AO2

Question 1

Dramatic Irony

Answer 1

• the horoscope
• duchess in the mirror
• bosola and duchess ( banishing of Antonio)

Question 2

Setting

Answer 2

Dark, inside chambers, theme of light and dark, corridors entrapment.

Question 3

Soliloquy

Answer 3

• allows secrets and plots to be revealed

Question 4

Figurative language

Answer 4

• metaphors
• trees - fountains
• alabaster (33)
• holy relic (74)
• diamonds (24)
• fire/ring (32)
• birds (Julia) (58)
• quilted anvil (82)
• animals birds wolfs

Question 5

Prose / blank verse

Answer 5

• iambic pentameter

Question 6

Exists and entrances

Answer 6

• 21 Cardinal leaves bosola
• Ferdinand in act 3
• bosola in disguise (pg 110)

Question 7

Scenes set in the dark

Answer 7

• Forebodes something bad to happen - allows Ferdinand to do his plotting. Also contrasts to Duchess’ light. Secrecy, unknown, deceptive element.
• When Duchess dies, light left, leads to confusion/scuffle/chaos with Bosula accidentally killing A.

Question 8

The fact that most of the scenes are set inside

Answer 8

Reflects imprisonment of Duchess?
Indoor tragedy
Trapping/claustrophobia of political spheres like court that they live in for whole life.

Question 9

The echo

Answer 9

• The motif of an echo is an technique used by Webster that serves to glorify the Duchess

Idea of an echo in the scene in which the Duchess’s grave produces an echo that communicates with Antonio and Delio. First, this idea of echo points to life, especially life that is wholesome and good. Bosola substantiates this claim when he reflects on the deeds of Ferdinand, Cardinal, and him, saying “We are only like dead walls or vaulted graves/ That, ruined, yields no echo.” (V.v.116). The imagery conveys a sense of finality in death with the idea that the graves are vaulted. Likewise, both images present an idea of being surrounded without an escape, or to the point of no return. Ultimately, Bosola describes death as a sealed conclusion, in that there is no extension beyond it. Through this statement, Bosola implies that in the presence of death and rot, an echo is absent. He reflects that their deeds have soiled themselves to a point of ruin so drastic that no sign of life remains. On the other hand, the fact that the Duchess is the source of an echo demonstrates that her life not only extends beyond death, but that she is not subjected to the same finality as the play’s villains.

Question 10

posioned bible