1. Describe the Duke’s character in “My Last Duchess.” Use quotes from the text to
support your answer.
The Duke in “My Last Duchess” seems to be a very self centered and narcissistic man. It
struck me how awful he was when he speaks of his dead wife as a possession. The Duke
feels as if he is superior to everyone else and expects people to treat him as superior. For
example, the following quote is about how the Duchess smiles at him the same as
everyone else, ” [. . .] Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt,/Whene’er I passed her; but who passed
without/Much the same smile? [. . .]” In my opinion the Duke comes across as controlling
and possessive. He speaks on marrying another girl and how he hopes her smile will only
be for him. The poem is ironic since it seems that the Duke is speaking on his good
qualities but they come across as arrogant in actuality.
1. What does the title of the poem “Uphill” suggest to you? Use quotes from the text
to support your answer.
When I first read the title of the poem an uphill battle came to mind, something to
overcome. As I read the poem I still think that my idea was correct. The poem is about the
battles that we face in life and how difficult life can be. After all of the battles though,
there is peace in the end. “Shall I find, comfort, travel sore and weak?/ Of labor you shall
