WBCHSE Class XI English Sem - 2 “My Last Duchess” — Robert Browning | Summary, Expl, 13-16 lines

Описание: Learn Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” in a simple and effective way.
This lesson explains the poem line by line and highlights the features of a dramatic monologue.
Understand how the Duke reveals his own personality—his pride, jealousy, and controlling nature.
We explore the Duchess’s character through the Duke’s words and the subtle hints Browning gives.
Important themes like power, patriarchy, art, control, and the objectification of women are clearly explained.
Students will also learn major literary devices such as irony, imagery, symbolism, enjambment, and tone.
Perfect for Classes 1 and 12, competitive exams, and classroom teaching.
A complete, student-friendly guide to mastering this famous monologue.




Q1. What does the phrase “spot of joy” mean in the poem?
A1. The “spot of joy” refers to the Duchess’s blush or smile, which showed her innocent pleasure. However, the Duke misinterpreted it as flirtation or unfaithfulness.

Q2. Why is the Duke displeased with the Duchess’s “spot of joy”?
A2. He is displeased because he believes her smile was not caused by him alone but by others too. His jealous and possessive nature could not tolerate her friendliness.

Q3. What might Fra Pandolf have said to make the Duchess blush?
A3. Fra Pandolf might have made a simple, polite remark such as “Your mantle laps over your wrist too much.” The Duchess’s gentle response angered the Duke because he saw it as improper attention.

Q4. What do these lines reveal about the Duke’s character?
A4. The Duke is jealous, controlling, and proud. He cannot accept his wife’s natural warmth and wants her emotions to belong exclusively to him.

Q5. Identify one poetic device used in “Spot of joy into the Duchess’ cheek.”
A5. The line uses imagery, as it creates a vivid mental picture of the Duchess’s blushing face and conveys her innocence and emotion.