Question

Why does the Duke mention "a nine-hundred-years-old name"?

• A. To praise the Duchess
• B. To express his family pride and status
• C. To show how much he loves the Duchess
• D. To criticize the Duchess’s lack of gratitude

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To express his family pride and status

The Duke feels insulted that the Duchess treats his ancient, noble name (his heritage) as equal to any ordinary gift. He says:

"She ranked / My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name / With anybody’s gift."
This shows his obsession with social status and pride.