How does the Duke’s diction and syntax contribute to narrative voice?
How do vocabulary choices and sentence structure create a representation of a conflicted persona?
The Power of Diction
The Duke’s sense of entitlement and control is revealed through his diction. He refers to his late wife as “my Last Duchess,” indicating his possessiveness and objectification of her. By using the possessive pronoun “my,” he asserts his dominance over her even after her death. This choice of words establishes the Duke’s belief that his wife was his property and showcases his desire to control her actions and image.
Leave a Reply