Malfi Critics

Question 1

P.B Murray

Answer 1

The radiant spirit of the Duchess cannot be killed

Question 2

Muriel Bradbrook

Answer 2

With all his many roles, Bosola is never permitted the luxury of being a self

Question 3

Lee Bliss

Answer 3

The Cardinal’s cool, unemotional detachment is more terrifying than Ferdinand’s impassioned raving

Question 4

Nanci Roider

Answer 4

The play is a cautionary tale which shows what can happen when women marry without being granted the proper consent

Question 5

Travis Bogard

Answer 5

The ultimate tragedy of Webster’s world is not the death of any individual but the presence of evil and decay which drags all mankind to death

Question 6

R.S White

Answer 6

Webster’s villains meet their deaths in ways which satisfy poetic justice (counter argue for Ferdinand)

Question 7

Rupert Brooke

Answer 7

The end is a maze of death and madness

Question 8

Kenneth Tyan

Answer 8

Webster’s characters die superbly, asserting their selfhood to the last breath.

Question 9

New Historicist Critic

Answer 9

Webster is challenging the patriarchy of the 17th century through the Duchess and the power she holds, ultimately coming to the conclusion that the patriarchy dominates society.

Question 10

Marxist Critic

Answer 10

A Marxist critic would feel empowered by Antonio’s brave decision to accept the Duchess’s marriage proposal, as it meant that the lower class were rising up and becoming equal