARRY WESTWORTH SUMMARY Robert Browning wrote My Last Duchess in 1845, but the poem was set in the 16th century. In the poem, the Duke of Ferrara speaks to a messenger sent by a ruler from a foreign land to secure marriage for his daughter. The poem explores male power and dominance. CONTEXT The poem is based on a real person - Alfonso II, Duke of Modena and Ferrara in Italy. STRUCTURAL IDEAS Dramatic monologue - This heightens the reader's shock at the Duke's actions because it feels as though he is speaking to us directly. lambic pentameter - lambic pentameter was often used in Shakespeare's plays to indicate a character's wealth and high status. Browning uses it to highlight the Duke's obsession with his reputation and how he was viewed. First person narrative - The use of the first person contributes to the conversational style. This suggests the Duke felt his actions were normal and acceptable. Voice - The Duke is the only voice in the poem. This suggests he is controlling as he does not allow anyone else to interrupt his narrative. KEY CONCEPTS The poem explores the impact of nature in the Poem, for instance: 1) Oppression of women a) The poem highlights the oppression and objectification of women in the 16th century. 2) Arrogance, pride and power a) The Duke...
MY LAST DUCHESS CREATED BY HARRY WESTWORTH SUMMARY Robert Browning wrote My Last Duchess in 1845, but the poem was set in the 16th century. In the poem, the Duke of Ferrara speaks to a messenger sent by a ruler from a foreign land to secure marriage for his daughter. The poem explores male power and dominance. CONTEXT The poem is based on a real person - Alfonso II, Duke of Modena and Ferrara in Italy. STRUCTURAL IDEAS Dramatic monologue - This heightens the reader's shock at the Duke's actions because it feels as though he is speaking to us directly. lambic pentameter - lambic pentameter was often used in Shakespeare's plays to indicate a character's wealth and high status. Browning uses it to highlight the Duke's obsession with his reputation and how he was viewed. First person narrative - The use of the first person contributes to the conversational style. This suggests the Duke felt his actions were normal and acceptable. Voice - The Duke is the only voice in the poem. This suggests he is controlling as he does not allow anyone else to interrupt his narrative. KEY CONCEPTS The poem explores the impact of nature in the Poem, for instance: 1) Oppression of women a) The poem highlights the oppression and objectification of women in the 16th century. 2) Arrogance, pride and power a) The Duke...
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries
Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.
Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...
iOS User
I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D
Stefan S, iOS User
The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D
SuSSan, iOS User
Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying
Alternative transcript:
is characterised as arrogant, entitled and obsessed with pursuing control. b) He wants to dominate all aspects of his wife's life. This is the primary way we see his obsession with power in the poem. KEY QUOTATIONS "That's my last Duchess painted on the wall" Possessive pronoun Use of possessive pronoun "my" throughout links to Symbolism of the curtain the Duke's view that his wife belonged to him. "This grew; I gave commands..." Caesura & short sentences The use of caesura and short phrases highlight the swiftness, coldness and ruthlessness with which he disposed of her life. "Will't please you sit and look at her?" Rhetorical question The Duke is posing this as a question, but it is really a command. Emphasises his power and his pride. KEY COMPARISONS Power of memory War Photographer Kamikaze The Emigree Remains "Since none puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you, but I" Shows he controlled her even in death. "Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea-horse" Boastful language This is used to end the poem. "As if she ranked / My gift..." Irony Implies the Duke is jealous, despite his arrogance. The Duke dislikes the attention she is getting. Human power and the misuse of power Ozymandias London