The Duchess of Malfi | John Webster | Study Guide

Author: John Webster

Year: 1612-1613

Type: Play

Genre: Tragedy

About Title

The title refers to the central character, the Duchess of the Italian city of Malfi. Her marriage and subsequent actions drive the tragic events of the play.

Characters

Major:

Duchess of Malfi: The protagonist, a young widow who secretly marries her steward Antonio against her brothers' wishes.

Ferdinand: The Duchess's malcontent and unhinged brother who becomes obsessed with punishing her.

Cardinal: The Duchess's other corrupt brother who assists Ferdinand's revenge.

Antonio: The Duchess's loyal husband and father of her children.

Bosola: An intelligent but embittered man hired as a spy by Ferdinand to watch the Duchess.

Minor:

Julia: The Cardinal's mistress who is later strangled by Bosola on Ferdinand's orders.

Delio: Antonio's friend who loves the Duchess but accepts her marriage loyally.

Summary

In this dark tragedy, the Duchess of Malfi, a young widow, secretly marries her steward Antonio against the demands of her tyrannical brothers Ferdinand and the Cardinal. When they discover the marriage, they are enraged and hire the cynical Bosola to spy on the couple.

As the Duchess's apparent happiness with Antonio and her children infuriates the resentful Ferdinand, his quest for vengeance becomes increasingly unhinged. Bosola eventually reveals the family's secrets to the violently misogynistic brothers, setting off a tragic sequence of events.

With potent poetry and grim violence, Webster's play explores wickedness, revenge, and the dark extremities of human behavior, especially toward women. The Duchess's spirited defiance makes her an enduring heroine, even as she suffers terribly at the hands of her patriarchal society.

Symbols

The Hand: Representing silence and a pledge of secrecy surrounding the Duchess's marriage.

The Rope of Hair/Crucifix: Religious symbols subverted into tools of violence and terror.

The Deadly Book: Associated with dangerous knowledge, recalling the brothers' corruption.

Crab Apples: Their bitter taste mirrors the play's cynical view of the fallen world.

Themes

Patriarchal Oppression: The Duchess's marriage defies her unforgiving brothers' authority.

Revenge and Obsession: Revenge becomes an all-consuming madness for Ferdinand.

Sin and Corruption: The play depicts a world steeped in vice and degeneracy.

Power and Justice: Authority figures like the Cardinal abuse power, subverting justice.

Gender Roles and Identity: The Duchess confronts stifling norms for aristocratic widows.

 

In conclusion, John Webster's "The Duchess of Malfi" stands as a gripping tragedy that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of defying societal norms. Through the tragic tale of the Duchess and her ill-fated pursuit of love and autonomy, Webster delves into the darkness of human nature and the cruelty of those who seek to control others. The play is a potent critique of the oppressive structures of patriarchy and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their power and privilege. As the characters grapple with betrayal, revenge, and ultimately, redemption, Webster paints a vivid portrait of the human condition, highlighting both its capacity for greatness and its susceptibility to moral decay. "The Duchess of Malfi" continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, poetic language, and timeless themes, inviting reflection on the nature of power, love, and the pursuit of justice in a world plagued by corruption and violence.