Explore Browning's famous dramatic monologue ...

The nineteenth-century poet Robert Browning is famous for his dramatic monologues, of which the best-known is undoubtedly "My Last Duchess." Learn to understand this poem more fully and test your knowledge with a quiz and discussion questions. This introductory guide to a longer poem is a great addition to any poetry unit. 

Course curriculum

    1. "My Last Duchess"

    2. Genre and Background

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Please Sit and Look (Lines 1-13)

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. A Spot of Joy (Lines 13-34)

    5. The Duke Gives Commands (Lines 34-56)

    6. Bonus Lesson: Browning and Bakhtin

    7. Quiz

    8. Discussion Questions

    1. Answer Key

    2. Scholarly Notes

About this course

  • $5.00
  • Recommended age: 14+
  • 5 Lessons + Videos
  • 2 Activities

Learning Outcomes

This course has several objectives. Students will:

  • Increase their understanding of literature

  • Improve their reading-comprehension skills

  • Consider moral and ethical questions

  • Learn about about history, genre, and poetic form

  • Relate the poem to their own Christian worldview

Instructor

Conrad van Dyk

I'm a Professor of English and I love teaching great works of literature from across the centuries. I've taught everything from medieval texts to children's literature and contemporary British fiction. I'm a strong believer in classical education and the great books tradition, which is why I wanted to create better study guides for curious readers. In my spare time, I enjoy sports, playing the piano, spending time with my kids, and traveling.