12 Questions
What does the Duke consider a 'wonder' in the poem?
The painting of his last Duchess
What does the Duke suggest about strangers who view the painting?
They will never understand the true essence of the Duchess
What caused joy to appear on the Duchess' cheek?
The gifts and gestures of affection from others
What does the Duke imply about the Duchess' demeanor towards others?
She was easily impressed by others
What does the Duke's 'favour at her breast' refer to?
A brooch or piece of jewelry she wore
What is the significance of the mention of 'the bough of cherries' in the poem?
It symbolizes the Duchess' fondness for nature and simplicity
What does the speaker choose never to do?
To stoop and lesson someone
What does the speaker find distasteful in the person being addressed?
Letting herself be lessoned
What did the speaker give commands for?
To stop someone from smiling
What is the object of the speaker's desire?
The fair daughter's dowry
Who cast a sea-horse in bronze for the speaker?
Claus of Innsbruck
What did the person addressed smile at whenever the speaker passed her?
The same smile as anyone else
Study Notes
The Duke's Perspective
- The Duke considers the Duchess' portrait a 'wonder'.
The Duchess' Portrait
- Strangers who view the painting are suggested to be envious of the Duke's possession.
- Joy appeared on the Duchess' cheek due to the Duke's favour.
The Duchess' Demeanor
- The Duchess is implied to be overly friendly and courteous towards others, which the Duke dislikes.
The Favour
- The Duke's 'favour at her breast' refers to the Duchesses' necklace or brooch.
The Bough of Cherries
- The 'bough of cherries' is symbolic of the Duchess' joy and playfulness.
The Speaker's Choices
- The speaker chooses never to interfere with the Duchess' relationships with strangers.
The Speaker's Dislikes
- The speaker finds it distasteful when the person being addressed stops smiling at him.
The Speaker's Commands
- The speaker gave commands for the casting of a bronze sea-horse.
The Object of Desire
- The object of the speaker's desire is the bronze sea-horse.
The Bronze Sea-Horse
- The bronze sea-horse was cast by Claus of Innsbruck for the speaker.
The Smile
- The person being addressed smiled at the Duke whenever he passed her.
Test your understanding of Robert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess' with this quiz. Analyze the themes, characters, and narrative style to deepen your appreciation of the poem.
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