Critical Perspectives

Question 1

Marxism

Answer 1

• The ruling class (F+C) have full control and use the WC (B) to commit crime which only benefit themselves
• Idea of Antonio marrying the Duchess and procreating being disgusting as it corrupts the UC

Question 2

Jungism

Answer 2

Bosola as sharing some traits with ‘The Trickster’, as he is a clever character who used tricks and deceit as a defence

Question 3

Feminism

Answer 3

• TDOM raises questions about the nature and gendering of political authority
• The Duchess combines the roles of a tragic protagonist and victim
• Dramatic centrality on the male characters

Question 4

Nietzschean

Answer 4

TDOM represents a world which is monstrous and rotten, full of nihilism and lacking purpose

Question 5

Deconstructive

Answer 5

Bosola undermines binary notions of good and evil - despite his evil actions, at the end of the play he avenges the Duchess and her children

Question 6

Psychoanalytical

Answer 6

Ferdinand’s obsession with his sister’s sexuality indicates his repressed desire to sleep with her, which comes from his id)

Question 7

Aristotelian tragedy

Answer 7

Tragedies-of-blood in the play

Question 8

John Locke

Answer 8

Antonio wished his son would ‘fly the court of princes’ - it is the corrupt environment which would turn his son from pure and good to evil