Act 2 Scene 5 Flashcards
Cardinal and Ferdinand discuss after they've found out about the marriage
How do we see Ferdinand react to the Duchess’ marriage/pregnancy?
“A sister damned: she’s loose i’th’ hilts; grown a notorious strumpet.” - believes that the Duchess is damned by God. But she hasn’t done anything wrong - she was a widow and she remarried, as was the expectation. Notorious - reflects the idea of gossip and popularity as well as the value of reputation.
How does the Cardinal react to Ferdinand’s outburst? What does this show about his character, how does it juxtapose Ferdinand and why does it build tension?
“Speak lower.” - he’s very short in speech, composed and private. Whereas Ferdinand is very expressive and can’t control his emotions . This builds tension because we don’t know what he’s thinking.
What does Cardinal care about in this situation?
“Shall our blood - the royal blood of Aragon and Castile - be thus attainted?” - he cares about reputation more than anything. Very Machiavellian.
What does Ferdinand think he can hear and what does he call the Duchess?
“Methinks I see her laughing. Excellent Hyena!” - he’s degrading her to an animal. He feels like she is mocking him but its all in his head. Mental Health Issues?
How can we tell that Ferdinand is jealous of the Duchess’ sexuality?
“Talk to me somewhat - quickly, or my imagination will carry me to see her in the shameful act of sin.” “Happily, with some strong-thighed bargeman… that carries coals up to her privy lodgings” - very pornographic language. He depicts sexual jealousy. Quite voyeuristic. Says he’s not enjoying it but it sounds like he is.
How does the cardinal look somewhat more mature than Ferdinand? What does he say to him?
“Yes, I can be angry without this rupture”
How would Ferdinand punish the Duchess and her husband?
“I would have their bodies burnt in a coal pit with the ventage stopped that their cursed smoke might not ascend to heaven” - it depicts the extremes of his anger. He wants to punish them even when theyre dead and wishes to stop them getting to heaven.
What would be a Freudian reading of this scene?
Ferdinand let his Id take over. It foreshadows him thinking he’s a wolf at the end of the play.
