Critics-Duchess Flashcards
(13 cards)
What does Joyce E. Peterson state about the Duchess of Malfi?
-“The Duchess improperly sets the private claims of her body natural above the public claims of her body politic”
What does R.S White state about the Duchess’s death?
“The tragedy of a virtuous woman who achieves heroism through her death”
What does Oakes state about the Duchess’ remarriage?
-‘within the bounds of her society in remarrying’
What does Frank Whigham state about the reason for the Duchess’ death?
‘Duchess’ death is the outcome of her own desire’- desire is her hamartia
What does Theodora Jankowski suggest the Duchess attempts to do by having a secret marriage with Antonio?
-“This widow attempts to secure herself politically by divorcing her natural body from her political one by creating a private second marriage that exists simultaneously with-but hidden from her public life as a ruler.”
Who does Muriel Bradbrook state is the foil to the Duchess and why?
‘[Julia is] a foil to the Duchess… who takes a man as she feels the impulse’
What does Whitman state about the Duchess’ death?
-“The strangulation of the Duchess is a way of Webster condemning the destructive manipulations of the society around her.”
What does R.B murray state about the Duchess?
-“The radiant spirit of the Duchess cannot be killed”
a)How does Cecil 1625 painting depict Queen Elizabeth I and b) why does this link to the duchess?
a) Depicts the Queen in armour holding a lance
b) Duchess refers to her power as being like a “prince”
What does Theodora Jankowski state about Duchess?
1) “clever rebellious figure” who defies “social expectations”
What does Luckyj say about the Duchess?
1)”acts on human impulses…only to discover that she cannot control the consequences of her choices.”
What does Bliss state the duchess seeks
-“the Duchess seeks private happiness at the expense of public stability”
What does Doebler state about Webster’s thoughts on the Duchess?
‘Webster’s attitude towards the Duchess was one of deep admiration’
