Question

What historical figure inspired the character of the Duke in the poem?

• A. Lorenzo de’ Medici
• B. Alfonso II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara
• C. Cesare Borgia
• D. Pope Julius II

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Alfonso II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara

Explanation: The Duke of Ferrara in the poem is modeled on the historical Alfonso II d’Este, whose wife Lucrezia died under mysterious circumstances.