Duchess of Malfi Key Quotations Flashcards
(17 cards)
‘I am Duchess of Malfi still’
In her death, the Duchess maintains her status and nobility - perhaps this reveals the strength and virtue of her character, however an alternative reading may see this as her finally realising the importance of the body politic > body natural
‘Whether we fall by ambition, blood or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust’
Ferdinand implies the self-fulfilling nature of death, a key aspect of the tragic convention - hamartia
One reading of this may view Ferdinand’s guilt and acceptance of his own responsibility for his sister’s and his own deaths
‘They say she is a strumpet’
The common people of Malfi condemn female sexuality yet honour her status and reputation - perhpas this is Webster suggesting that women are capable of both personal desire and leadership (unlike Elizabeth I as the Virgin Queen)
‘Diamonds are of most value […] that have passed through many jeweller’s hands’
The Duchess’ first contradiction of her brothers, and the patriarchal values they represent
‘Whores by that rule are precious’
Ferdinand’s patriarchal & hyprocritical response - Delio has already established the sinful nature of the brothers
‘Prince’, ‘Soldier’
The Duchess consistenly asssociates herself with masculine figures of power, subverting the expectations of women as feeble or incapable of leadership - Tilbury Docks
‘Ambition is a great man’s madness’
Antonio’s fears of ambition and upsetting the hierarchal balance of the Great Chain of Being through marriage to the Duchess
‘I am your creature’
Bosola
‘Plum trees’
The corruption of the brothers
‘Cover her face, mine eyes dazzle, she died young’
Ferdinand
‘Establish this young gentleman […] in his mother’s right’
In the resolution of the play, the Duchess’ son inherits her title and status - conclusive idea of female leadership and power as the ultimate survivor - perhaps a daughter inheriting would have been a stronger image - feminist lens
‘I do not like this trifling with religion’
Cariola’s warnings
‘Never in mine own shape’
Bosola
‘This is flesh and blood sir’
The Duchess choosing her human desire and love over her duty to the state through an honourable remarriage - for Jankowski this is the catalyst for the tragic events of the play - however, many place the blame instead on the reaction of the brothers where
‘Methinks you courtiers should be my touchwood’
Ferdinand, in contrast to Antonio’s appraisal of the French Court, encourages his courtiers to be sycophantic rather than genuine in their opinion - Webster’s implicit criticisms of James I’s court
‘You violate a sacrament of the Church’
As the marriage of the Duchess and Antonio was lawful, there is no technical basis for the brother’s anger against the Duchess - perhaps a way for Webster to criticise catholicism for its hypocrisy - establishes the heroism and virtue of the Duchess as she upholds sacraments (despite the outward appearance of her relationship) whilst the brothers violate it (despite their own appearance as lawmakers and clergy)
