Critics (AO5)

Question 1

Clifford Leach: Antonio

Answer 1

Antonio is ‘given a greater part than fits his powers’

Question 2

Sandra Clark: Antonio Social standing

Answer 2

‘Antonio seeks, as a servant, to better himself but he is not unaware of the dangers that attend ambition; […] he never for a moment forgets the difference in their positions and the difficulties these create for her as much as for him’

Question 3

Murray: Duchess’ spirit

Answer 3

‘The radiant spirit of the Duchess cannot be killed’

Question 4

Lee Bliss: Cardinal is more terrifying than Ferdinand

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Muriel Bradbrook: Ferdinand seeing the dead duchess

Answer 5

‘The sight of the Duchess’ face awakens Ferdinand to what he has done’

Question 6

Nanci Roider: moral tale of the play for women

Answer 6

‘A cautionary tale which shows what can happen when women marry without being granted the “proper” consent’

Question 7

Irving Ribner: descent of Ferdinand

Answer 7

Ferdinand demonstrates a ‘complete descent of man into beast’

Question 8

Helen Mirren: feminist play

Answer 8

‘It is essentially a feminist play about a woman who is fighting for her autonomy’