Monday, October 31, 2016

My Last Duchess (ENG 4U1) Questions

Please answer in complete sentences using key words from the question in your answer.  You do not have to copy the questions, but please use words from the question in the answer .

1.  In any dramatic monologue, we want to be able to identify the speaker, the silent listener, the setting and the critical moment of the poem.  Go back to your note on dramatic monologue, and, in a sentence or two, give an answer for each.

2.  How does the poem begin (summarize) in lines 1-13)?  Who is Fra Pandolf and what is the Duke's opinion of him?

3.  Lines 15-24 show the beginning of his madness regarding his relationship with his wife. Explain with direct reference to the poem.

4.  What are some other complaints he has regarding his wife's behaviour (lines 21-45)?

5.  Write out lines 45-46?  What is the inference of these lines?

6.  What is the surprise of lines 48-53?  (Why is the Duke entertaining the ambassador of the Count and why is this ironic)?

7.  At the end of the poem, what does the Duke ask his visitor to look at? How is the story to foil to the the Duke's story?  Using Neptune is an example of what poetic device?

8.  What are two characteristics of the Duke? Use a quote to support each characteristic.  According to Freud and the Psychoanalytical Approach, which zone controls the Duke. Explain with reference to the Critical Approaches handout.

9.  Look up the poetic device of enjambement.  Define it.  Is it used in this poem (I'm guessing it is:).  Explain one reason you think the poet may have chosen to have the Duke speak in this fashion. 

10.  What criticisms or insights might a person have if they approached this poem from the feminist point of view? Go back to the Feminist Approach in your Critical Approaches handout and choose three ways a feminist might view this poem.

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