The Duchess of Malfi critics Flashcards
(14 cards)
Dollimore “It is the refusal …
“It is the refusal to be subservient to the demythologising of state power and religious force which imbues malcontents with compelling life energy”
Oakes “At the end, she is, she says …
“At the end, she is, she says ‘Duchess of Malfi still’ and with that title, she negates her relationship with Antonio and becomes the woman carved in stone that Ferdinand wanted her to become”
Whigham “When Ferdinand looks into his …
“when Ferdinand looks into his sisters ‘dazzling eyes’ he sees himself, faces his own death also”
Murray “The radiant …
“The radiant spirit of the Duchess cannot be killed”
Cecil “Webster envisages evil …
“Webster envisages evil in its most extreme form: and he presents it as far more powerful than good”
Spinrad “Ferdinand’s hallmark …
“Ferdinand’s hallmark in the play is a constant retreat from the things which he cannot face”
Brooke “Human beings are …
“human beings are writhing grubs in an immense night”
Cecil “The world as seen by Webster …
“the world as seen by Webster is […] incurably corrupt [..] all its apparent beauties are a snare and a delusion”
Roider “The play is a …
“the play is a cautionary tale which shows what can happen when women marry without being granted the proper consent”
Leet-Brown “The Duchess wants to …
“The Duchess wants to combine the roles of ruler and lover. she is unfortunate to harbor such healthy desires in such a sick society”
Muriel Bradbrook “Julia is a …
“Julia is a foil to the Duchess who takes a man as she feels the impulse”
Simms “Bosola’s truth is …
“Bosola’s truth is unpalatable because it is delivered from a heart of hate”
Simms “Antonio’s …
“Antonio’s ambition outran his ability”
White “The tragedy of a …
“the tragedy of a virtuous woman who achieves heroism through her death”
