80 MCQs | My Last Duchess MCQs | My Last Duchess | My Last Duchess by Robert Browning MCQs | Robert Browning | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
1. Who is the speaker in the poem My Last Duchess?
A. The Duke of Ferrara
B. Fra Pandolf
C. The Duchess
D. The emissary
Answer: A. The Duke of Ferrara
Explanation: The speaker in the poem is the Duke of Ferrara, who addresses an emissary sent by the Count, seeking a marriage arrangement for his daughter. The Duke describes a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess, and reveals his controlling, arrogant nature. Through his words, he inadvertently reveals that he was responsible for her demise, showcasing his egotism and possessiveness. His speech uncovers much about his psyche, painting a disturbing portrait of his character.
2. What is being described in the opening lines of the poem?
A. A statue
B. A painting of the Duchess
C. A mansion
D. A sunset
Answer: B. A painting of the Duchess
Explanation: In the opening lines of My Last Duchess, the Duke describes a portrait of his late wife, the Duchess. The painting is central to the poem’s exploration of the Duke’s obsession with controlling how others perceive his wife, both during her life and after her death. The Duke takes great pride in the portrait and highlights the artist’s skill in capturing the Duchess’s likeness. The description of the painting reveals his need to assert control over her image and legacy.
3. What role does Fra Pandolf play in the poem?
A. He was the Duchess’s admirer.
B. He was the artist who painted the Duchess’s portrait.
C. He was the Duke’s confidant.
D. He was the Duke’s rival.
Answer: B. He was the artist who painted the Duchess’s portrait.
Explanation: Fra Pandolf, mentioned frequently by the Duke, was the artist commissioned to paint the portrait of the Duchess. The Duke uses the artist’s name to emphasize the skill and lifelike quality of the painting, as well as to subtly deflect attention from his own feelings of jealousy and frustration. His repeated mention of Fra Pandolf underscores the Duke’s obsession with the portrait and his desire to present it as a masterpiece.
4. Why does the Duke mention “Fra Pandolf” repeatedly?
A. To highlight the artist’s reputation
B. To deflect attention from his own jealousy
C. To justify the lifelike quality of the painting
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: The Duke mentions the artist “Fra Pandolf” repeatedly to highlight the artist’s reputation, deflect attention from his own jealousy, and justify the lifelike quality of the portrait. By bringing up the artist’s name, the Duke attempts to draw attention away from his own feelings of insecurity and resentment. He uses Fra Pandolf’s name as a way to elevate the painting and distract from his own negative emotions toward the Duchess’s behavior.
5. What does the Duke mean by “none puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I”?
A. Only he controls access to the painting.
B. The painting is hidden behind a curtain.
C. The Duchess herself drew the curtain.
D. The painting is locked in a room.
Answer: A. Only he controls access to the painting.
Explanation: In this line, the Duke reveals his control over the portrait of his late wife, asserting that only he has the right to reveal it to others. By controlling access to the painting, the Duke demonstrates his need to dominate even in death, ensuring that others can only view the Duchess as he permits. This emphasizes his possessiveness and desire to control how she is remembered, reflecting his authoritarian personality.
6. What does the phrase “spot of joy” in the poem symbolize?
A. The Duchess’s happiness and warmth
B. A physical mark on the painting
C. The Duke’s contentment
D. A flaw in the painting
Answer: A. The Duchess’s happiness and warmth
Explanation: The phrase “spot of joy” refers to the Duchess’s natural happiness, which the Duke views as a flaw. The Duke resents her ability to find joy in simple things and her willingness to share that joy with others. He feels that her happiness should have been reserved for him alone, reflecting his possessiveness and controlling nature. The “spot of joy” symbolizes the Duke’s inability to appreciate her warmth and innocence, which he instead sees as disrespectful.
7. How does the Duke perceive the Duchess’s behavior?
A. As charming and innocent
B. As disrespectful and frivolous
C. As mysterious and alluring
D. As deeply intellectual
Answer: B. As disrespectful and frivolous
Explanation: The Duke perceives the Duchess’s behavior as disrespectful and frivolous. He criticizes her for being easily pleased and for treating everyone equally, which he interprets as a failure to recognize his superior status. To the Duke, the Duchess’s natural warmth and joy toward others seem inappropriate, and he believes that her behavior is a form of disloyalty. His perception reveals his egotistical and authoritarian nature, as he expects exclusive devotion.
8. What does the Duke’s “commands” imply?
A. He ordered the Duchess to be more obedient.
B. He arranged for the Duchess’s demise.
C. He instructed the artist to paint the portrait.
D. He forbade visitors from seeing the painting.
Answer: B. He arranged for the Duchess’s demise.
Explanation: The Duke’s reference to “commands” implies that he ordered the Duchess’s death. When he says, “Then all smiles stopped together,” he suggests that he took action to end her life because she failed to meet his expectations of obedience and exclusivity. This chilling admission shows his ruthlessness and further underscores the Duke’s need for control, even over the life of his wife.
9. What is the main theme of My Last Duchess?
A. Power and control
B. Love and romance
C. Freedom and independence
D. War and peace
Answer: A. Power and control
Explanation: The main theme of My Last Duchess is power and control. The Duke’s obsession with dominating every aspect of the Duchess’s life, from her behavior to her memory after death, highlights his desire for authority and exclusivity. The poem explores the destructive effects of this need for control, as the Duke goes to extreme lengths to maintain his power, even over a deceased wife, reflecting a toxic sense of entitlement.
10. Who is the listener in the poem?
A. A messenger from the Count
B. The Duchess’s servant
C. Fra Pandolf
D. The Duke’s advisor
Answer: A. A messenger from the Count
Explanation: The Duke addresses a messenger sent by the Count, who is negotiating a marriage for the Duke with the Count’s daughter. The emissary listens as the Duke reveals his views on the Duchess and her portrait, all while subtly attempting to secure the marriage by showcasing his power and superiority. The listener remains silent, allowing the Duke to unintentionally expose his true character.
