Act 3 Scene 4 Flashcards
What is this scene acted out?
A Dumb Show: A piece of dramatic mime which was often used in revenge tragedies. All that happens on stage happens without speech except for the pilgrims somewhat narrating it.
Where does this scene take place? What is ironic about this?
“[shrine of our Lady of Loreto]”
Everyone is at the shrine but for the wrong reasons. It shows how religion is corrupt and there is no reverence or devotion.
Why are the pilgrims unnamed?
They are the observers of the socio-political aspects of society and familial conflict. They provide and objective perspective.
What does the Cardinal change in this scene? What does this symbolise?
“[delivering up his cross, hat, robes and ring at the shrine, and investing him with sword, helmet shield and spurs]” - it symbolises how he is going to be very violent. Ridicules religion and how morals are just something you can put on or take off.
What does the Cardinal take from the Duchess? What does this symbolise?
“[who takes a ring from the Duchess’ finger]”
He is discrediting the marriage, despite the fact it was very much legal.
What is the symbolism of this being at the shrine of the Lady of Loreto?
Lady Of Loreto is another term for the Virgin Mary or the Black Madonna. It emphasises the purity of the mother. This could be seen as ironic because the Duchess is technically pure and hasn’t sinned but through the eyes of her brothers, she has.
What happens in the RSC version of this play?
The characters all put their hands out to visibly show how the Duchess is now shunned. Including Julia who arguably should be shunned more than her.
The Cardinal’s train are also higher up than the Duchess on stage which shows a physical power imbalance.
What do we hear, from the pilgrims, that has happened to the Duchess?
“The pope, forehearing of her looseness, hath seized into the protection of the church the dukedom, which she held as dowager.” - there is no reason for her banishment because it is legal to remarry as a widow. This highlights how religion is corrupt.
Why did the Pope take everything from the Duchess?
Pilgrim 1: By what justice?
Pilgrim 2: I think by none - only her brother’s instigation
