Critical Theories of The Duchess of Malfi

Question 1

What is the primary theme of feminist criticism in ‘The Duchess of Malfi’?

Answer 1

The struggle for female autonomy and identity in a patriarchal society.

Question 2

True or False: The Duchess is portrayed as a passive character in the play.

Answer 2

False.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The Duchess defies societal norms by __________.

Answer 3

remarrying after her husband’s death.

Question 4

Who represents the patriarchal authority in ‘The Duchess of Malfi’?

Answer 4

The Duchess’s brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal.

Question 5

Multiple Choice: What does the Duchess’s secret marriage symbolize?

Answer 5

A rebellion against the constraints placed on women.

Question 6

What does the character of Cariola represent in the play?

Answer 6

The loyal yet constrained female companion.

Question 7

True or False: The Duchess is ultimately punished for her independence.

Answer 7

True.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The play critiques the __________ of women in the early 17th century.

Answer 8

subjugation.

Question 9

What role does the theme of madness play in feminist criticism of the play?

Answer 9

It highlights the consequences of female oppression.

Question 10

Multiple Choice: Which character embodies the idea of female empowerment?

Answer 10

The Duchess.

Question 11

What does the term ‘male gaze’ refer to in the context of the play?

Answer 11

The way female characters are viewed and objectified by male characters.

Question 12

True or False: The Duchess’s death can be interpreted as a victory for feminist ideals.

Answer 12

False.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The Duchess’s assertiveness challenges __________.

Answer 13

traditional gender roles.

Question 14

What does the Duchess’s character challenge about the notion of femininity?

Answer 14

The expectation of submissiveness and obedience.

Question 15

Multiple Choice: How does the play portray the concept of female sexuality?

Answer 15

As a source of power and conflict.

Question 16

What is the significance of the Duchess’s children in feminist criticism?

Answer 16

They represent her legacy and the potential for future female autonomy.

Question 17

True or False: The Duchess is depicted as a villain in the play.

Answer 17

False.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Feminist critics argue that the play reveals the __________ of women.

Answer 18

systematic oppression.

Question 19

What does the character of Ferdinand symbolize in the play?

Answer 19

The destructive nature of male authority.

Question 20

Multiple Choice: How does the play’s ending reflect feminist themes?

Answer 20

It suggests the ongoing struggle for women’s rights.

Question 21

What does the Duchess’s defiance of her brothers signify?

Answer 21

A challenge to male dominance.

Question 22

True or False: The Duchess is an example of a tragic hero in feminist literature.

Answer 22

True.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Feminist readings of the play often focus on the __________ of female characters.

Answer 23

intersectionality.

Question 24

What is the role of social class in the feminist critique of ‘The Duchess of Malfi’?

Answer 24

It complicates the struggles faced by women in different societal positions.

Question 25

Multiple Choice: Which literary device is frequently analyzed in feminist criticism of the play?

Answer 25

Symbolism.

Question 26

What is the significance of the Duchess's final monologue?

Answer 26

It encapsulates her strength and tragic fate.

Question 27

What is the primary focus of psychoanalytical criticism?

Answer 27

The primary focus is on the unconscious motives and desires of characters.

Question 28

True or False: The Duchess of Malfi is often analyzed through the lens of Freudian theory.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

Fill in the blank: In psychoanalytical criticism, the ________ is often seen as a representation of the repressed desires of characters.

Answer 29

unconscious

Question 30

What does the character of the Duchess symbolize in psychoanalytical terms?

Answer 30

She symbolizes the struggle for autonomy and the repression of female sexuality.

Question 31

Who are the antagonists in The Duchess of Malfi that represent societal repression?

Answer 31

Her brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal.

Question 32

Multiple choice: Which Freudian concept relates to the internal conflict between the id, ego, and superego in characters?

Answer 32

C. Psychosexual development

Question 33

What does Ferdinand's madness represent in the context of psychoanalytical criticism?

Answer 33

It represents the consequences of repressed desires and the fear of femininity.

Question 34

True or False: The Duchess's secret marriage can be viewed as an act of rebellion against patriarchal oppression.

Answer 34

True

Question 35

Fill in the blank: The theme of ________ is prevalent in the Duchess's relationship with her brothers.

Answer 35

control

Question 36

What role does the concept of the 'Other' play in the Duchess's identity?

Answer 36

It highlights her status as an outsider in a male-dominated society.

Question 37

Multiple choice: Which psychoanalytical term describes the fear of losing one's identity?

Answer 37

B. Annihilation anxiety

Question 38

How does the character of Bosola function in psychoanalytical terms?

Answer 38

He serves as a conduit for the exploration of guilt and moral ambiguity.

Question 39

True or False: The Duchess's defiance of societal norms can be interpreted as a manifestation of the libido.

Answer 39

True

Question 40

What does the recurring motif of death signify in the Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 40

It signifies the ultimate repression of desire and the inevitability of consequence.

Question 41

Fill in the blank: In psychoanalytical criticism, ________ is often explored as a means of understanding character motivations.

Answer 41

dream symbolism

Question 42

What does the character of the Cardinal represent in terms of psychoanalytical criticism?

Answer 42

He represents the corrupting influence of power and the moral decay of authority.

Question 43

Multiple choice: The Duchess's desire for independence can be seen as a challenge to __________.

Answer 43

C. patriarchal authority

Question 44

True or False: The concept of repression is central to understanding the dynamics between the Duchess and her brothers.

Answer 44

True

Question 45

What psychological conflict does the Duchess experience throughout the play?

Answer 45

She experiences a conflict between her desires for love and freedom and societal expectations.

Question 46

Fill in the blank: Psychoanalytical criticism often examines the ________ relationships between characters.

Answer 46

familial

Question 47

What is the significance of the Duchess's children in psychoanalytical terms?

Answer 47

They symbolize the continuation of her legacy and the challenge against patriarchal control.

Question 48

Multiple choice: Which character represents the theme of betrayal in the Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 48

A. Bosola

Question 49

True or False: The ending of the play reflects a resolution of the psychological conflicts presented.

Answer 49

False

Question 50

What does the character of Antonio represent in terms of the Duchess's desires?

Answer 50

He represents her ideal of love and partnership against societal constraints.

Question 51

Fill in the blank: The ___________ is often analyzed to understand the motivations behind the Duchess's tragic fate.

Answer 51

tragic flaw

Question 52

What does the motif of the wax figures symbolize in the play?

Answer 52

It symbolizes the fragility of identity and the consequences of manipulation.

Question 53

Multiple choice: Which Freudian concept is illustrated by Ferdinand's obsessive behavior towards the Duchess?

Answer 53

B. Oedipal complex

Question 54

How does the theme of isolation manifest in the Duchess's character?

Answer 54

It manifests through her emotional and physical separation from her family and society.

Question 55

True or False: The Duchess's ultimate fate can be seen as a critique of the consequences of defying societal norms.

Answer 55

True

Question 56

What are the pillars of marxism that apply to the duchess of malfi?

Answer 56

Religion Family Class

Question 57

What are the aspects of religious corruption?

Answer 57

Cardinal and Julia’s relationship: They were both cheating and using each other, Julia died on Cardinals hand by kissing the Bible. The duchess faked going on a religious pilgrimage to get away from Malfi.