Hi everyone,

This is Alex, I am reading a poem called " My last Duchess" in my english class. I've stuck on some questions. I was wondering, if anybody can help me on them. I strongly appreciate it if you send me your comments as soon as possible.

Thank you

Click here to read the poem :
[www.library.utoronto.ca]

Here are the questions:
1.) In paragraph form state, what kind of report about the Duke do you think the envoy would take back to the count?
2.) In paragraph form state, what kind of man is the Duke? How do you know? Quote lines to support your answer.


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Well, I guess this is a little late, but I'll take a swing at it, and perhaps scratch the surface.

1. Well, I don't know what kind of fellow this "envoy" is, or how intelligent or observant a chap he may be, so it depends. If he's one of these typical, unassuming, loyal-to-the-end servant types, then he probably is just sympathetic toward the Duke's story and feels saddened by the loss of his wife. Why are they asking you about the "envoy"? He doesn't matter worth a fig! What kind of kooky school is this?


2. I'd say the Duke is one evil, manipulative, murderous bastard. He ordered some of his henchman to kill the Duchess for her "heart... too soon made glad." Anyway, I think the Duke killed her off because he suspected her of adultery. He was jealous. He's the type of person who expects that the best things in life are bought with money, and that he can quantify joy and possess all of it. He wants to own the world (think Mr. Burns). He was unhappy with the imperfect, human wife whom he expected was cheating on him, so he replaced her with a stagnant, idealized painting that he didn't have to trust.


Anyway, that's all I have to say about that. Hope it helps. But then again, you probably could've figured this out on your own, eh? Keep getting others to do your work for you, and you're in danger of ending up like the Duke.