Chapter 6 – My Last Duchess Solutions

Content Structure

1. About the author – Robert Browning
2. Summary of My Last Duchess
3. Word meanings
4. Exercises solutions

1. About the author – Robert Browning

Robert Browning was a famous English poet and playwright, born in London on 7th May 1812. He was best known for his dramatic monologues and psychological insight in poetry. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in literature. He became well known for his unique style, profound thinking, and the use of dramatic speech in his poems. Some of his most famous works include My Last Duchess, Porphyria’s Lover and The Pied Piper of Hamelin. His poetry explored human emotions, moral struggles, and relationships. He died on 12th December 1889.

2. Summary of My Last Duchess

The poem “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue spoken by a Duke to a visitor who has come to arrange his next marriage. While showing the visitor a portrait of his late Duchess the Duke says the painting looks so real that she appears alive. The artist Fra Pandolf, painted the portrait, and the Duke keeps it behind a curtain that only he can draw. He explains that his wife was too friendly and smiled too much at everyone, which made him feel uncomfortable. She showed the same happiness when someone complimented her, gave her a small gift or when she saw something beautiful like a sunset. The Duke felt that she did not value his noble family name more than these small things, which made him jealous and upset. He did not talk to her about it because he thought it would make him look weak. Later he simply says, “I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together,” which suggests that he had her killed. This shows how cruel and controlling he was. At the end of the poem the Duke calmly returns to discussing his next marriage with the Count’s daughter. He also points out a statue of Neptune taming a seahorse which shows his love for power and control. The poem makes it clear that the Duke is a proud, selfish and heartless man who treats people, especially women like objects meant to follow his wishes.

3. Word meanings

Word	Meaning
Countenance	Face
Passion	Strong feeling
Glance	Quick look
Durst	Dared
Courtesy	Politeness
Officious	Too helpful
Orchard	Fruit tree garden
Mule	An animal like a donkey, used for riding
Rode	Traveled
Trifling	Unimportant
Munificence	Great kindness and giving nature
Pretence	A false excuse
Ample	Plenty
Taming	Controlling
Dowry	Money or gifts a bride brings to a marriage

My Last Duchess Extra Questions and Answers

WB 11 all notes

4. Exercises solutions

1. What type of a lady was the Duchess? …. (2)
Ans: The Duchess was a cheerful, polite, and kindhearted lady who always smiled and found joy in simple things such as small gifts, kind compliments or the beauty of nature.

2. What characteristic trait of the Duke’s character can be discerned when he refers to the bronze statue of Neptune?… (2)
Ans: The Duke’s reference to the bronze statue of Neptune reveals his controlling and power-loving nature as he admires symbols of dominance like Neptune taming a sea creature reflecting his own desire to control and dominate others.

3. Analyse My Last Duchess as a dramatic monologue?… (6)
Ans: My Last Duchess is a dramatic monologue in which the Duke is the only speaker while the listener remains silent throughout the poem. The Duke unintentionally reveals key aspects of his personality such as pride, jealousy, and cruelty, in the way he describes his late wife. His speech gives readers a deep understanding of his character, even though no other voice is heard. His description of the Duchess’s behavior also highlights his own controlling and possessive attitude. This monologue allows readers to clearly see the Duke’s mindset and his obsession with power and authority.

4. How is power syndrome conveyed in My Last Duchess?… (6)
Ans: The poem conveys the Duke’s obsession with power and control through his attitude toward the Duchess and those around him. He wanted complete authority over her including her actions, emotions, and even her smiles. He grew angry when she treated others with the same kindness she showed him, feeling that she failed to give him the special attention he believed he deserved. He did not speak to her about his concerns because he thought it would lower his dignity, so he chose to use his power to silence her permanently. His control continues even after her death as he decides who may view her portrait. Later in the conversation he shifts the topic to his next marriage and speaks about wealth and status which further reflects his desire for dominance. These details reveal that the Duke views both people and relationships as possessions to be owned and controlled.