Figurative Language
"Half-Caste"
"My Last Duchess"
Vocabulary
Potpourri
100
In "My Last Duchess, 'That spot of joy' is an example of what type of literary device?
Imagery.
100
Who is the author of "Half-Caste"?
John Agard.
100
Who is the author of the poem?
Robert Browning.
100
What is the meaning of the word 'taming' in the line: "Taming a sea-horse,"?
making it tame; domesticating
100
In what century was the poem "My Last Duchess written?
19th (1800's)
200
Give an example of repetition in "Half-Caste".
Half-Caste; Wha you mean?; explain yuself
200
Where is the poet from?
Guyana.
200
Who are the two people in the poem?
(The Count's) emissary and the Duke (of Ferrara).
200
What is the meaning of the word 'rarity' in the line: "Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity,"?
Something rare, unusual, or uncommon.
200
When did John Agard die?
He is still alive.
300
Why does the poet use a mix of formal British English and Caribbean dialect?
To emphasise his mixed-race background.
300
Where does the poem take place?
England.
300
Where in the Duke's house does this meeting take place?
In his (private) art gallery.
300
What is the meaning of the word 'dowry' in the line: "Is ample warrant that has no just pretence Of mine for dowry will be disallowed;"?
The money, goods, or estate that a wife brings to her husband at marriage.
300
Of what ethnic descent is John Agard?
Portuguese and Caribbean
400
What technique is being used in the line: "Excuse me standing on one leg I’m half-caste."?
Sarcasm
400
What does the term "half-caste" mean?
A contemptuous term used to refer to a person of mixed racial or ethnic descent.
400
What it the purpose of the meeting?
The Count's emissary is discussing the dowry for the Count's daughter to marry the Duke.
400
What is the meaning of the word 'cast' in the line: "Which Clause of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me!"
To form (metal, plaster, etc.) into a particular shape by pouring it into a mold in a fluid state and letting it harden.
400
In what century did "My Last Duchess" take place?
16th (1500's)
500
What feelings does the poet express throughout the poem?
Anger; bitterness; resentment
500
Why is the narrator standing on one leg in the beginning of the poem?
To sarcastically imply that he is only half a person.
500
What is the significance of the Duke's reference to the statue of Neptune?
He is pointing out another piece of art by a famous artist, implying that he viewed the last duchess as possession rather than a person.
500
What does the word 'munificence' mean in the line: "The Count your master’s known munificence"?
Showing unusual generosity.
500
"This grew; I gave commands Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands As if alive." What does the Duke imply in this statement?
That he killed his last Duchess.
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