Act 1 Scene 2 Flashcards
What does Ferdinand say that foreshadows what will happen with Antonio and the Duchess?
“Give him the jewel.”
What do we learn about the Cardinal from Delio? What does this tell us about the Cardinal?
“They say he’s a brave fellow, will play his five thousand crowns at tennis, dance, court ladies, and one that hath fought single combats” - very atypical Cardinal, doesn’t seem very religious: he gambles, flirts, fights.
How does Antonio describe the Cardinal? What else does this tell us?
“Some such flashes superficially hang on him for form, but observe his inward character. He is a melancholy churchman. The spring in his face is nothing but the engendering of toads. Where he is jealous of any man he lays worse plots for them than ever was imposed on Hercules.” - The breeding of Toads was believed to give off a rank and steamy vapour. Antonio is suggesting that the Cardinal’s apparently dewy complexion and attractive, youthful appearance are the result of, and a cover for, his underhanded plots and deceptions.
“He should have been Pope, but instead of coming to it by the primitive decency of the church, he did bestow bribes so largely and so impudently as if he would have carried it away without heaven’s knowledge” - He’s corrupt
How does Antonio describe the Duke, Ferdinand?
“A most perverse and turbulent nature… If he laughs heartily, it is to laugh all honesty out of fashion.”
How does Delio describe Ferdinand?
“The law to him is like a foul black cobweb to a spider. He makes it his dwelling and a prison to entangle those shall feel him” - he preys on others and twists the truth and the law to get away with things at the expense of others.
How does Antonio describe the Duchess?
“the right noble Duchess… cast in one figure of so different temper. For her discourse, it is so full of rapture”
“so sweet a look”
“Let all the ladies break their flattering glasses and dress themselves in her.”
How does the Cardinal view Antonio? How does this also reflect the opinion he has of Bosola?
“His nature is too honest for such business” - By saying Antonio is too honest, he suggests that he believes Bosola is also lying and corrupt as he himself is.
What does Ferdinand do and how does this reflect his corruption?
Ferdinand “[offers money] there’s gold.” - like a bribe
How does Bosola react to Ferdinand offering him money?
“Whose throat must I cut?” - it shows he’s willing to do anything for money, he’s quite superficial.
What does Ferdinand instruct Bosola to do and how does this describe the Duchess and her situation?
“I give you that to live i’th’ court here and observe the Duchess, to note all particulars of her ‘haviour”
“She’s a young widow; I would not have her marry again”
What do Ferdinand and the Cardinal actually say to the Duchess when they’re discussing marriage?
“You are a widow. You know already what man is, and therefore let not youth, high promotion, eloquence-“
“No, nor anything without the addition, honour-“
“Sway your high blood.”
How can we tell that Ferdinand is focused on the promiscuity of the Duchess and not actually the ‘reputation’?
“Marry? They are most luxurious, will wed twice.”
How does the Duchess respond to Ferdinand and the Cardinal’s inital comments on her marrying anyone? What does this show about her character?
“Diamonds are of most value, they say, that have past through most jewellers’ hands.” It shows how witty she is.
How can we tell that Ferdinand views the Duchess as somewhat of a Harlot?
“Whores, by that rule, are precious”
How does the Duchess emphasise her outward intentions on marriage to her brothers?
“Will you hear me? I’ll never marry.”
What does the Cardinal think about women?
“So most widows say, but commonly that motion lasts no longer that the turning of an hourglass.”
How do the brothers warn her?
“There is a kind of honeydew that’s deadly: twill poision your fame… Be not cunning, For they whose faces do belie their hearts are witches ere they arrive at twenty years”
How does Ferdinand foreshadow the end of the play? How does this serve as a warning to himself?
“Your darkest actions - nay, your privatest thoughts - will come to light.”
How does the Cardinal foreshadow the Duchess’ end?
“The marriage night is the entrance into some prison”
How does Ferdinand demonstrate his psychological desires?
“This was my father’s poniard. I’d loath to see’t look rusty.”
What does the Duchess reveal once she’s alone?
“Shall the move me? If all my royal kindred lay in my way unto this marriage I’d make them my low footsteps… I winked and chose a husband.”
What does the Duchess tell Cariola to do?
“Place thyself behind the arras where thou mayst overhear us.”
How does Cariola react to the Duchess’ instruction to eavesdrop behind the arras?
“[Cariola conceals herself]” submissively
How is the Duchess witty when she talks to Antonio?
“I intend to make you overseer.”
