My Last Duchess Questions Answers Class 11 WBCHSE 2nd Semester

My Last Duchess Questions Answers provides a simple and clear explanation of Robert Browning’s poem, “My Last Duchess,” The poem focuses on themes like power and jealousy. This is part of the new Class 11 WBCHSE curriculum for the 2nd Semester. 

The blog post, My Last Duchess Questions Answers Class 11 WBCHSE 2nd Semester, helps students understand the poem and prepares them well for their 2025 exams. It offers clear, organized answers that improve understanding and boost confidence for the exam.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers SAQ Type [2 marks]

My Last Duchess Questions Answers SAQ Type provides short and precise answers to help students quickly grasp key points from the poem for 2-mark questions.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 1: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. Who wrote the poem ‘My Last Duchess’? To which age did he belong?

Ans: Robert Browning wrote “My Last Duchess.” He belonged to the Victorian Age, which spanned most of the 19th century. This era was marked by significant social, cultural, and industrial changes. Browning was renowned for his dramatic monologues and psychological insights in poetry.

2. What kind of writing style did Browning follow?

Ans: Browning followed a dramatic monologue style in many of his works. His poetry often delved into psychological depth and explored characters’ inner thoughts and motives. He used conversational tone, vivid imagery, and irregular rhymes to create compelling narratives in his works.

3. What kind of a poem is ‘My Last Duchess’?

Ans: “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue. The Duke, the narrator, speaks to a silent listener about a portrait of his late wife. The poem reveals the Duke’s arrogance, possessiveness, and cruelty, while exploring themes of power, control, and art.

People also ask

4. What was the original title of the poem? Where did the initial title appear?

Ans: The original title of “My Last Duchess” was Italy. It first appeared in Browning’s collection of poems called Dramatic Lyrics, published in 1842. This title reflects the setting of the poem and its cultural context.

5. What is a dramatic monologue? Justify ‘My Last Duchess’ as a dramatic monologue.

Ans: A dramatic monologue is a poem where a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their personality. “My Last Duchess” fits this definition as the Duke narrates his story to an envoy. Through his speech, his controlling nature and moral flaws are exposed.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 2: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. “That’s my last Duchess”- Why does the poem “My Last Duchess” open in this manner? 

Ans:  Robert Browning begins his poem “My Last Duchess” abruptly. He does not introduce the speaker, mention the setting, and practically says nothing about the listener. He follows a dramatic technique. And the opening line gives a dramatic twist. 

2 “That’s my last Duchess” How does the opening line reveal the character of the speaker?

Ans: The line states that the speaker is a Duke. He addresses his Duchess as “My Last Duchess”. The address shows that the Duke is possessive by nature. The word “last” actually the Duchess is just not last but late. The Duke calls his Duchess “that”. It suggests that she is a mere object to him. 

3. What is the historical context/source of the poem?

Ans: The poem is inspired by the life of Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara, in 16th-century Italy. His young wife, Lucrezia de’ Medici, died under mysterious circumstances. The poem reflects Renaissance values and power dynamics, with an emphasis on art, control, and aristocratic life.

4. Who is the speaker of the poem ‘My Last Duchess’?

Ans: The speaker is the Duke of Ferrara, an aristocratic and controlling man. He reveals his personality through his speech about his deceased wife. The Duke’s words expose his pride, jealousy, and desire for power, as he discusses the portrait and his wife’s behavior.

5. Who is the person spoken to in the poem ‘My Last Duchess’? 

Ans: The Duke speaks to an emissary representing a prospective bride’s family. The envoy is there to negotiate the marriage. Through the conversation, the Duke subtly communicates his expectations for obedience and control in his future wife, contrasting with his deceased Duchess’s independence.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 3: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. What is the purpose of his coming to the Duke of Ferrara?

Ans:  The envoy visits the Duke of Ferrara to negotiate the terms of a new marriage. The Duke is considering marrying a wealthy count’s daughter. Through their conversation, the Duke subtly sets expectations for obedience and hints at his past experiences with his late wife.

2. In which place and during which time is the poem set?

Ans:  The poem is set in Renaissance Italy, specifically in the Duke of Ferrara’s palace. The time reflects the 16th century, a period characterized by art, aristocratic power, and rigid societal structures, which influence the Duke’s attitudes and behavior.

3. What are the real names of the Duke and the Duchess mentioned in the poem?

Ans: The Duke in the poem is modeled after Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara. The Duchess represents Lucrezia de’ Medici, his young wife, who died under suspicious circumstances shortly after their marriage, inspiring Browning’s work.

4. At the very beginning, what does the Duke show to the envoy?

Ans:  The Duke shows the envoy a portrait of his late Duchess. The painting, hidden behind a curtain that only the Duke controls, serves as a symbol of his dominance and his need to control her memory, even in death.

5. Describe the significance of the phrase ‘Last Duchess’.

Ans: The phrase “Last Duchess” signifies the Duke’s possessiveness and objectification of his wife. By calling her “last,” he implies she is replaceable, and her death marked the end of her defiance. The phrase underscores his controlling nature and his perception of women as possessions.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 4:  [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. Where was the painting of the Duchess placed?

Ans: The painting of the Duchess was placed on a wall in the Duke’s private gallery. It was hidden behind a curtain, which only the Duke could draw, symbolizing his control over how she was viewed and remembered.

2. How did she look in the painting?

Ans:  In the painting, the Duchess appeared lively and joyful, as if she were alive. Her expression captured her warmth, kindness, and natural cheerfulness, which contrasts with the Duke’s cold and controlling demeanor.

3. “Looking as if she were alive.”- Who said this about whom and in which context?

Ans:  The Duke said this about the portrait of his late Duchess. He remarks on her lifelike appearance in the painting while showing it to the envoy, highlighting her vitality, which he found problematic during her life.

4. “I call / That piece a wonder,” – What does That piece’ refer to here? Why does the speaker call it ‘a wonder’?

Ans:  “That piece” refers to the Duchess’s portrait. The Duke calls it “a wonder” because of the painter’s skill in capturing her lifelike expression. However, his admiration for the art contrasts with his disdain for the Duchess’s perceived lack of submissiveness.

5. Who is the painter of the portrait of the ‘last Duchess’ mentioned in the poem? 

Ans:  The painter of the Duchess’s portrait is Fra Pandolf. The Duke mentions his name to emphasize the skill of the artist and to suggest the exclusivity and prestige of having such a work in his possession.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 5: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. How much time did he take to complete the portrait?

Ans: The painter, Fra Pandolf, took a single day to complete the Duchess’s portrait. The quick yet skillful work highlights the artist’s talent and the Duke’s focus on efficiency and control, even in commissioning art.

2. Who is Fra Pandolf?

Ans: Fra Pandolf is the fictional painter mentioned in the poem, portrayed as a skilled artist. His name adds an air of prestige and authenticity to the Duke’s narrative, emphasizing the high-quality artistry of the Duchess’s portrait.

3. “Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.” – What does the line signify?

Ans: This line signifies the artist’s skill in creating a lifelike portrait of the Duchess in just a day. It also emphasizes the Duke’s admiration for the art while revealing his possessive nature in how he controls its display.

4. “Will ‘t please you sit and look at her?” – Who said this and to whom? Why did the speaker ask the guest to sit and look at the painting?

Ans: The Duke said this to the envoy. He asked the guest to sit and observe the painting to showcase the Duchess’s beauty and lifelike expression while subtly asserting his control over how she is viewed and remembered.

5. Why did the Duke deliberately mention the name of the painter without being asked by the envoy?

Ans: The Duke mentioned Fra Pandolf’s name to highlight the exclusivity and high status associated with the portrait. By referencing a renowned artist, the Duke sought to emphasize his wealth, sophistication, and power, which he used to command such a remarkable creation.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 6: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. Why did the visitors turn to the Duke after watching the portrait of the last Duchess?

Ans: The visitors turned to the Duke after observing the portrait because they were struck by its lifelike quality and the Duchess’s lively expression. They likely sought his insight about the subject of the painting and the emotions it evoked.

2. What does the word ‘countenance’ mean? What does the Duke mean by ‘pictured countenance’ in the poem?

Ans: The word “countenance” means facial expression. By “pictured countenance,” the Duke refers to the lifelike depiction of the Duchess’s face in the portrait, which vividly captures her cheerful and kind personality.

3. “The depth and passion of its earnest glance,” – What does ‘its’ signify here?

Ans: In this line, “its” refers to the Duchess’s expression in the portrait. The phrase highlights the intense emotion and sincerity in her glance, which the Duke perceives as overly engaging with others, revealing his jealousy.

4. “… none puts by / The curtain I have drawn for you,” – Who is referred to as ‘I’? Which traits of the speaker are expressed in these lines?

Ans: The Duke is referred to as “I.” These lines reveal his controlling and possessive nature, as he alone decides who can view the Duchess’s portrait. His desire to dominate her memory is a reflection of his authoritative character.

5. Why did the Duke keep the portrait of his late wife curtained?

Ans: The Duke kept the portrait curtained to exert control over who could view it. This act symbolizes his possessiveness and his need to dominate her image, even after her death, ensuring that her memory aligns with his preferences.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 7: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. “…if they durst” – Who is the speaker? Who are referred to as ‘they’? Why does the Duke say “if they durst”?

Ans: The Duke is the speaker, and “they” refers to visitors who admire the Duchess’s portrait. He says “if they durst” (if they dared) to highlight his intimidating authority, implying that people are hesitant to speak openly about the Duchess due to fear of offending him.

2. What kind of a glance does the painting of the Duchess reflect?

Ans: The painting reflects a warm and earnest glance, full of depth, passion, and a cheerful disposition. This lively expression, admired by others, also becomes a source of jealousy and frustration for the Duke, who felt she was too easily pleased.

3. What according to the Duke is the cause of such a glance in the Duchess’ portrait?

Ans: According to the Duke, the Duchess’s glance was caused by her overly appreciative and joyful nature. He believed she found delight in everyone and everything, showing the same warmth to others as she did to him, which he resented.

4. What does the Duke mean by ‘spot of joy’?

Ans: The Duke uses “spot of joy” to describe the Duchess’s blush, which he interprets as a sign of her delight. He views it with suspicion, believing it stemmed from interactions with others rather than exclusive devotion to him.

5. “Paint / Must never hope to reproduce the faint / Half-flush that dies along her throat :” – Who said this and to whom? What did the statement mean?

Ans: The Duke said this to the envoy. He implies that even the artist Fra Pandolf could not fully capture the Duchess’s fleeting blush. The statement reflects his belief that her liveliness and emotions were elusive and not easily contained, much to his frustration.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 8: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. “Such stuff/Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough / For calling up that spot of joy.” – Explain the lines.

Ans: The Duke says the Duchess considered simple acts of politeness and compliments as reasons to blush with joy. He disapproves of her warm, appreciative nature, believing she should reserve such responses exclusively for him, revealing his possessive and jealous attitude.

2. “She had / A heart – how shall I say?” – Who is the speaker and whom is the speaker describing here? Why does the speaker use the words “how shall I say”?

Ans: The speaker is the Duke, describing the Duchess. He uses “how shall I say?” to suggest difficulty in articulating his dissatisfaction with her, masking his criticism with feigned politeness while subtly accusing her of being too easily pleased.

3. “…she liked whate’er/She looked on, and her looks went everywhere.” – What does the speaker mean to say in these lines?

Ans: The Duke criticizes the Duchess for finding joy in everything she saw, implying she lacked discernment. Her appreciative nature, according to him, diminished his own importance, as she distributed her attention and admiration too freely.

4. “Sir, it was all one!” – What is the significance of this statement?

Ans: This statement signifies the Duke’s frustration that the Duchess treated everyone and everything equally. He resented her inability to prioritize him over others, viewing her impartial kindness and joy as disrespectful to his authority.

5. How did the Duchess respond to the white mule in her afternoon ride?[HS Model Question 24]

Ans: The Duchess responded to the white mule with delight and gratitude. She appreciated simple pleasures, such as riding the mule, demonstrating her warm and unpretentious nature, which contrasted sharply with the Duke’s need for exclusive recognition and admiration.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 9: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. List the things that pleased the Duchess.

Ans: The Duchess was pleased by simple, everyday joys such as the sunset, cherries brought to her by someone, the white mule she rode, and polite gestures or compliments from others. Her joy stemmed from an unpretentious and kind-hearted appreciation of life.

2. Why did the Duke get annoyed at the ‘approving speech or blush’ of the Duchess?

Ans: The Duke was annoyed because he believed the Duchess’s smiles, blushes, and appreciation for others diminished his importance. He wanted her exclusive admiration and resented her warm responses to things or people he considered beneath his status.

3. “She thanked men,-good! but thanked/Somehow-I know not how” – What does the speaker mean to express in these lines?

Ans: The Duke acknowledges that the Duchess expressed gratitude, but he insinuates her manner of doing so was inappropriate or excessive. His vague criticism reflects his jealousy and inability to accept her genuine kindness toward others.

4. “….as if she ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift.” – What does the Duke intend to express in these lines?

Ans: The Duke intends to express his outrage that the Duchess did not value his aristocratic lineage and status above everything else. He resents that she equated his “gift” of marriage with ordinary gestures of kindness from others.

5. What does the Duke mean by ‘My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name’?

Ans: The Duke refers to his prestigious family heritage and noble lineage, symbolized by his surname. He considers marrying the Duchess and sharing his noble name a privilege, expecting her to revere it above all other joys or relationships.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 10: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. “I choose / Never to stoop.” – What did the Duke want to say through these lines?

Ans: The Duke means he refused to lower himself by discussing his dissatisfaction with the Duchess’s behavior. His arrogance and pride prevented him from addressing issues directly, instead resorting to extreme measures to assert his authority.

2. According to the Duke, what would he have not done even if he could speak freely?

Ans: The Duke claims he would not explain to the Duchess how her actions displeased him. He believed it was beneath him to correct her, viewing communication as unnecessary for someone of his superior status.

3. “This grew; I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.” – What character of the Duke is revealed here?[HS Model Question 24]

Ans: These lines reveal the Duke’s ruthless and authoritarian nature. He “gave commands” to end the Duchess’s life, demonstrating his cruelty, possessiveness, and intolerance for what he perceived as disobedience or disrespect.

4. What is the significance of the word ‘commands’ in the poem?

Ans: The word “commands” signifies the Duke’s absolute power and lack of empathy. It implies he ordered the Duchess’s death to eliminate her perceived flaws, asserting his control and reinforcing his dominance over her memory.

5. Why does the Duke appear to be unhappy with his wife?

Ans: The Duke was unhappy with the Duchess because she expressed joy and gratitude too freely. Her warm and kind nature, which extended to everyone, made him feel unimportant. He resented her inability to prioritize him and revere his status exclusively.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 11: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. What does the Duke show the emissary as they come downstairs?

Ans: As they come downstairs, the Duke shows the emissary a statue of Neptune taming a seahorse. This artwork demonstrates the Duke’s wealth and taste for fine art, contrasting with the earlier portrait of his late wife, highlighting his need to display power and control.

2. Who made the statue of Neptune? What was it made of and for whom?

Ans: The statue of Neptune was made by the sculptor Claus of Innsbruck. It was crafted from bronze and was commissioned by the Duke to symbolize his power and control, with Neptune taming the seahorse representing the Duke’s dominance over others.

3. Who was Claus of Innsbruck?

Ans: Claus of Innsbruck was a renowned sculptor during the Renaissance period, known for his work in bronze and marble. In the context of the poem, he is credited with creating the statue of Neptune, which symbolizes the Duke’s sense of power and control.

4. What type of a lady was the Duchess?

Ans: The Duchess was a lively, kind-hearted, and appreciative woman. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as nature and the kindness of others, which the Duke saw as excessive and inappropriate. Her openness to others’ attentions deeply troubled him, leading to his frustration.

5. “There she stands / As if alive.”- What does the expression signify here?[Textbook Exercise]

Ans: The expression “As if alive” signifies the Duke’s admiration for the lifelike quality of the portrait of the Duchess. It reflects the skill of the artist but also emphasizes how the Duke controls her memory, presenting her in a frozen, idealized form, rather than allowing her true nature.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 12: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. “Will ‘t please you rise?” – Who said this and to whom? Why was the person spoken to requested to rise?

Ans: The Duke said “Will ‘t please you rise?” to the emissary. He requests the emissary to stand, signaling the end of their conversation about the portrait and guiding him to leave, as they prepare to move on to other matters, including the discussion of the Duke’s future marriage.

2. What does the word ‘munificence’ mean? Whose ‘munificence’ is referred to here?

Ans: The word “munificence” means generosity or great generosity. The “munificence” referred to here is that of the Duke, who speaks about his noble family’s name as a generous gift. He sees his title and wealth as a favor to the Duchess’s family in the marriage arrangement.

3. What characteristic/trait of the Duke’s character can be discerned when he refers to the bronze statue of Neptune?[Textbook Exercice]

Ans: The Duke’s reference to the bronze statue of Neptune reveals his arrogance, pride, and desire for control. He admires Neptune’s power over the sea, paralleling his own sense of dominance and need to assert authority over his environment, including his late wife.

4. What message does the Duke wish to convey to the envoy?

Ans: The Duke wishes to convey to the envoy his sense of superiority, control, and expectations for the future marriage. He subtly reveals his possessive nature and the need for a wife who will obey him, while showcasing his wealth, power, and art collection.

5. What does the repetition of the pronoun ‘I’ signify in the poem?

Ans: The repetition of “I” in the poem signifies the Duke’s self-centeredness, arrogance, and desire for control. It emphasizes his belief in his own superiority, as he continually draws attention to himself, his possessions, and his actions, while revealing his possessive and authoritarian personality.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 13: [ 2 marks]

Answer the following questions in not more than 40 words:

1. What are the main themes of the poem ‘My Last Duchess’?

Ans: The main themes of “My Last Duchess” include power, control, jealousy, and the objectification of women. The Duke’s possessive nature and obsession with his late wife’s behavior highlight his authoritarian character. It also explores the consequences of pride and the dark side of aristocracy.

2. Name some figures of speech/literary devices used by Browning in the poem ‘My Last Duchess’.

Ans: Some literary devices used in “My Last Duchess” include dramatic monologue, irony, metaphor (e.g., “I gave commands”), and enjambment. Browning also employs alliteration (“fra Pandolf”), as well as imagery, especially when describing the Duchess’s portrait and the statues, symbolizing control and power.

3. What technique has Robert Browning used in his poem ‘My Last Duchess’?

Ans: Robert Browning uses the technique of dramatic monologue in “My Last Duchess.” The Duke speaks alone, revealing his character through his speech, providing insight into his personality and his motivations. The monologue format makes the poem intimate and allows the Duke’s controlling nature to emerge.

4. What did the Duke say about dowry to the envoy in ‘My Last Duchess’?

Ans: The Duke hints that the dowry should be significant for his next marriage. He subtly suggests that the family of the potential bride should offer a suitable dowry, highlighting his materialistic view of marriage and his expectation that his next wife will meet his standards of wealth and status.

5. How do you know that the Duke mentioned in the poem belongs to the period of Renaissance?

Ans: The Duke belongs to the Renaissance period due to his aristocratic status, his obsession with art (the portrait of the Duchess and the statue of Neptune), and his reference to his “nine-hundred-years-old name,” reflecting the importance of lineage and power in Renaissance society.

6. Comment on the ending of the poem.

Ans: The ending of the poem is unsettling, as the Duke casually shifts the conversation from his late wife’s portrait to a new potential marriage, revealing his cold, calculating nature. It highlights his ability to detach emotionally, focusing instead on securing his power and control over his next wife.

My Last Duchess Long Questions Answers [ 6 marks]

My Last Duchess Long Questions Answers [6 marks] offers detailed and thorough explanations to help students tackle 6-mark questions effectively, covering key themes and analysis of the poem.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 1: [ 6 marks]

Answer the following Questions in 120 words.

1. Write a note on the significance of the title of the poem ‘My Last Duchess’.

Ans: The title “My Last Duchess” emphasizes the Duke’s possessive and controlling nature. The word “my” reflects how the Duke views his wife as a possession, an object of ownership. The term “last” indicates that this Duchess is no longer alive, implying she has been replaced. This creates a sense of finality and loss but also suggests that the Duke has already moved on to the next woman. The title foreshadows the tragic fate of the Duchess, who is objectified and ultimately silenced by the Duke. It highlights the power dynamics in relationships where the Duke controls everything, even the memory of his wife. Overall, the title sets the tone for the poem’s themes of pride, jealousy, and possessiveness.

2. Give the substance of the poem ‘My Last Duchess’.

Ans: “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue spoken by a Duke to an emissary who has come to arrange his next marriage. The Duke shows the emissary a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, and reveals his feelings about her. He describes her as kind, beautiful, and full of joy, but he felt jealous and threatened by her friendliness. The Duke wanted her to reserve her smiles and affection only for him, but she treated everyone equally. He became angry and ordered her death because she did not meet his expectations. The Duke speaks casually about her demise and is already looking forward to his next marriage. The poem portrays the Duke’s arrogance, jealousy, and desire for control over others, especially women.

3. Write the central idea of the poem ‘My Last Duchess’.

Ans: The central idea of “My Last Duchess” revolves around the Duke’s possessiveness and jealousy. The poem shows how the Duke views his late wife, the Duchess, as a possession he controls. He resented her free-spirited nature and her kindness towards others, which made him feel inferior and jealous. The Duke’s inability to tolerate her behavior leads to her death, a fact he reveals nonchalantly. The poem explores themes of power, pride, and cruelty, emphasizing the Duke’s need for control and dominance. The Duke’s casual conversation about his wife’s death exposes his cold-heartedness and arrogance. Through the Duke’s perspective, the poem critiques the patriarchal society that allows men to treat women as mere objects, disregarding their humanity and emotions.

4. Critically analyze the poem ‘My Last Duchess’.

Ans: “My Last Duchess” is a dramatic monologue in which Robert Browning presents a chilling portrait of the Duke, a man who views his wife as an object to be controlled. The Duke’s narrative reveals his ego and insecurity, as he cannot tolerate his wife’s free and joyful nature. He desired absolute control over her, even to the extent of deciding who could admire her beauty. The poem exposes the Duke’s cruel and possessive nature as he nonchalantly admits to having her killed for her failure to conform to his desires. The use of dramatic irony deepens the impact, as the Duke believes he is simply describing his wife, while the reader understands the sinister implications. Browning effectively critiques the dangerous combination of power, pride, and jealousy, exploring the darker side of human nature.

5. “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall”. – Explain the quoted line with reference to the poem.

Ans: The line “That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall” refers to the portrait of the Duke’s late wife that hangs in his private gallery. The Duke’s use of the word “my” shows his possessive attitude, treating the Duchess as an object he can display. The word “last” hints at the fact that she is no longer alive, suggesting that the Duchess has been replaced. This line serves as a subtle revelation of the Duke’s control over her life and death. The portrait symbolizes how the Duke can preserve the image of his wife in a way that he could not control her living behavior. It highlights the Duke’s desire to control and manipulate, even in death, which reflects his sinister and narcissistic personality.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 2: [ 6 marks]

Answer the following Questions in 120 words.

1. “Fra Pandolf’s hands / Worked busily a day, and there she stands.” – Who is Fra Pandolf? What do the quoted lines mean?

Ans: Fra Pandolf is a fictional painter and monk created by Robert Browning to add authenticity to the story. The Duke mentions that Fra Pandolf worked diligently for an entire day to create the lifelike portrait of the Duchess. The quoted lines emphasize the realistic beauty of the painting, making it appear almost alive. The Duke uses Fra Pandolf’s name to suggest that the artist’s skill was so great that viewers would be awed by the Duchess’s beauty and expression. These lines also hint at the Duke’s pride in owning the painting, showcasing his obsession with possession and control. The mention of Fra Pandolf’s name adds credibility to the Duke’s account while subtly indicating his self-importance and need for attention.

2. What did the viewers observe about the painting of the Duchess? What did they wish to ask the Duke?

Ans: The viewers observed the captivating beauty of the Duchess’s portrait, noting her lifelike expression and the warmth in her smile. Her painted expression seemed to convey emotions that made her appear almost alive. The viewers were curious about the reason behind her smile and the joyful expression on her face. However, they dared not ask the Duke directly about the emotions the Duchess displayed in the painting. This hesitation stems from the Duke’s intimidating presence and authoritative demeanor. The viewers’ curiosity highlights the Duchess’s warmth and liveliness, which contrasts sharply with the Duke’s cold and controlling nature. Their reluctance to speak reflects the Duke’s dominance and his tendency to silence those who question him or his decisions.

3. “…if they durst.” – Who is the speaker? Who are ‘they’ referred to here? What does the speaker mean to say here? What light does the line throw on the character of the speaker?

Ans: The speaker is the Duke, and ‘they’ refers to the visitors or viewers of the Duchess’s portrait. By saying “if they durst,” the Duke implies that the viewers dared not question him about the Duchess’s smile or expression. This statement reveals the Duke’s intimidating and authoritative personality. He exudes a sense of superiority that discourages others from challenging or questioning him. The phrase showcases the Duke’s arrogance and his belief in his own unapproachable power. It also hints at the Duke’s controlling nature, as he manipulates how others perceive the Duchess, even in death. This line paints the Duke as a cold, domineering figure who prioritizes his ego over empathy or understanding.

4. What did the painter say to the Duchess? How did she react to that? How did the Duke estimate the situation?

Ans: The painter, Fra Pandolf, likely made polite or flattering remarks to the Duchess while painting her portrait, such as commenting on her beauty or asking her to pose. The Duchess, being kind and gentle, might have blushed or smiled in response to these compliments. She treated such comments with warmth and gratitude, which reflected her cheerful nature. The Duke, however, misinterpreted her reaction. He saw her friendliness as a sign of excessive modesty and flirtation. He resented her openness and inability to prioritize his status above everything else. The Duke estimated the situation as disrespectful to his authority and pride. This misunderstanding reveals the Duke’s possessive and jealous character, as he could not tolerate his wife’s natural kindness and innocence.

5. What was the Duke’s opinion about Fra Pandolf?

Ans: The Duke’s opinion of Fra Pandolf is not explicitly critical, but it reflects his controlling and egotistical nature. He mentions Fra Pandolf to assert the quality and authenticity of the portrait. By referencing the painter, the Duke implies that the Duchess’s expression of joy or modesty was a response to the artist’s words rather than her feelings for the Duke. This comment shows the Duke’s insecurities and his need to blame others for what he perceived as the Duchess’s faults. The Duke does not directly criticize Fra Pandolf but subtly uses his name to explain the Duchess’s behavior, deflecting attention from his own jealousy. This reflects the Duke’s manipulative and self-absorbed personality, as he carefully controls how others view his late wife.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 3: [ 6 marks]

Answer the following Questions in 120 words.

1. “She had/A heart-how shall I say?-too soon made glad,/Too easily impressed.” – Who is the speaker? Whose ‘heart’ is mentioned here? What does the speaker think of the “heart”? What kind of mentality of the speaker is revealed here?

Ans: The speaker is the Duke of Ferrara, and the ‘heart’ mentioned here refers to that of the Duchess, his late wife. The Duke criticizes the Duchess for being too cheerful and easily pleased by simple acts of kindness, compliments, or beauty. He believes her happiness should have been reserved exclusively for him. This statement reveals the Duke’s possessive and controlling mentality. He resents her generosity of spirit and inability to distinguish between casual interactions and the special respect due to his status. The Duke’s words expose his arrogance, jealousy, and obsession with authority. He viewed her natural kindness as a flaw, indicating his inability to appreciate her warm personality. His mentality highlights his lack of empathy and his tyrannical nature.

2. “…all and each / Would draw from her alike the approving speech.” – What does ‘all and each’ refer to? What does ‘approving speech’ mean here? What does the Duke think in this context?

Ans: ‘All and each’ refers to everyone and everything that the Duchess encountered, including people, nature, and simple acts of kindness. The term ‘approving speech’ means her kind words and expressions of gratitude or joy. The Duke disapproved of the Duchess treating everyone with the same warmth and appreciation, as he expected her to reserve her admiration solely for him. In this context, the Duke felt insulted because he believed his status and “nine-hundred-years-old name” entitled him to exclusive reverence from his wife. This reveals the Duke’s insecure and prideful nature, as he could not tolerate her equality in interactions. His interpretation of her behavior as disrespectful highlights his egotism and obsession with power.

3. “My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name.” – What does the speaker want to convey here? What light does the line throw on the character of the speaker?

Ans: The Duke refers to his aristocratic lineage and noble heritage, symbolized by his “nine-hundred-years-old name,” as a gift to the Duchess through their marriage. He implies that she should have shown more gratitude and reverence for the honor of being associated with his prestigious family. This statement reveals the Duke’s immense pride and belief in his superiority. It underscores his possessive nature, as he sees the marriage not as a partnership but as an act of bestowing honor. The line reflects his arrogance, vanity, and obsession with status. The Duke’s sense of entitlement and his inability to value his wife’s individuality further reveal his cold, authoritarian personality.

4. “Even then would be some stooping, and I choose / Never to stoop.” – What did the speaker consider stooping and why did he choose never to stoop?

Ans: The Duke considered “stooping” to be lowering himself by addressing or correcting the Duchess’s behavior directly. He believed that expressing his feelings or dissatisfaction to her would diminish his dignity and authority. Instead of communicating, he chose to remain silent and maintain his pride. His refusal to “stoop” reflects his arrogance and rigidity. He valued his ego and control more than understanding or resolving issues in the relationship. This attitude highlights his cold, authoritarian nature and his inability to appreciate his wife’s warmth and simplicity. By refusing to compromise or empathize, the Duke reveals his domineering and self-centered mentality, which ultimately led to his drastic decision to silence the Duchess permanently.

5. “This grew; I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.” – Bring out the significance of this statement.

Ans: This statement signifies the Duke’s extreme action to deal with the Duchess’s behavior, which he found displeasing. The phrase “I gave commands” suggests that the Duke ordered her death, effectively ending her smiles and cheerful demeanor forever. It reveals his tyrannical nature and his belief in absolute control over his wife’s actions and emotions. The statement’s chilling brevity reflects the Duke’s lack of remorse or empathy for the Duchess. It also underscores his obsession with power and his readiness to eliminate anything that undermined his authority. The significance lies in how it encapsulates the Duke’s manipulative and ruthless personality. By silencing the Duchess, he ensured that she would remain forever obedient in his mind, immortalized in the portrait on the wall.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 4: [ 6 marks]

Answer the following Questions in 120 words.

1. What is the dark revelation made by the Duke? How does this revelation present the Duke’s character?

Ans: The Duke reveals that he ordered the Duchess’s death because he was displeased with her behavior. He felt she was too friendly and treated everyone with equal warmth, failing to recognize the superiority of his “nine-hundred-years-old name.” This dark revelation presents the Duke as a controlling, egotistical, and ruthless person. He prioritizes his pride and authority over human life and feels no remorse for his actions. The Duke’s cold, detached manner of narrating this event shows his lack of empathy and his authoritarian personality. His inability to tolerate the Duchess’s kindness and joy reveals his jealousy and insecurity. This moment underscores his tyrannical nature, emphasizing that he values control and power above love or mutual respect.

2. How does the revelation affect the listener?

Ans: The listener, likely a representative arranging the Duke’s next marriage, is left in silent discomfort by the Duke’s revelation. The Duke’s calm and casual mention of having the Duchess killed would have shocked the listener, but the listener dares not show disapproval due to the Duke’s powerful and intimidating presence. The listener’s silence indicates fear and helplessness, as the Duke holds absolute authority. The Duke’s calculated manner of delivering the revelation is designed to assert dominance and intimidate the listener, subtly warning them about the consequences of non-compliance. This revelation affects the listener by forcing them to consider the Duke’s ruthless nature while maintaining a facade of politeness. The listener’s lack of reaction reflects the oppressive environment created by the Duke’s authoritarian personality.

3. What happened to the Duchess at the end and why did she meet this fate?

Ans: At the end of the poem, the Duchess is implied to have been killed on the Duke’s orders. The Duke felt insulted by her cheerful nature and the equal appreciation she showed to everyone, including himself. He believed that her behavior demeaned his status and failed to honor his noble lineage. Instead of communicating his dissatisfaction, the Duke chose to silence her permanently. Her fate reflects the Duke’s authoritarianism, jealousy, and obsession with control. He valued his pride and power above his wife’s life and individuality. The Duchess’s untimely death underscores the Duke’s tyrannical personality and inability to accept traits like kindness and humility. This decision reveals the Duke’s cold-hearted and egotistical nature, prioritizing dominance over love.

4. Why did the Duke keep the painting of the Duchess covered?

Ans: The Duke keeps the painting of the Duchess covered with a curtain so that only he can decide who sees it. This act symbolizes his desire to control the Duchess even after her death. In life, he was unable to restrict her cheerful interactions with others, but in death, he ensures that her image and smile are accessible only on his terms. By exercising this control, the Duke satisfies his possessive and authoritarian tendencies. The curtain reflects his jealousy and obsession with exclusivity, as he views the Duchess’s warmth as something that should have been reserved for him alone. Keeping the painting covered also reveals the Duke’s arrogance, as he considers himself the sole arbiter of who deserves to see the Duchess’s portrait.

5. Give a character sketch of the Duchess as revealed in the poem.

Ans: The Duchess is portrayed as a kind, warm, and cheerful person who finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. She appreciates beauty and goodness in everyone and everything, treating all with equal warmth. Her heart is described as “too soon made glad” and “too easily impressed,” highlighting her genuine and open nature. She values equality and does not reserve her appreciation solely for her husband, the Duke. However, this generosity of spirit becomes the source of conflict, as the Duke perceives it as a lack of respect for his status. The Duchess’s behavior reflects her innocence and a lack of malice. Despite her virtues, she falls victim to the Duke’s jealousy and authoritarianism, which tragically leads to her untimely death.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 5: [ 6 marks]

Answer the following Questions in 120 words.

1. How does the Duke place his demand for dowry?

Ans: The Duke subtly places his demand for dowry while discussing his next marriage with the envoy. He indirectly refers to his expectations by emphasizing his noble heritage and the legacy of his “nine-hundred-years-old name.” The Duke does not openly negotiate for money but hints at his desire for a substantial dowry. His calculated and manipulative manner of placing the demand reflects his pride and greed. The Duke’s approach underscores his materialistic values, prioritizing wealth and status over genuine affection or companionship in marriage. By emphasizing his lineage, he implies that his nobility warrants a significant financial contribution from the bride’s family. This demand reveals the Duke’s opportunistic and mercenary attitude, treating marriage as a transaction to enhance his power and wealth.

2. What picture of the 16th-century society do we get from it?

Ans: The poem presents a picture of 16th-century society where patriarchy, class distinctions, and materialism dominated human relationships. Aristocratic men like the Duke held absolute power over their households, including their wives, treating them as possessions rather than individuals. Marriage was often a tool for political alliances or financial gain, with dowry playing a significant role. Women were expected to conform to strict behavioral norms, emphasizing loyalty and submission, while their individuality and freedom were suppressed. The Duke’s control over the Duchess’s image, even after her death, highlights the objectification of women in that era. The society portrayed in the poem reflects the excessive emphasis on status, wealth, and appearances, with little regard for emotional connections or personal values.

3. “Notice Neptune,… / Taming a sea-horse..” – Who shows this to whom? What do you think “Neptune taming a sea-horse” symbolizes? Does it reveal any aspect of the speaker’s character?

Ans: The Duke shows the sculpture of Neptune taming a sea-horse to the envoy. The statue symbolizes power, dominance, and control, reflecting the Duke’s authoritarian nature. Neptune, the god of the sea, represents the Duke, while the sea-horse symbolizes his subdued subjects, particularly the Duchess. This imagery underscores the Duke’s belief in asserting control over others to maintain his authority and ego. The choice of this specific sculpture reveals the Duke’s obsession with power and his need to dominate those around him. It also highlights his arrogance and pride in displaying his possessions to impress the envoy. The Duke’s reference to the sculpture in the context of negotiating a new marriage shows his calculating personality, always seeking to reinforce his superiority.

4. Why did the envoy come to visit the Duke? How did the Duke negotiate the issue? How do you judge the Duke in this context?

Ans: The envoy visited the Duke to discuss the terms of his marriage to the daughter of another wealthy family. The Duke negotiated the issue indirectly, emphasizing his noble lineage and wealth while subtly expressing his expectations for a significant dowry. He also showcased his art collection, including the Duchess’s portrait and the Neptune sculpture, to project his wealth and taste. The Duke’s calculated and manipulative manner reveals his self-centered and materialistic nature. He prioritizes financial and social gain over emotional or moral considerations in marriage. The Duke’s focus on wealth and status rather than love or compatibility paints him as a cold and arrogant individual. His negotiation strategy reflects his transactional approach to relationships, treating marriage as a means to consolidate power.

5. What is the significance of the Duchess’ portrait in the poem?

Ans: The Duchess’s portrait holds significant symbolic value in the poem. It represents the Duke’s control over his late wife, as he can now dictate who views her smile and warmth. The painting freezes the Duchess in time, allowing the Duke to maintain authority over her memory and image, which he failed to achieve during her life. The portrait serves as a reminder of the Duke’s authoritarian and possessive nature. It also reflects the objectification of women in patriarchal societies, where they are often valued more as possessions than as individuals. By displaying the portrait to the envoy, the Duke showcases his power and taste while subtly warning against defiance. The portrait symbolizes both the Duchess’s tragic fate and the Duke’s oppressive personality.

My Last Duchess Questions Answers Set 6: [ 6 marks]

Answer the following questions in about 120 words:

1. Consider ‘My Last Duchess’ as a dramatic monologue.*

OR, 

What is ‘dramatic monologue? Estimate My Last Duchess’ as a dramatic monologue. [HS Model Question 24][Textbook Exercise]

Ans: A dramatic monologue is a poetic form where a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their thoughts, emotions, and character through their speech. The speaker often unwittingly exposes their flaws and true intentions. My Last Duchess is an excellent example of a dramatic monologue. The Duke, as the speaker, reveals his arrogance, pride, and controlling nature while discussing his late wife with the envoy. The silent listener, the envoy, acts as a passive observer, allowing the Duke to dominate the conversation. Through the Duke’s speech, the reader gains insight into his authoritarian personality and his inability to accept the Duchess’s natural warmth and simplicity. The poem effectively uses this form to explore themes of power, control, and human flaws, making it a compelling dramatic monologue.

2. How is power syndrome conveyed in ‘My Last Duchess’?* (Textbook Exercise]

Ans: Power syndrome is conveyed in My Last Duchess through the Duke’s authoritarian personality and his obsession with control. The Duke views himself as superior due to his noble lineage and wealth, expecting complete submission from his Duchess. He is unable to tolerate her friendly demeanor toward others, which he interprets as disrespectful to his authority. The Duke’s command to end the Duchess’s life demonstrates his need to assert power over her even in death. He proudly showcases her portrait, which he keeps hidden, symbolizing his control over her memory and image. His interaction with the envoy further reflects his manipulative nature, as he subtly asserts his expectations for dowry while flaunting his superiority. The poem portrays the Duke as a tyrant, driven by his power syndrome and insatiable ego.

FAQs on My Last Duchess Questions Answers

1. What is the main message in My Last Duchess?

Ans: The poem explores themes of power, control, and jealousy. It highlights the Duke’s authoritarian nature and his inability to accept the Duchess’s independent and warm personality. Browning criticizes how wealth and social status can corrupt individuals, making them view relationships as possessions rather than bonds of mutual respect and love.

2. What type of lady was the Duchess? 

Ans: The Duchess was a kind, gentle, and warm-hearted woman who found joy in simple things. She treated everyone with equal respect and smiled generously, irrespective of their status. Her cheerful and amiable nature displeased the Duke, who misinterpreted her friendliness as flirtation and deemed her unworthy of his exclusive attention.

3. What is the irony in My Last Duchess? 

Ans: The Duke proudly displays the Duchess’s portrait to flaunt his power, yet it ironically reveals his insecurity and tyrannical nature. He criticizes her for being too joyful and approachable, but the audience perceives her virtues as noble and his actions as cruel. His narrative exposes his flaws rather than her faults.

4. Is My Last Duchess a true story? 

Ans: Yes, My Last Duchess is inspired by historical events. The poem is based on the life of Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara, and his first wife, Lucrezia de’ Medici. Lucrezia died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 17, sparking rumors of foul play. Browning fictionalized these events to explore themes of power and control, using the Duke’s narrative to reflect his possessive and authoritarian nature, which likely contributed to Lucrezia’s tragic fate.

5. Who was the real Duchess? 

Ans: The real Duchess was Lucrezia de’ Medici, the first wife of Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara. Born into the powerful Medici family, she married Alfonso at 14 and died at 17 under suspicious circumstances. Her mysterious death forms the basis of Browning’s fictional portrayal of the Duke and Duchess.

6. What type of poem is My Last Duchess? 

Ans: My Last Duchess is a dramatic monologue, a poetic form where a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their character through their speech. The poem combines psychological depth with storytelling, presenting themes of power, jealousy, and control while offering insight into the Duke’s authoritarian and manipulative personality.