Question

Give two examples of the Duke's use of colloquial language. why does Browning choose to use this?

Answer 1

Two examples of the Duke's use of colloquial language in Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" are evident in phrases such as "Will't please you sit and look at her?" and "E'en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop." Browning utilizes colloquial language to emphasize the Duke's sense of control and condescension, revealing his domineering nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Browning strategically incorporates colloquial language into the Duke's speech to underscore the character's arrogance and desire for dominance. The phrase "Will't please you sit and look at her?" exhibits the Duke's imperious attitude, as he not only issues a command but does so with an air of entitlement, expecting compliance from his audience. This colloquial expression reflects the Duke's inclination to view others as subordinate to his will, reinforcing his sense of authority.

Furthermore, the use of colloquial language in the line "E'en then would be some stooping; and I choose Never to stoop" highlights the Duke's refusal to compromise or accommodate others. The colloquial contraction "E'en" adds a touch of informality to the Duke's speech, contrasting with the formality typically associated with aristocratic characters. This choice reinforces the Duke's uncompromising nature and unwillingness to bend to societal expectations or norms. Browning's use of colloquial language serves as a stylistic device to vividly portray the Duke's character, allowing readers to discern the nuances of his personality and the power dynamics at play within the poem.

Answer 2

The Duke's use of colloquial language, such as self-interruptions like 'how shall I say?' and elision in 'twas all one,' serves to create an informal atmosphere, portraying the Duke as at ease and off-guard in the conversation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning, the Duke's colloquial expressions contribute to a conversational tone. For instance, the self-interruption "how shall I say?" suggests a moment of hesitation or searching for words, implying that the Duke is not strictly adhering to a scripted or rehearsed speech. This choice in language breaks down the formality often associated with aristocratic figures, allowing readers to perceive the Duke in a more relaxed state during the conversation.

Moreover, the use of elision in the phrase 'twas all one' reflects a casual and contracted form of speech. The omission of letters in "twas" for "it was" contributes to a sense of informality, as if the Duke is speaking in a manner more typical of everyday conversation rather than a carefully composed monologue. This deliberate departure from formal language aligns with Browning's intention to present the Duke in a moment of unguarded candor, revealing aspects of his character that might be concealed in more polished speech.

By employing colloquial language, Browning adds depth to the portrayal of the Duke, emphasizing the informality of the conversation and providing insight into the Duke's demeanor and psychological state. These linguistic choices enhance the overall impact of the poem by creating a nuanced characterization of the Duke in his unguarded moments.

Missing Information:

My last duchess by Robert Browning