Introduction
In this unit, you will analyze how an author develops characters and central ideas, and consider the role that point of view plays in a text. you will read and analyze Robert Browning’s dramatic monologue “My Last Duchess,” focusing on how the characters of the Duke and Duchess are developed through the Duke’s point of view and what role his point of view plays in the development of central ideas.
This unit asks you to focus closely on one poem to consider authorial choices with regard to the development of character and central ideas. As you read, discuss, and write about the text, you will examine how Browning uses point of view and careful word choice to create meaning in the text, and while leaving some matters uncertain. You will begin to consider the impact of developing one character through the words of another, in relation to issues of power and voice.
Task
Individually write a single paragraph response addressing the following prompt: How does the revelation in lines 45–47 impact the development of the Duke’s character over the course of the poem?
Process
Preparation
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Read and annotate “My Last Duchess”
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Review the Text Analysis Rubric
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Review all unit standards and post in classroom
Evaluation
In this lesson, the End-of-Unit Assessment, engage in an evidence- based discussion of Browning’s choices in introducing and developing the Duke in “My Last Duchess.” Students use speaking, listening, and textual analysis skills to participate in a collaborative discussion
This discussion prepares you to draft a one-paragraph analysis of how the revelation at the end of the poem impacts the development of the Duke’s character over the course of the poem.
Conclusion
As you read, discuss, and write about the text, you examine how Browning uses point of view and careful word choice to create meaning in the text, and while leaving some matters uncertain. As a whole , you will begin to consider the impact of developing one character through the words of another, in relation to issues of power and voice.