WorksheetsMy Last Duchess
Total questions: 6
Worksheet time: 4mins
What's the effect of the language in the title?
'Last' connotes the memory of his previous wife, the Duchess.
'Last' infers that he is expecting a new marriage contract.
'Last' implies he is the winner in the marriage relationship.
'Last' implies she lost her life because of his cruel superiority.
What is the effect of the negative emotions expressed by the speaker?
In my view, the speaker is a possessive character.
I think that the speaker is arrogant and egotistical.
I feel that the speaker is conflicted by the memory of his previous wife.
Perhaps the speaker is a widower who is mourning.
What is your opinion of the structure/form?
I appreciate Browning's dramatic monologue, it shows power over words.
The dramatic monologue characterises the Duke in an egotistical way which is antagonising.
The structure is long without stanzas which makes the Duke seem overbearing.
The dramatic monologue is intensely moody.
What is a caesura?
A run on line.
Repetition of similar consonants.
Light/heavy rhythm.
A pause in the middle of a line to show the speaker's uncertainty and create suspense.
What is enjambment?
An incomplete sentence.
Run on lines without punctuation.
A comparison using as or like.
An cyclical narrative.
Which are the most obvious themes?
Memory
Negative emotions
Death
Love
