of Malfi still It asserts her identity and right to make choices even in the face of opposition Growing Sufferings As the play moves the Duchess's sufferings begin to grow Her brothers are furious when they learn about her marriage and her children In particular Ferdinand is angered and becomes obsessed with punishing her He imprisons her in her palace and subjects her to psychological torture Despite this the Duchess remains strong She says I account this world a tedious theatre For I do play a part in't 'gainst my will It expresses her tiredness but also her strength She understands her situation but does not let it break her spirit Intense Moments of Torture One of the most intense moments in the play is when the Duchess is shown the wax figures of her dead family It makes her believe they have been killed This cruel trick is meant to break her but she responds with remarkable composure She says Peace it affrights not me It shows her bravery and her acceptance of her fate Even in the face of such horror she remains calm and dignified The Peak of Suffering The Duchess's suffering reaches its peak when she is imprisoned in a dark room and eventually strangled on her brothers' orders However even in her final moments she remains dignified and composed She says Who would be afraid on't Knowing to meet such excellent company In th'other world Her acceptance of death and belief in a better afterlife show her spiritual strength and inner peace She dies gracefully and this final act of courage and dignity glorifies her character Noble Qualities Highlighted Throughout the play the Duchess's sufferings highlight her noble qualities Her strength courage and dignity in the face of merciless persecution make her an admirable and heroic figure Despite the efforts of her brothers to break her she remains true to herself This determined strength is what glorifies her personality Contrast with Corruption Moreover the Duchess's suffering also exposes the cruelty and corruption of those around her particularly her brothers Their cruel actions contrast sharply with her integrity and nobility This contrast further enhances the Duchess's character It makes her exceptionally good as a sign of strength and virtue in a corrupt and unjust world In conclusion the personality of the Duchess in The Duchess of Malfi is glorified through her sufferings Her courage dignity and strength in the face of unbelievable hardships make her an admirable and heroic figure The Duchess's personality shines through her sufferings It makes her one of the most memorable and glorified characters in English literature