What is the speaker’s main complaint against the lady in …

English Questions

Step by Step Solution

English Questions

Read this excerpt from “The Last Duchess” by Robert Browning: Too easily impressed; she liked whate’er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, ’twas all one! My favour at her breast, The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule She rode with round the terrace-all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech What is the main complaint of the speaker against the lady referred to in the poem?

Short Answer

The speaker’s main complaint about the lady in the poem is her indiscriminate admiration and lack of discernment. This thoughtlessness in her reactions leads the speaker to feel that her affections lack depth and value.

Step-by-Step Solution

Main Complaint

The primary issue the speaker has with the lady in the poem is her tendency to be too easily impressed. The speaker believes that she lacks discernment in her reactions.

General Approval

The lady appears to approve of everything she comes across, whether it’s the speaker’s gestures or natural elements like the setting sun. This indiscriminate admiration drives the speaker to feel that her affection lacks depth.

Lack of Thoughtfulness

It seems to bother the speaker that the lady gives her approval without much thought. The speaker wishes for her to be more selective and discerning, suggesting that her blanket admiration diminishes its value.

Related Concepts

Main Complaint

The primary issue or concern that the speaker has regarding another individual’s behavior or traits, in this case, the lady’s tendency to be impressed easily without critical evaluation.

General Approval

The act of expressing a positive response or admiration towards various subjects or actions without discrimination, reflecting a lack of discernment or depth in feelings.

Lack Of Thoughtfulness

A deficiency in careful consideration or reflection, particularly regarding one’s opinions or approvals, leading to indiscriminate acceptance of things without an analytical or critical approach.

Table Of Contents

Read this excerpt from "The Last Duchess" by Robert Browning: Too easily impressed; she liked whate'er She looked on, and her looks went everywhere. Sir, 'twas all one! My favour at her breast, The dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool Broke in the orchard for her, the white mule She rode with round the terrace-all and each Would draw from her alike the approving speech What is the main complaint of the speaker against the lady referred to in the poem?