Page 82 - 100 Best Loved Poems - Teaching Unit
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6. According to the speaker, what was it that brought a blush to the Duchess’s cheek?
The speaker says that the Duchess was “too easily impressed.” A kind word or deed from
any man would draw a blush to the cheek, and kind words from her mouth, which made the
Duke jealous.
7. How did the speaker feel about the Duchess’s behavior? What actions resulted from these
feelings?
The speaker, her husband, did not like the fact that she gave the same smile and kind words
to others as she did to her husband. After this had gone on for some time, the speaker says
he “have commands,” and the “smiles stopped altogether.” Unfortunately, the smiles
seemed to stop not only to others, but also to him.
8. Explain the significance of the statue of Neptune alluded to at the poem’s conclusion.
The statue represents the god of the sea taming a sea horse. The statue is meant to reflect
the Duke’s own goals of taming his wife and seemingly succeeding, albeit through her
death.
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