JAMB - Literature In English (2000 - No. 30)
This question is based on selected poems from Ker, D. et al (eds.): New Poetry from Africa; Soyinka, W. (ed.): Poems of Black African; Senanu, K.E. and Vincent, T.(ds.): A Selection of African Poetry; Umukoro, M. et al (eds.); Exam Focus: Literature-in-English; Eruvbetine, A.E. et al (eds.) Longman Examination Guides and Nwoga, D.I. (ed.):West African Verse
In Browning's "My Last Duchess'" the poet persona's attitude toward the Duchess is that of
anger
love
sadness
scorn
Explanation
In "My Last Duchess", the speaker, the Duke of Ferrara, reveals his deep scorn for his late wife, the Duchess. Throughout the poem, the Duke speaks of her in a detached and cold manner and criticises her for being too kind, too flirtatious and not showing him the proper respect. His attitude is not one of love or sadness, but rather disdain and possessiveness as he discusses how he had her silenced (presumably through her death) because she did not live up to his expectations.
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