English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . Poem 4 – MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning Browning was born in England but lived in Italy for many years. He was fascinated by the Italian Renaissance (14th-16th centuries) – a period in which the arts flourished. ‘My Last Duchess’ was published in 1842. The poem is probably inspired by the story of Duke Alfonso of Ferrara. Ferrara is a region of Italy. In 1561 the Duke of Ferrara’s wife, Lucrezia, died in suspicious circumstances – there were rumours she was poisoned. Level 1-2– identify how the bunkhouse is described Level 3-4 – understand what impression is being created Level 5-6 – Interpret readers’ impact

Date: Tuesday 18th September 2018 Title: My Last Duchess final lesson Get your folders and Anthologies in front of you Collect paper from the front only if you need it Write today’s date and title onto it. A polite reminder that homework is due on Thursday 20th September 2018.

My Last Partner Where to start? List as many words associated with the words: My Last Partner Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

What does the shape reveal about the poem? Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . Browning was born in England but lived in Italy for many years. He was fascinated by the Italian Renaissance (14th-16th centuries) – a period in which the arts flourished. ‘My Last Duchess’ was published in 1842. The poem is probably inspired by the story of Duke Alfonso of Ferrara. Ferrara is a region of Italy. In 1561 the Duke of Ferrara’s wife, Lucrezia, died in suspicious circumstances – there were rumours she was poisoned. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

My Last Duchess - social & historical context This poem is based on historical events. Duke Alfonso II of Modena and Ferrara (1559–1597) married Lucrezia de Doctors in June 1558. She was the first of his three wives and is believed to be ‘the last duchess’ of the poem. She died four years after her wedding. The Duke’s second wife also died. The Duke married his last wife, Eleanora Gonzaga, in 1572 – and she outlived him! Browning’s technique of allowing a character a voice involves the reader by drawing us into the conversation – we feel as if we are being addressed directly. This directness, as well as the matter of fact way in which the Duke reveals his thoughts, makes the poem all the more compelling. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Imagine this scene… A stately home A rich, devastatingly handsome Duke, flowing dark hair, bright blue eyes, a velvet jacket, an ornately embroidered waistcoat with Level 5-6 buttons, a walking cane adorned with jewels. An envoy – a man sent to meet the Duke – a lesser man, smartly dressed but does not have the Duke’s money or charisma and the Duke knows it. The Duke takes the envoy around his home to show off his art collection, including a portrait of his late wife, the Last Duchess. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Questions How will the Duke speak to the envoy? Consider not only what he says but how he will say it. How will the Duke move around the home? How will the Duke look at the envoy? How will the Duke describe the portrait of the Last Duchess? Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame This sort of trifling? Even had you skill In speech—(which I have not)—to make your will Quite clear to such an one, and say, “Just this Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, Or there exceed the mark”—and if she let Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse, —E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop. Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive. Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet The company below, then. I repeat, The Count your master’s known munificence Is ample warrant that no just pretence Of mine for dowry will be disallowed; Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me! That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive. I call That piece a wonder, now: Fra Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day, and there she stands. Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said “Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read Strangers like you that pictured countenance, The depth and passion of its earnest glance, But to myself they turned (since none puts by The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, How such a glance came there; so, not the first Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek: perhaps Fra Pandolf chanced to say “Her mantle laps Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint Must never hope to reproduce the faint Half-flush that dies along her throat”: such stuff Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough For calling up that spot of joy. She had A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast, The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule She rode with round the terrace—all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech, Or blush, at least. She thanked men,—good! but thanked Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

THEMES in My Last Duchess Power Revenge Jealousy Death Relationships Task-find quotes to show these themes Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Anthology Poetry – lesson five HOW does the poet show these themes? MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning . Show off and prove it! PRIDE JEALOUSY POWER HOW does the poet show these themes? Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Questions – prove your answers! Can you pick out three lines that show he is cold and / or cruel? Why was he so angry with his wife? What happened to his wife? Pick out two lines which support your answer to question 3. What kind of a man is the Duke? Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . Poem 4 – MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning A SUMMARY – The Duke proudly points out the portrait of the Duchess (his former wife) to a visitor. The Duke was angered by the Duchess’ behaviour – she was friendly towards everyone and he was annoyed that she treated him just like anyone else. He acted to stop the Duchess’ flirtatious behaviour, but he doesn’t say how he did this. There are strong hints that he had her murdered. The duke and his guest walk away from the painting and the reader discovers that the duke’s visitor has come to arrange the Duke’s next marriage. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Poem 4 – MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning . FORM AND STRUCTURE The poem is a dramatic monologue written in iambic pentameter. This reinforces the impression that the Duke is in conversation with his visitor. The rhyming couplets show the Duke’s desire for control, but the enjambment suggests that he gets carried away with his anger and passions. This creates a picture of a somewhat unstable character, whose obsession with power is unsettling. The poem is framed by the visit to the Duke’s art collection, but the Duke gets caught up in talking about the Duchess instead of describing his art. The poem builds towards a kind of confession, before the identity of the visitor is revealed, and the Duke moves on to talking about another art work. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . Poem 4 – MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning LANGUAGE The Duke felt the need to have power and control over the Duchess. He saw her as one of his possessions, to be collected and admired, just like his art work. He also uses powerful language to control the envoy – telling him when to sit, get up etc. There is DRAMATIC IRONY in the poem – the things he says about his wife sound quite innocent, but they often have a more sinister meaning for the reader. The poet allows us to read between the lines. Status is really important to the Duke. He cares about how other people see him. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . Poem 4 – MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning FEELINGS AND ATTITUDES PRIDE – The Duke is very proud of his possessions and his status. JEALOUSY – He couldn’t stand the way the Duchess treated him the same as everyone else. POWER – The Duke enjoys the control he has over the painting - he didn’t have this power over the Duchess when she was alive. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . Poem 4 – MY LAST DUCHESS – Robert Browning Do you think the Duke had any affection for the Duchess? Why do you think the Duke is the only one who speaks in the poem? How is the Duke’s view of himself different from the way the reader sees him? Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Anthology Poetry – lesson five FERRARA That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive. I call That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day, and there she stands. Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said “Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read Strangers like you that pictured countenance, The depth and passion of its earnest glance, But to myself they turned (since none puts by The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, How such a glance came there; so, not the first Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint Must never hope to reproduce the faint Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough Sounds as if he owns the Duchess, not just the picture of her. . Sets a sinister tone The name of the artist – name dropping? Sounds polite, but really he’s being quite forceful here The punctuation doesn’t end the line, with the Duke speaking again immediately – he doesn’t give his visitor a chance to speak.. He controls who looks at the painting, but he couldn’t control who looked at his wife when she was alive. Suggests people were scared of his temper. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it. This might be the only time it is EVER acceptable to say that a technique “makes the poem flow”!!!

Anthology Poetry – lesson five FERRARA That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall, Looking as if she were alive. I call That piece a wonder, now; Fra Pandolf’s hands Worked busily a day, and there she stands. Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said “Fra Pandolf” by design, for never read Strangers like you that pictured countenance, The depth and passion of its earnest glance, But to myself they turned (since none puts by The curtain I have drawn for you, but I) And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, How such a glance came there; so, not the first Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not Her husband’s presence only, called that spot Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek; perhaps Fra Pandolf chanced to say, “Her mantle laps Over my lady’s wrist too much,” or “Paint Must never hope to reproduce the faint Half-flush that dies along her throat.” Such stuff Was courtesy, she thought, and cause enough Creates the impression of a question from the visitor, but we hear it through the Duke – he’s in complete control . Repetition later on shows that his wife’s blushes bother him. Reference to death is out of place and suspicious – it hints at the Duchess’ fate Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it. This might be the only time it is EVER acceptable to say that a technique “makes the poem flow”!!!

Anthology Poetry – lesson five For calling up that spot of joy. She had A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast, The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule She rode with round the terrace—all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech, Or blush, at least. She thanked men—good! but thanked Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame This sort of trifling? Even had you skill In speech—which I have not—to make your will Quite clear to such an one, and say, “Just this Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, Or there exceed the mark”—and if she let Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse— REPETITION –see last slide! The Duke struggles to express his irritation. . The Duke thinks she flirts too much. He sounds as if he’s justifying himself – he’s defensive. ENJAMBMENT makes it sound as if he’s getting carried away by his anger. The punctuation and repetition here creates a stuttering effect, which underlines his exasperation with her behaviour. He’s proud of his history, his important family and the titles od “Duke” and “Duchess”. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . What’s enjambment? TEACHING POINT!!! The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza. i.e; one idea runs from one line to another, without a punctuation mark at the end of the line. What’s the effect of enjambment? It maintains momentum and/or shows that a thought/idea is ‘unstoppable’. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Anthology Poetry – lesson five For calling up that spot of joy. She had A heart—how shall I say?— too soon made glad, Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast, The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule She rode with round the terrace—all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech, Or blush, at least. She thanked men—good! but thanked Somehow—I know not how—as if she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame This sort of trifling? Even had you skill In speech—which I have not—to make your will Quite clear to such an one, and say, “Just this Or that in you disgusts me; here you miss, Or there exceed the mark”—and if she let Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse— REPETITION of “stoop” in lines 34, 42 and 43 hints at how the Duke felt his wife was beneath him.! False modesty! He clearly DOES like talking! . A strong word! Suggest he was more bothered about the Duchess’ behaviour than he’s letting on.. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Anthology Poetry – lesson five The Duke is so proud that even criticising his wife would have been beneath him – he believes she shouldn’t need to be reminded how to behave. E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop. Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive. Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet The company below, then. I repeat, The Count your master’s known munificence Is ample warrant that no just pretence Of mine for dowry will be disallowed; Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed At starting, is my object. Nay, we’ll go Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though, Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in Level 1-2 for me! . He sounds suspicious of her - maybe he thought she was being unfaithful. This seems to be a EUPHEMISM for his wife’s murder. It also sounds cold and cynical. He’s arranging his next marriage – his Next Duchess! Distinct topic change straight after his revelation shows a disordered mind (madness?). It also seems to suggest that his art collection is more important to him than his wife was! Name dropping again! His ‘appearance’ is important to him. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes Anthology Poetry – lesson five English Literature Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes . What is a euphemism? TEACHING POINT!!! The substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. Eg; “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.” What’s the effect of a euphemism? It suggests that you are trying to disguise something, or soften the blow of a harsh truth. Level 1-2– identify skills required in the exam Level 3-4 – understand what the examiner will be looking for Level 5-6 – Interpret a poem from the anthology Level 7-8 – Analyse a poem from the anthology, considering your own interpretation of it.

Explore how Power is presented in My Last Duchess The poem is about.. This reveals that power is…, “…” The use of the word “…” connotes that… The impact on the reader is…