| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | My Last Duchess by Robert Bowning |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 10 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
My Last Duchess by Robert Browning
Year 10
English
20 students
30 minutes
This lesson aligns with the UK national curriculum's objectives for literature, encouraging critical thinking, analytical skills, and in-depth comprehension of texts.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Poem | 5 | Briefly introduce Robert Browning and the context of the poem. Explain the concept of dramatic monologue. |
| 2 | Reading the Poem | 10 | Read "My Last Duchess" aloud as a class. Encourage students to follow along and annotate. |
| 3 | Discussion of Themes | 5 | Facilitate a class discussion on the themes of power, jealousy, and objectification present in the poem. |
| 4 | Printable Cards Activity | 5 | Distribute printable cards to each student. Instruct them to fill in their thoughts about the Duke's character and the poem's themes while reading. |
| 5 | Collection/Random Checking | 3 | Walk around the classroom to randomly check the cards filled by students to encourage engagement and ensure understanding. |
| 6 | Class Reflection and Conclusion | 2 | Summarise key points discussed in the lesson. Answer any final questions to clarify understanding. |
Assign students to write a one-page reflection on the character of the Duke in "My Last Duchess." Remind them to consider the themes discussed in class. Collect the reflections without presentations during the next lesson.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to explore a fascinating poem titled 'My Last Duchess' by Robert Browning. Before we dive into the poem, let me give you a little background on Browning. He was a Victorian poet known for his dramatic monologues, which are poems written as speeches delivered by a character. 'My Last Duchess' is an excellent example of this technique, as it reveals the Duke's character and potentially sinister traits through his speech about his late wife.
Now, let's briefly discuss what a dramatic monologue means. It's a form of poetry where a single speaker addresses a silent listener, allowing us to glimpse their personality and motivations. With this in mind, let's get ready to read the poem together!"
"Now, I will read 'My Last Duchess’ aloud. I would like each of you to follow along with your printed copies and take notes or annotate anything that stands out to you. Pay attention to the Duke's tone and the implications of his words as we read. Here we go..."
[Read the poem aloud, allowing pauses for students to engage with the text.]
"Great job! As you read, think about how the Duke describes his last Duchess and what that reveals about him.”
"Now that we’ve read the poem, let’s talk about some of the themes present in 'My Last Duchess.' I’d like to open the floor for discussion. What themes did you notice while reading?
Consider the concepts of power, jealousy, and objectification. How do these themes enhance our understanding of the Duke as a character? Share your thoughts, and let’s explore these themes together."
"Thank you for your insightful contributions! Now, we have an activity that will help us delve deeper into our understanding of the Duke's character and the poem's themes.
I will pass around printable cards. On these cards, I want you to jot down your thoughts about the Duke's character. Specifically, think about how the themes we discussed—power, jealousy, and objectification—are reflected in his actions and speech.
Take a moment to fill out your cards while reflecting on the poem."
"Let’s wrap up this activity. I will walk around the classroom and randomly check some of your cards. Don’t worry, this is just to encourage you to engage with the material!
As I check your cards, think about what you wrote and be ready to share your insights with the class."
"Great work today, everyone! Before we finish, let’s summarise the key points we discussed.
We explored Browning's 'My Last Duchess,' discussing the themes of power, jealousy, and objectification through the lens of the Duke's character. Do any of you have final questions or comments about today’s lesson?
Remember, for homework, you will write a one-page reflection on the Duke. Think about how the themes we discussed tonight come into play. I look forward to reading your thoughts in our next class.
Thank you for your participation today!"
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is the author of the poem 'My Last Duchess'? | |
| Describe what a dramatic monologue is. | |
| What mood or tone does the Duke exhibit when talking about his last Duchess? | |
| Which themes are present in 'My Last Duchess'? | |
| How does the Duke display power in his relationship with his last Duchess? | |
| In what ways might jealousy be a driving force in the Duke's character? | |
| How does objectification play a role in the Duke's description of his last Duchess? | |
| How does Browning's use of speech reveal the character of the Duke? | |
| What implications arise from the Duke’s perceptions of women based on the poem? | |
| Can you identify a specific line in the poem that encapsulates the Duke's attitude towards power? |