Final Answer:
a) The tone of "My Last Duchess" can be described as controlling and possessive.
b) The protagonist in the monologue is characterized by his arrogance and desire for dominance.
c) The Duchess's portrait serves as a symbol of the Duke's control and objectification of women.
d) The tone shifts from arrogance to subtle menace in the monologue.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "My Last Duchess," the tone resonates with control and possessiveness. The Duke's demeanor throughout the monologue exhibits a commanding attitude, emphasizing his desire for dominance and authority over his late wife. His possessive nature is highlighted in lines like "My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name" and "She liked whate'er she looked on." These phrases underscore his need for control over his wife's thoughts and actions.
The protagonist's characterization is deeply rooted in arrogance. His condescending manner and sense of entitlement are evident in how he discusses the Duchess's behavior and his expectations of her. For instance, his dissatisfaction with her cordiality toward others and his assertion of controlling her smiles reveal his arrogance and belief in his superiority.
The Duchess's portrait serves as a symbol of the Duke's control and objectification of women. It becomes a tool for him to perpetuate his dominance, locking her essence in a painting, freezing her in a state where she is subservient to his gaze. This objectification is emblematic of the societal norms and power dynamics prevalent during that era.
Throughout the monologue, the Duke's tone shifts from arrogance to subtle menace. Initially haughty and self-assured, his language gradually reveals an underlying threat, especially as he mentions commands to "all and each" and references to the artist's skill. This transition in tone adds an unsettling layer to the Duke's character, emphasizing his controlling and potentially dangerous nature.