Summary
Summary The Last Duchess - Detailed Poem Notes (IEB Poem)
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A detailed line by line summary and analysis of the poem The Last Duchess. This poem is assessed as part of the grade 12 IEB syllabus.
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Title - Poet· Title implies that the speaker has already had multiple duchesses
· Poem allows reader to assess the character of the speaker – arrogant, narcissistic, controlling,
jealous
That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, · Past tense – the duchess in the painting seems
1
to have passed away
Looking as if she were alive. I call · Painting is very realistic
2
· Were – indicates that she is dead
That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s · Fra Pandolf – popular/famous artist
hands · The speaker is name dropping – exposes his
3 wealth/high social standards
· Indicates that status and money is important to
the speaker
Worked busily a day, and there she stands. · A day – it only took the artist one day to finish the
4
painting
Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said · Speaker is forcing the visitor to look at the
painting
5
· Indicates narcissism and attention-seeking of the
speaker
“Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read · Repetition of ‘Fra Pandolf’ – emphasis on the
artist’s status/popularity
6
· The speaker is hoping for a positive reaction from
the visitor, but the guest has not responded yet.
· The speaker is the only one who can draw back
7 Strangers like you that pictured countenance, the curtain which covers the painting, and reveal
it to guests
· The guest should feel special, because not
8 The depth and passion of its earnest glance, everyone is allowed to see the portrait
· This gives the speaker power – indicates that he
9 But to myself they turned (since none puts by is in control
· Indicates that the painting is very special/valuable
(and reserved for the most prominent guests) OR
10 The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) the speaker is embarrassed because of the
flirtatious look on the duchesses face
And seemed as they would ask me, if they · Durst – dared – indicates that people who ask the
11
durst, speaker a question
How such a glance came there; so, not the · Indicated that the speaker is dominating,
12
first powerful, arrogant
· Wives were viewed as possessions – only her
13 Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not
husband should be able to make her blush
· Highlights speaker’s arrogance – he wants to be
14 Her husband’s presence only, called that spot
the only person who can make her happy
· Implies that the wife was flirtatious/desiring of
15 Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps
male attention
16 Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps · Women were supposed to be covered – seeing
Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint skin was a privilege reserved for her husband
17
· Speaker wants the visitor to believe that the
18 Must never hope to reproduce the faint painter and his wife were flirting
Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such · The speaker makes excuses for the artist, and
19 blames his wife
stuff
Was courtesy, she thought, and cause
20 · Courtesy – flirtation
enough
For calling up that spot of joy. She had · The artist caused the wife to blush
21
A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made · Tone – negative opinion of speaker
22
glad, · The duchess is easily pleased & many things
23 Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er made her happy
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