Power, Corruption, and Tyranny

Question 1

What quote shows Ferdinand exerting control over the Duchess?

Answer 1

“I’ll pull down heaven on her.”

Question 2

What does the Cardinal say to show his manipulative nature?

Answer 2

“The great are like the base — nay, they are the same when they are not seen.”

Question 3

What line shows Bosola’s awareness of corrupt court structures?

Answer 3

“Places in the court are but like beds in the hospital.”

Question 4

How does Ferdinand frame his power in animalistic terms?

Answer 4

“When I wax grey, I shall have all the court powder their hair with arras to be like me.”

Question 5

What quote reveals the Cardinal’s cold, emotionless authority?

Answer 5

“When he is jealous of any man, he lays worse plots for them than ever was imposed on Hercules.”

Question 6

How is the court depicted as politically unstable?

Answer 6

“Ambition, madam, is a great man’s madness.”

Question 7

What line shows power as performative or hollow?

Answer 7

“The royal blood of Aragon and Castile be thus attainted?”

Question 8

What does Antonio say about the dangers of proximity to power?

Answer 8

“A prince’s court is like a common fountain… poison’t near the head, death and diseases through the whole land spread.”