The Duchess of Malfi
Drama
|
John Webster
The Duchess of Malfi Main Text
ACT I
SCENE I[1]
[Enter] ANTONIO and DELIO
DELIO. You are welcome to your country, dear Antonio;
You have been long in France, and you return
A very formal Frenchman in your habit:
How do you like the French court?
ANTONIO. I admire it:
In seeking to reduce both state and people
To a fix'd order, their judicious king
Begins at home; quits first his royal palace
Of flattering sycophants, of dissolu...
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The Duchess of Malfi Summary
Plot Summary
The Duchess of Malfi is a tragic play by John Webster. It shows a world full of corruption, cruelty, and revenge. The play takes place in Italy at the court of Malfi. The society is ruled by greedy and selfish nobles. The court is filled with dishonesty and evil plots. Power and money are more important than honesty or kindness. Rulers like the Cardinal and Ferdinand use their p...
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The Duchess of Malfi Characters
Major Characters
The Duchess of Malfi: She is a young widow and ruler of the Italian town of Malfi (also known as Amalfi). She is kind, wise, brave, and virtuous. Her brothers try to control her life. But she marries Antonio in secret. She stays strong even when she is arrested and killed.
Duke Ferdinand: He is the Duchess’s twin brother. He is proud, angry, and cruel. He does not want his siste...
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The Duchess of Malfi Literary Devices
Figures of Speech:
Symbol
The Fountain: The court is compared to a fountain. Antonio says, Pure water should flow from the court or palace, but if poison is added from above, it spreads throughout the fountain( country). Similarly, justice is established throughout society by a just ruler. This symbol shows how corruption in rulers ruins the whole society.
Darkness and Light: Darkness appears...
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The Duchess of Malfi Themes
Politics and Corruption: The play’s court is filled with political plots and dishonesty. The rulers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal, use their power for selfish goals. They hide their true natures behind false honor and politeness. Spies and lies are common tools in Malfi’s political world. Good people suffer because corruption spreads from the top. The story shows how corruption destroys families, fr...
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The Duchess of Malfi Quotations
Ferdinand says:
“I would have their bodies
Burnt in a coal-pit…” (Act II, Scene V)
Exp: Ferdinand threatens a cruel death for his sister and her family.
The Cardinal says:
“Thy curiosity
Hath undone thee: thou’rt poisoned with that book;” (Act V, Scene II)
Exp: The Cardinal tells Julia her urge to know his secret has killed her, as she kisses a poisoned Bible.
Ferdinand says:
“Cover her face: mine...
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Notes
Explore 11 detailed notes related to The Duchess of Malfi. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.