How did the Duchess behave toward other people?

• A. Friendly toward everyone
• B. Cold and aloof
• C. Cruel to servants
• D. Indifferent to appearances

Answer: (A)

The test is about how the Duchess treats people around her. In this poem, she is shown as warm and engaging toward others—smiling at guests, thanking those she meets, and generally being friendly to everyone she encounters. This openness contrasts with the Duke’s possessive voice, which reads her sociable nature as a flaw because it challenges his authority and sense of exclusive ownership. The description centers on her pleasant interactions with others, not on cruelty or aloofness, so the best answer reflects her friendly behavior toward people beyond just the Duke. Other options don’t fit the text, since it doesn’t depict her as cold, cruel to servants, or indifferent to appearances.